updated form-1 project name: exploratory and...

Updated Form-1

Project Name: Exploratory and Appraisal Drilling of Ten wells in Hydrocarbon Leads off the coast of Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh in PR-OSN-2004/1 (Palar Block), Bay of Bengal

Project proponent: Cairn India Limited

(I) Basic Information

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Item Details

1.

Name of the project/s Drilling of up to 10 exploratory and appraisal wells in PR-OSN-2004/1 offshore Block in Bay of Bengal along the coast of Andhra Pradesh

2.

S. No. in the schedule 1(b) – Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, development & production

3.

Proposed capacity/ area/ length/ tonnage to be handled/ command area/ lease area/ number of wells to be drilled

The total area of the PR-OSN-2004/1 block is 9416.54 sq. km, out of which approx. 4000 sq. km. has been declared as No-Go area as restriction on drilling activity has been imposed by the Department of Space, Govt. of India due to presence of Shri Harikota Satellite Launch Center along the western block boundary.

Based on results of 2D & 3D seismic survey done in 2008-2009, 8 hydrocarbon leads are considered prospective. A maximum of 10 exploratory and appraisal wells will be drilled.

4.

New/ Expansion/ Modernization

New

5.

Existing capacity/ Area etc.

Refer to details provided in Sl. No. 3.

6.

Category of project i.e. ‘A’ or ‘B’

This is a category ‘A’ project

7.

Does it attract the general condition? If yes please specify.

The general condition does not apply as this is a Category-A project.

8.

Does it attract the specific condition? If yes, please specify.

Specific condition is not applicable to this project as this is not located within any Industrial Estate/Complex / Export processing Zones /Special Economic Zones/Biotech Parks / Leather Complex with homogeneous type of industries.

9.

Location PR-OSN-2004/1 Block is part of the Palar basin. It is located in the Bay of Bengal in the continental shelf area along the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states between 12°12'37.301'' to 14°49'39'' N latitudes and 79°58'44.484'' to 80°05'35'' E longitudes.

The block is entirely off-shore and the water depth within the block varies from a few meters near coast to 400 m. towards eastern boundary of the block. The sea coast forms the western boundary of the block. The geographical co-ordinates of the block are as follows:

Position Longitude Latitude Distance from shore line (km)

A 79o 58’ 44.484” 12

o 12’ 37.301” -

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B 800 01’ 07.86” 12

o 12’ 37.3” -

C 80o 21’ 19.715” 12

o 12’ 40.865” 39.00

D 80o 37’ 45” 12

o 30’ 00” 48.57

E 80O

43’ 42” 13o 00’ 00” 48.33

F 80o 43’ 15” 13

o 05’ 27” 45.00

G 80o 37’ 40” 13

o 15’ 49” 30.69

H 80o 30’ 25” 13

o 44’ 35” 29.31

I 80o 26’ 25” 13

o 59’ 10” 29.96

J 80o 24’ 14” 13

o 58’ 54” 24.63

K 80o 22’ 34” 14

o 11’ 33” 26.15

L 80o 19’ 56” 14

o 14’ 52” 22.20

M 80o 16’ 32” 14

o 18’ 47” 13.35

N 80o 20’ 06” 14

o 31’ 39” 17.0

O 80o 20’ 21” 14

o 40’ 59” 21.73

P 80o 19’ 02” 14

o 43’ 35” 20.51

Q 80o 15’ 00” 14

o 44’ 18” 14.46

R 80o 05’ 35” 14

o 49’ 39” -

Please refer to Annexure-1 for block map.

The identified hydrocarbon prospects are located off the coast of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The geographical co-ordinates of the prospective leads are given below and also shown in Annexure-1.

Prospect Name Longitude Latitude

Prospect-10 80° 14' 21.351" E 14° 40' 2.146" N

Prospect-12 80° 17' 12.745" E 14° 10' 32.055" N

Prospect-2 80° 19' 45.033" E 14° 7' 18.211" N

Prospect-4 80° 19' 26.507" E 14° 1' 43.328" N

Prospect-8 80° 22' 23.358" E 13° 59' 31.327" N

Prospect-15 80° 19' 22.574" E 14° 9' 4.290" N

Prospect-16 80° 19' 27.354" E 14° 3' 55.056" N

Prospect-19 80° 19' 58.466" E 14° 10' 54.676" N

Plot/Survey/Khasra No. Not applicable

Village Not applicable

Tehsil Not applicable

District Not applicable

State The block is in offshore along the coastlines of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The proposed drilling campaigns are in the hydrocarbon leads located off the coast of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh only.

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10. Nearest railway station/ airport along with distance in km

The nearest airport is Chennai, which is close to the south eastern boundary block and at a distance of approx. 100 km from the nearest hydrocarbon lead.

11. Nearest town, city, District headquarters along with distance in km

Allur, Nellore, Gudur, Thiruvallur, Chennai, Pallavaram and Mahabalipuram are the various adjacent coastal towns and cities from north to south of the block. Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu are the two districts along the western boundary of the block. Nellore is approximately 32 km (aerial distance) from shoreline.

12. Village Panchayat, Zilla Parishad, Municipal Corporation, local body

Not applicable, since the block is off-shore.

13. Name of the applicant Cairn India Limited

14. Registered address 101, First Floor

C Wing, Business Square, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East

Mumbai – 400 059

15. Address of correspondence:

Name Dr. Harikrushna Patnaik

Designation Sr. Advisor – Environment, Regulatory & Compliance Management

Address Cairn India Limited

DLF Atria, Phase 2, Jacranda Marg, DLF City

Gurgaon – 122002 (Haryana)

Pin Code 122002

E-mail [email protected]

Telephone No. 91-124-459-3000

Fax No. 91-124-414-5612

16. Details of alternative sites examined, if any

The PR-OSN-2004/1 block has been awarded by the Govt. of India for hydrocarbon exploration. Exploration activities will be carried out as per the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signed between CIL and Govt. of India. The Block area does not contain any notified ecologically sensitive habitats and archaeologically important areas. Therefore examination of alternate sites is not applicable.

17. Interlinked projects None.

18. Whether separate application for interlinked project has been submitted?

Not applicable

19. If no, reason Not applicable

21. Whether the proposal involves approval/

The proposal does not involve approval / clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act as the PR-OSN-2004/1 is offshore.

mailto:[email protected]

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Item Details

clearance under:

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980?

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

CRZ Notification, 1991?

If yes, details of the same and their status to be given.

The Block area does not contain any notified ecologically sensitive habitats and archaeologically important areas. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is approx. 36 km away from the nearest hydrocarbon lead. Therefore, Clearance under Wildlife (Protection) Act is not applicable.

The C.R.Z. Notification – The block is offshore and the distance of the hydrocarbon leads from the shoreline is between 10 to 22 km. Therefore, the leads are located in CRZ-IV area according to the CRZ Notification, 2011 and CRZ Clearance is applicable. This is a short term activity and no activity is envisaged on onshore and/or in Intertidal Zone.

CRZ Clearance was not required at the time of obtaining Environmental Clearance in 2011, as CRZ Notification did not include offshore areas (between HTL & 12NM). Since the project is heavily delayed due to unforeseen circumstances (described below), CIL requests exemption from obtaining CRZ Clearance.

22. Whether there is any Government Order/ Policy relevant/ relating to the site?

Cairn India Limited (CIL) and its Joint Venture partners Oil Natural Gas Corporation Limited (35%) and Tata Petrodyne Limited (30%) was awarded the offshore block (‘PR-OSN-2004/1’) during NELP-VI licensing round in 2007. As per the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signed on 2nd March 2007, Cairn is the designated Operator of the block and does all work on behalf of the JV.

Delay has happened due to restriction imposed by Department of Space in the block (as the Shri Harikota Satellite Launch Center is located within block boundary). That led to CIL invoked Force Majeure in October 2010 and revoked in early 2015 after getting clarity and assurances from DoS and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. Based on the above facts, a special Dispensation was granted for 30 months by the Empowered Committee of Secretaries held on 31st December 2014 as communicated by DGH through its letter dated 15th January 2015 to complete the minimum work program.

23. Forest land involved (ha)

No forest land is involved

24. Whether there is any litigation pending against the project and/or land in which the project is proposed to be set up?

None

(II) Activity

1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions, which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.)

Sr. No.

Information/ Checklist confirmation

Yes/ No

Details thereof (with approximate quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data

1.1 Permanent or temporary change in land use, land cover or topography including increase in intensity of land use (with respect to local land use plan)

No The proposed activity is located off-shore. Hence, there will be no permanent or temporary change in land use.

1.2 Clearance of existing land, vegetation and buildings?

No None

1.3 Creation of new land uses? No None

1.4 Pre-construction investigations e.g. bore houses, soil testing?

No There are no construction activities. A Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) will be used for drilling exploration wells. Geotechnical investigations will be carried out prior to installation of the MODU.

1.5 Construction works? No There are no construction works involved.

1.6 Demolition works? No There are no demolition works involved.

1.7 Temporary sites used for construction works or housing of construction workers?

No The proposed drilling is entirely an offshore activity and onshore construction works will not be involved. The MODU has provision to accommodate drilling personnel.

1.8 Above ground buildings, structures or earthworks including linear structures, cut and fill or excavations

No There will be no aboveground buildings, structures or earthworks.

1.9 Underground works including mining or tunneling?

Yes There will be no mining or tunnelling works. However, drilling of exploratory well involves drilling through subsurface layers beneath the sea bed till the target depth is reached. During drilling, casing and cementing is carried out simultaneously to secure the well.

1.10 Reclamation works? No Not envisaged.

1.11 Dredging? No Not envisaged.

1.12 Offshore structures? Yes Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) will be anchored at the drilling location for drilling of exploratory wells. On completion of drilling the MODU will be demobilized.

1.13 Production and manufacturing processes?

No Exploratory drilling does not involve production / manufacturing processes.

At the identified location a series of well sections of decreasing diameter are drilled from the MODU (Mobile Off-shore Drilling Unit). Drilling starts with spudding a hole on the sea bed, followed by lining it with a metal casing. This is followed by the installation of well head equipment including BOP thereby

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


connecting the well to the rig. The drilling continues using drill bits in sections. Each section is cemented before drilling the subsequent one. During drilling operations, the drilling fluid (or mud) is pumped through the drill string down to the drilling bit and returns at the drill pipe –casing annulus up to surface back into the circulation system after separation of drill cuttings /solids through solids control equipment. Thoroughly washed drill cuttings, separated from mud will be discharged off-shore into sea intermittently or sent to land-based facilities for disposal if found hazardous. The drilling mud after separation of the cuttings is re-circulated. At the end of the drilling phase however some amount of residual mud is left. Once drilling operations are completed and if sufficient indications of hydrocarbons are noticed while drilling, the well may be tested by perforations. During well testing, hydrocarbons will be sent to a burner boom for disposal by flaring as this is the only practical handling option for these hydrocarbons. On completion of activities, the well will be either plugged and suspended (if well evaluations indicate commercial quantities of hydrocarbons) or will be sealed and permanently abandoned.

1.14 Facilities for storage of goods or materials?

No An onshore base will be hired at Krishnapatnam/Kakinada/Chennai for storing goods and materials required for drilling.

1.15 Facilities for treatment or disposal of solid waste or liquid effluents?

Yes MODU will have onboard drill cuttings separation and oil removal systems and waste water (sewage & oily water) treatment facility. The non-hazardous waste and oily water will be disposed in accordance with MARPOL requirements. The drill cuttings and spent mud will be discharged off-shore in compliance with regulatory requirements specified in Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

1.16 Facilities for long term housing of operational workers?

No Not Applicable. Drilling personnel will be accommodated onboard the MODU during the drilling period.

1.17 New road, rail or sea traffic during construction or operation?

Yes MODU and 3-5 supply vessels will be used for the projects. These will follow defined navigational routes.

1.18 New road, rail, air waterborne or other transport infrastructure including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc.?

No Not envisaged.

1.19 Closure or diversion of existing transport routes or infrastructure leading to changes in traffic movements?

No There may be a restriction on fishing vessels within the safety zone around the MODU during drilling operations for ensuring safety. However, this restriction will be temporary.

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


1.20 New or diverted transmission lines or pipelines?

No Not envisaged.

1.21 Impoundment, damming, culverting, realignment or other changes to the hydrology of watercourses or aquifers?

No Not envisaged.

1.22 Stream crossings? No Not envisaged.

1.23 Abstraction or transfers of water form ground or surface waters?

Yes A part of the fresh water required for drilling mud preparation will be sourced from the sea. Remaining fresh water required for drilling and domestic use will be sourced from ports through supply vessels.

1.24 Changes in water bodies or the land surface affecting drainage or run-off?

No Not applicable

1.25 Transport of personnel or materials for construction, operation or decommissioning?

Yes Transport of materials will be done using 3-5 support vessels and transport of personnel will be done using helicopters.

1.26 Long-term dismantling or decommissioning or restoration works?

No There are no long term decommissioning / dismantling operations. The MODU after completion of activities will be towed away to the next location.

1.27 Ongoing activity during decommissioning which could have an impact on the environment?

No There will be no decommissioning operations leading to generation of wastes. The wastes are generated during drilling operations that will be disposed in accordance with regulatory and MARPOL requirements.

1.28 Influx of people to an area in either temporarily or permanently?

No Not envisaged.

1.29 Introduction of alien species?

Yes There is a risk of invasion of alien species due to ballasting operations. However, international best practices specified in MARPOL will be followed to mitigate this problem.

1.30 Loss of native species or genetic diversity?

No Offshore Exploratory / Appraisal drilling is a short-term activity at a specific location. The impact on marine biota is minimal, transient and reversible. There is no drilling campaign proposed in any identified ecologically sensitive habitats.

1.31 Any other actions? No None

2. Use of natural resources for construction or operation of the project (such as land, water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply)

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


Sr. No.


Yes/ No


2.1 Land especially undeveloped or agricultural land (ha)

No Not applicable.

2.2 Water (expected source & competing users) unit: KLD

No Fresh water requirement for domestic and drilling purposes will be around 70m

3/day which will be

brought to the MODU from port using the supply vessels. In addition sea water will be used as appropriate for drilling operations.

2.3 Minerals (MT) No Exploratory drilling is carried out to identify hydrocarbon prospects. Minerals are not involved.

2.4 Construction material – stone, aggregates, sand / soil (expected source – MT)

No Not applicable.

2.5 Forests and timber (source –

MT)

No Not applicable.

2.6 Energy including electricity and fuels (source, competing users) Unit: fuel (MT), energy (MW)

Yes Approximately 4 MW power generation capacity will be available on the MODU. Approx. 14 KLD of High Speed Diesel (HSD) will be used. HSD storage capacity on MODU will be approx. 450 KL.

2.7 Any other natural resources (use appropriate standard units)

No None

3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


3.1 Use of substances or materials, which are hazardous (as per MSIHC Rules) to human health or the environment (flora, fauna, and water supplies)

Yes Drilling fluid primarily consists of weighting and lubricating material such as barite, bentonite, potassium sulphate in an aqueous/non-aqueous medium. There may be minor quantities of additives such as caustic soda and glycol required to attain specific drilling fluid properties which are categorized has hazardous chemicals. HSD used as fuel is also considered hazardous as per MSIHC Rules. Drilling operations are sophisticated operations and chemicals are handled in a manner that has least risk of spillage and human exposure.

3.2 Changes in occurrence of disease or affect disease vectors (e.g. insect or water borne diseases)

No None

3.3 Affect the welfare of people e.g. by changing living conditions?

No Limited restriction on fishing may be possible due to restriction on vessel movement within safety zone of drilling operations. However, this zone is around 500 m and the restriction will be temporary, so impact on

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


fishing is likely to be minimal.

Commercially viable hydrocarbon discovery as possible outcome of this project will contribute to country’s energy security and will promote economic development in the region.

3.4 Vulnerable groups of people who could be affected by the project e.g. hospital patients, children, the elderly etc.

No No vulnerable groups will get affected due to this project.

3.5 Any other causes No None

4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning (MT/ month)

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine wastes

No Not applicable.

4.2 Municipal waste (domestic and or commercial wastes)

Yes Food waste generated from the accommodation facility on the MODU will be macerated and disposed to sea.

4.3 Hazardous wastes (as per Hazardous Waste Management Rules)

Yes The hazardous wastes likely to be generated from drilling operations are spent Mud, drill cuttings containing oil, spent oil, lubricants and chemicals and chemical containers. Synthetic Base Mud (SBM) used for drilling deeper geological sections will be recycled in subsequent sections of a well and then collected for reuse in subsequent drilling operations leaving behind minor unusable quantities. The drill cuttings will be separated from the mud using a combination of shale shakers, cutting dryers and centrifuges to ensure reduction in oil content of the cuttings. The treated cuttings will be discharged to sea in accordance with Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

4.4 Other industrial process wastes

No None.

4.5 Surplus product No Not applicable.

4.6 Sewage sludge or other sludge from effluent treatment

Yes Sewage will be treated at the MODU and the sludge shall be discharged to sea as per MARPOL regulations or shall be brought to shore for disposal.

4.7 Construction or demolition wastes

No Not applicable.

4.8 Redundant machinery or equipment

No Not applicable.

4.9 Contaminated soils or other materials

No Not applicable.

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


4.10 Agricultural wastes No Not applicable.

4.11 Other solid wastes No None.

5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (Kg/hr)

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


5.1 Emissions from combustion of fossil fuels from stationary or mobile sources

Yes The sources of emissions will be exhausts from Diesel Generator (DG) sets on the MODU and supply vessels. Approx. 14 KLD HSD will be used for DG sets. Based on emission factors the emission rates of pollutants will be NOx – 1.14 g/s, CO – 2.6 g/s & SO2 – 0.28 g/s. There will be air emissions from helicopter operations.

5.2 Emissions from production processes

No Not applicable, as exploratory drilling does not involve production process.

5.3 Emissions from materials handling including storage or transport

No There will be minimal emissions as material handling is done in closed containers.

5.4 Emissions from construction activities including plant and equipment

No Not applicable

5.5 Dust or odour from handling of materials including construction materials, sewage and waste

No Not envisaged.

5.6 Emissions from incineration No Incineration is not proposed.

5.7

Emissions from burning of waste in open air (e.g. slash materials, construction debris)

No Open burning of waste will not be done.

5.8 Emissions from any other sources

No None

6. Generation of noise and vibration, and emissions of light and heat:

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


6.1 From operation of equipment e.g. engines, ventilation plant, crushers

Yes Ambient noise will be generated by the DG sets on the MODU during drilling operations. Subsea noise will be generated by underwater drilling activities.

6.2 From industrial or similar processes

No There are no industrial processes involved.

6.3 From construction or No Not applicable.

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


demolition

6.4 From blasting or piling No There will be no blasting or piling activity.

6.5 From construction or operational traffic

Yes Underwater noise is expected to be generated by propulsion of MODU and supply vessels. Operation of helicopter will also cause noise emissions.

6.6 From lighting or cooling systems

No Not applicable.

6.7 From any other sources No None.

7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea:

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


7.1

From handling, storage, use or spillage of hazardous materials

No There are no hazardous materials of significant quantity that will be handled or stored on the MODU other than HSD. HSD will be stored in secured tanks wi9th secondary containment to reduce risk of spillage into environment.

7.2 From discharge of sewage or other effluents to water or the land (expected mode and place of discharge)

No The sewage and oily water will be discharged only after treatment and thus contamination is not anticipated.

7.3 By deposition of pollutants emitted to air into the land or into water

No Not envisaged.

7.4 From any other sources No None

7.5 Is there a risk of long term build-up of pollutants in the environment from these sources?

No Offshore exploratory drilling is temporary and impacts transient in nature.

8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the project, which could affect human health or the environment

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


8.1 From explosions, spillages, fires etc. from storage, handling, use or production of hazardous substances

Yes During drilling operation there is risk of blowouts however these are prevented by providing Blow out Preventers (BOPs) designed to withstand higher pressures than expected. The BOPs are tested before starting drilling operation.

Others potential risks are those from fire in diesel storage and oil spill/ structural damage due to vessel collision.

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


8.2 From any other causes No None

8.3 Could the project be affected by natural disasters causing environmental damage (e.g. floods, earthquakes, landslides, cloudburst etc.)?

Yes The Block area subjected to tropical storms, or cyclones, which generally develop in a broad belt from Sri Lanka to the Andaman Islands before moving west towards the Indian Coast. The drilling operation could get affected during cyclones by high intensity wind and wave action. The drilling rigs will have adequate early warning systems and have set procedures for suspending operations during unsafe weather conditions and securing safe anchor. However, the drilling activities will be carried out during fair weather window only.

9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality

Sr. No.


Yes/ No


9.1 Lead to development of supporting. utilities, ancillary development or development stimulated by the project which could have impact on the environment e.g.:

Supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or waste water treatment, etc.)

Housing development

Extractive industries

Supply industries

Other

No The offshore exploratory drilling is a temporary project of short duration. In the event of a discovery of a hydrocarbon field however, there could be commercial exploitation of hydrocarbons.

9.2 Lead to after-use of the site, which could have an impact on the environment

Yes The after-use of the drilled wells is possible only in case of a successful hydrocarbon discovery. The fields discovered will then be developed for hydrocarbon production. The impacts from developmental activities would depend on the extraction technology adopted and hydrocarbon field development plan and would be assessed in a separate environmental impact assessment study.

9.3 Set a precedent for later developments

Yes Precedence may be set only in case of a successful hydrocarbon discovery as discussed in pt. 9.3.

9.4 Have cumulative effects due to proximity to other existing or planned projects with similar effects

No There are no existing oil and gas projects within the block.

(III) Environmental Sensitivity

Sr. No.

Areas Name/ Identity Aerial distance (within 15 km) from proposed project location boundary

1 Areas protected under international conventions, national or local legislation for their ecological, landscape, cultural or other related value

Pulicat lake bird sanctuary

The Pulicat lake (brakish water lake) is located in the coastal parts of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu state and Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh and is adjacent to the western boundary of the block. The nearest prospective hydrocarbon lead is at a distance of approx. 36 km from the Pulicat lake.

2. Areas which are important or sensitive for ecological reasons - wetlands, watercourses or other water bodies, coastal zone

Palar, Pennar, Arani and Adyar rivers

Pulicat lake

Palar, Pennar, Arani and Adyar are the main rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea adjacent to the Block boundary. Pulicat Lake is already described above.

3. Areas used by protected, important or sensitive species of flora or fauna for breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, over wintering, migration

Pulicat lake bird sanctuary

As described above.

4. Inland, coastal, marine or underground waters

Palar, Pennar, Arani and Adyar rivers

Pulicat lake

As described above.

5. State, National boundaries None None

6. Routes or facilities used by the public for access to recreation or other tourist, pilgrim areas

None None

7. Defense installations Yes Submarine Exercise Area of Indian Navy; no exploration activities are planned in this area.

8. Densely populated or built-up area

None None

9. Areas occupied by sensitive man-made land uses (hospitals, schools, places of worship, community facilities)

Sriharikota Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), one of the lead Centres of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) situated at Sriharikota is near to the western boundary of the block and at a distance of approx. 30 km from nearest hydrocarbon lead.

The leads are situated to the north of the No-Go Area declared by ISRO and the closest lead is approx. 6 km from this area.

The No-Go/Restricted Area declared by the Dept. of Space due to Sriharikota facility is located approx. 30 km from the nearest prospective hydrocarbon lead.

Sr. No.

Areas Name/ Identity Aerial distance (within 15 km) from proposed project location boundary

10. Areas containing important, high quality or scarce resources

(ground water resources, surface resources, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, minerals)

None None.

11. Areas already subjected to pollution or environmental damage (those where existing legal environmental standards are exceeded)

None None.

12. Areas susceptible to natural hazard which could cause the project to present

environmental problems (earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or extreme or adverse climatic conditions)

Bay of Bengal Bay of Bengal where the block is located is prone to cyclones. The MODU will be erected taking into consideration the wind, wave and geophysical and hydrodynamic characteristics.

Annexure-1

updated form-1 project name: exploratory and...

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