Assam and Nagaland took a decision to unite to work together for oil exploration in the disputed areas for economic benefit, an official said on Friday.
Chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland took this call for the mutual economic benefit. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss the issue and other matters of mutual interest.
They have also expressed their intention to settle their border dispute outside the court with the support of ethnic groups from both sides. Both states have in-principle decided to go in for a MoU on oil exploration in the disputed areas along the inter-state boundary so that oil can be extracted and royalties shared between the neighboring states. The Assam CM also mentioned that they had an engaging discussion on bringing closure to the ongoing boundary issue and other areas of mutual gains and collaboration. Earlier, the government of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh signed a MoU to resolve the decades-old boundary issues between the two states
History of Oil in Nagaland And Assam
Oil is a crucial natural resource for both Nagaland and Assam, and the two states have a long history of oil exploration and production.
Assam is one of the major oil-producing states in India, with the first oil well being discovered in Digboi in 1889. The state accounts for around 15% of India’s crude oil output, and has several oil fields such as the Naharkatiya, Moran, and Duliajan fields. The Digboi refinery, established in 1901, is the oldest operating refinery in Asia. Oil has played a significant role in the economic development of Assam, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the state’s revenue.
Nagaland, on the other hand, has limited oil reserves but has significant potential for oil exploration and production. The state has two small oil fields – the Changpang and Tzudikong fields, which are operated by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The Nagaland government has been keen on developing the state’s oil and gas resources, and has been actively exploring ways to attract investments in the sector.
The recent decision by the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland to collaborate on oil exploration in disputed areas along the inter-state border is a significant step towards maximizing the potential of the oil resources in the region. The two states can share the royalties from oil production, which would contribute to their economic growth and development.
It is expected that the collaboration will also lead to the development of new infrastructure and employment opportunities in the region. However, it is important that the collaboration takes into consideration the concerns and interests of the ethnic groups from both states, as well as the environmental impact of oil exploration and production.
The History of Oil In Nagaland and Assam
Oil is a crucial natural resource for both Nagaland and Assam, and the two states have a long history of oil exploration and production.
Assam is one of the major oil-producing states in India, with the first oil well being discovered in Digboi in 1889. The state accounts for around 15% of India’s crude oil output, and has several oil fields such as the Naharkatiya, Moran, and Duliajan fields. The Digboi refinery, established in 1901, is the oldest operating refinery in Asia. Oil has played a significant role in the economic development of Assam, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the state’s revenue.
Nagaland, on the other hand, has limited oil reserves but has significant potential for oil exploration and production. The state has two small oil fields – the Changpang and Tzudikong fields, which are operated by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The Nagaland government has been keen on developing the state’s oil and gas resources, and has been actively exploring ways to attract investments in the sector.
The recent decision by the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland to collaborate on oil exploration in disputed areas along the inter-state border is a significant step towards maximizing the potential of the oil resources in the region. The two states can share the royalties from oil production, which would contribute to their economic growth and development.
It is expected that the collaboration will also lead to the development of new infrastructure and employment opportunities in the region. However, it is important that the collaboration takes into consideration the concerns and interests of the ethnic groups from both states, as well as the environmental impact of oil exploration and production.