Additional Exploratory Drilling of 13 wells in KG Basin on-land PML acreages of ,

Intensive exploration is being carried out in KG on-land erstwhile PEL-1A and PEL-1B blocks of Krishna Godavari Basin. Based on the hydrocarbon discoveries made so far and the upside hydrocarbon potential in the blocks, they have been converted to PML blocks for periods ranging from 7 to 20 years.

The Godavari on-land PML including the smaller ML areas within constitutes erstwhile PEL- 1B Block of the KG On-land Basin with an approximate area of 3090 Sq. Km and is having mining lease period from seven to twenty years. East Godavari district constitutes about 1807 Sq. Km of Godavari on-land PML (including Endamuru, Mandapeta, Mandapeta west, Enugupalli, Manepalli extension, Tatipaka-, Adavipalem-Ponmanda, Srikatapalli- Pasarlrapudi-24 & Gopavaram, Mori, Kesavadasupalem and Kesanapalli PML areas).

The relentless exploratory inputs expended by ONGC in the acreages falling in lead to a good number of discoveries and leads. Twelve hydrocarbon bearing fields viz. Tatipaka, Pasarlapudi, Srikatapalli Gopavaram, Mori, Kesavadasupalem, Adavipalem, Ponmanda, Mandapeta, Endamuru, Rangapuram and Bhimanapalli were established so far.

Carpet 3D seismic survey with improved imaging of the sub-surface has significantly changed the exploration scenario in the block, yielding discovery of Kothalanka, Geddanapalli, Vygreswaram and Mandapeta South oil fields.

Based on these leads, exploring Synrift sediments attain significance for further Hydrocarbon exploration and this block has large upside potential. Based on the Geological and Geophysical studies locations are firmed up for exploratory drilling to probe new prospects and also to delineate the existing oil and gas pools of the established fields. It is expected that the proposed drilling activities will lead to the accretion of the hydrocarbon reserves which will augment the production of hydrocarbons in the present scenario of growing demand of oil and gas in the country.

Number of exploratory locations has been released for drilling and many prospects are being identified in all PML areas of the Krishna district and are planned to be drilled in next five years. Brief project details are given below:

Name of the project Additional Exploratory Drilling of 13 wells in KG Basin On-land PML acreages of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. No.of wells to be drilled 13 Total cost of the project (Cr) 325 Duration of Drilling 3-4 months for each well Qty. of drilling fluid 700-900 M3/well Qty. of cuttings 220-250 M3/well

All these wells are proposed to be drilled with water based mud only. However, in case of specific down-hole problems, low toxic Synthetic Oil Base Mud (SOBM) having LC50 > 30000 mg/L will be used. Unused SOBM mud will be collected and reused / sent to base. Low sulphur diesel and emission stack with bag filters will be used in DG sets to minimise emissions. Good international drilling practices will be adopted to minimise the effects of drilling on environment.