Archive · 22 Jul 2026
India's Potential for Coal Bed Methane Exploration Highlighted
India has a lot of coal bed methane (CBM), which is a type of natural gas found in coal deposits.
The government says there are about 92 trillion cubic feet of CBM spread across 12 states.
Right now, there are 14 places where CBM is being extracted, and the country is producing about 2.28 million cubic meters of CBM every day.
The government is taking steps to make it easier to explore and produce CBM, like giving out permits and drilling wells.
Some people worry about the environmental impact, but others think it's a good way to have more energy and create jobs.
India has an estimated 92 trillion cubic feet of coal bed methane (CBM) resources.
CBM resources are spread across 12 states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra.
There are currently 14 operational CBM blocks in the country.
The government has taken measures to promote CBM exploration, including policy reforms and bidding for blocks.
India is producing approximately 2.28 million metric standard cubic metres per day of CBM.
- Who
- Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey
- What
- Information on India's potential for coal bed methane exploration and production
- When
- During the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday
- Where
- Lok Sabha, New Delhi
- Why
- To inform about the significant potential and current status of CBM exploration and production in India
Environmental Concerns
Economic Benefits
Environmental Impact
Environmental Concerns
Coal bed methane extraction can lead to environmental degradation and pollution.
Economic Benefits
CBM is a cleaner energy source compared to coal, reducing carbon emissions.
Economic Growth
Environmental Concerns
Focus on renewable energy sources is more sustainable in the long run.
Economic Benefits
CBM production can boost the economy by creating jobs and increasing energy independence.
- Estimated CBM Resources
- 92 trillion cubic feet (TCF)
- Number of States with CBM Resources
- 12
- Operational CBM Blocks
- 14
- CBM Wells Drilled
- 1,232
- Current CBM Production
- 2.28 million metric standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD)
- Minister of State for Coal and Mines
- Satish Chandra Dubey
- MP Raising the Question
- Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy