Anveshan: Seismic Survey Incentivization Programme to Boost India's Energy Security
India, which imports around 85% of
its crude oil requirements, has launched “Mission Anveshan” to reduce import
dependency and strengthen domestic energy security. The programme, introduced by the Ministry
of Petroleum and Natural Gas in FY2025, incentivizes 2D seismic surveys
across uncharted onshore sedimentary basins. With a total outlay of ₹720
crore over two years (FY2025–FY2026), the initiative targets 20,275-line
kilometres of survey data across seven key basins: Ganga-Punjab,
Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Deccan Syncline, Cuddapah, Krishna-Godavari, and
Chhattisgarh.
The mission is a strategic extension of the National Seismic Programme (NSP), which focusses on acquiring, processing, and interpreting subsurface data to identify untapped hydrocarbon reserves. These surveys are vital for evaluating India’s underexplored and Category-II & III sedimentary basins, which collectively hold a significant share of the estimated 42 billion tonnes of hydrocarbon resources yet to be monetized. By unlocking these reserves, India aims to reduce its energy trade deficit and enhance energy availability for growth.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd. are spearheading implementation. Oil India has made notable progress by completing around 1,683 line-kilometres of 2D seismic surveys across the Rajasthan and Ganga-Punjab basins. ONGC, despite some delays due to contract issues, has commenced experimental surveys in the Cuddapah region. The Geological Survey of India and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) are also supporting this effort through regulatory and technical assistance.
To enhance data resolution and reduce geological risk, the government is also prioritizing the use of advanced 3D seismic survey techniques. These technologies provide greater subsurface imaging accuracy, leading to more precise reservoir mapping and increased investor confidence. This move is expected to generate employment opportunities in data acquisition, geoscience analysis, and logistics in remote regions.
Recognizing the importance of
indigenous energy development, the government is considering extending the
programme to FY2027.
This would allow broader exploration and better data acquisition in difficult
terrains, further supporting India's long-term goal of achieving energy
self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Thus, Mission Anveshan
is not merely a technical survey programme—it is a strategic policy move to
unlock India's energy potential, catalyse investment in exploration, and build
a secure, self-reliant energy future.
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