Archive · 27 Jul 2026
ONGC begins deepwater exploration in Mahanadi Basin
ONGC, India's national oil company, has started drilling a deepwater well in the Mahanadi Basin off the coast of Odisha.
This is a big step in India's plan to find more oil and gas in its deep waters.
The government has opened up new areas for exploration, and ONGC has set up a special center to help with this work.
The well is being drilled about 23 nautical miles from Konark.
This project is important for India because it can help the country produce more of its own energy and rely less on imports.
However, some people are worried about the environmental risks of deepwater drilling.
ONGC spudded its first deepwater well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin on 25 July 2026.
The project is part of India's Samudra Manthan Campaign to explore deep and ultra-deepwater energy resources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for harnessing India's untapped offshore oil and gas potential in his 2025 Independence Day address.
ONGC launched its Deepwater Exploration Mission Centre, DeepX, in Mumbai on 5 January 2026 to advance the national mission.
The well is being drilled approximately 23 nautical miles from Konark, off the Odisha coast, to enhance domestic production and reduce import dependence.
- Who
- ONGC, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- Spudding of ONGC’s exploratory well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin
- When
- 25 July 2026
- Where
- Mahanadi Offshore Basin, off the Odisha coast
- Why
- To unlock India’s deepwater hydrocarbon potential and enhance domestic production
Pro-Deepwater Exploration
Environmental Concerns
Economic Benefits
Pro-Deepwater Exploration
Deepwater exploration will enhance domestic production, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India's energy security.
Environmental Concerns
The economic benefits may not outweigh the potential environmental risks and costs.
Environmental Impact
Pro-Deepwater Exploration
Modern technology and regulations can minimize environmental risks during deepwater exploration.
Environmental Concerns
Deepwater drilling poses significant environmental risks, including oil spills and habitat destruction.
- Date of Spudding
- 25 July 2026
- Location
- Mahanadi Offshore Basin, Odisha coast
- Water Depth
- Up to 3,000 metres
- Hydrocarbon Potential
- Over 5,600 MMTOE
- Distance from Konark
- 23 nautical miles
- Deepwater Exploration Mission Centre
- DeepX, launched on 5 January 2026