Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Mizoram Seeks Renewed Push for Oil and Gas Exploration
Mizoram is looking for more oil and gas beneath its land.
State official H Lianzela said newer tools and expert help could support the work.
Government officials and energy companies met to review what has been explored so far.
ONGC and Oil India Limited shared plans to look for promising areas.
A new well is being planned near Hortoki, close to a place where gas was found before.
A bridge was strengthened to help heavy drilling equipment reach the area.
Officials also want exploration to include parts of southern Mizoram.
They discussed a proposed pipeline to help move gas.
Mizoram official H Lianzela called for modern technology, upgraded equipment and technical expertise to advance hydrocarbon exploration.
Officials reviewed exploration findings and plans in a meeting attended by government and oil-sector representatives.
ONGC and Oil India Limited presented plans to identify areas for possible future Open Acreage Licensing Policy bidding.
A new exploratory well is being planned near Hortoki, close to a site where ONGC discovered gas in 2011–12.
Officials also discussed expanding exploration in southern Mizoram and a proposed Panisagar-Sihhmui gas pipeline.
- Who
- Mizoram CIG&M Secretary H Lianzela, officials from the central government, ONGC, Oil India Limited and Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited.
- What
- Officials reviewed hydrocarbon exploration and discussed prospective areas, a planned exploratory well, southern exploration and gas infrastructure.
- When
- The meeting was reported on October 8; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Mizoram, including a proposed drilling site near Hortoki in Kolasib district.
- Why
- To advance exploration and support the development and monetisation of potential hydrocarbon resources.
- Meeting chair
- H Lianzela, Mizoram Commerce, Industries, Geology and Mining Secretary
- Companies and agency represented
- ONGC, Oil India Limited, Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons
- Planned drilling area
- Near Hortoki, close to Meidum in Kolasib district
- Earlier gas discovery
- ONGC discovered gas near the planned drilling area during 2011–12
- Earlier ONGC exploration
- ONGC began exploratory drilling in Mizoram in 2011 and drilled at Meidum and Zanlawn
- Southern areas raised
- Rabung, Tlabung and Palzawng-Thiltlang sectors
- Infrastructure discussed
- The proposed Panisagar-Sihhmui gas pipeline