Agartala, May 12, 2025, Virthli (ONP): In a historic milestone for Tripura’s hydrocarbon sector, Oil India Limited (OIL) officially commenced exploration and production activities in the state by spudding its first well, Debtamura 1, on May 11, 2025. This marks the first well to be drilled in Tripura under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
Located in the Baramura-Debtamura Reserve Forest in Gomati district, approximately 120 kilometers from Agartala and near the Indo-Bangladesh border, the well lies within the DSF-II block (AA/ONDSF/TULAMARA/2018).
The spudding ceremony at Loc. TUL-B was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Rupjyoti Phukan, RCE, OIL; Maj Gen (Retd.) Praveen Mathur, Advisor - Security (DGH); Smt. Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Tripura; Shri Chitra Mohan Borah, Executive Director and HoD, Frontier Basin Project, OIL; Shri Arunav Baruah, Chief General Manager (FB), OIL; and Shri Pankaj Kumar Biswas, General Manager, GAIL, along with other senior officials.
The project has faced significant logistical and environmental challenges, including rugged terrain, thick vegetation, monsoon-induced floods, and landslides. Despite these hurdles, the commencement of drilling reflects OIL's commitment to expanding India’s energy footprint and realizing the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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This initiative is expected to open new avenues for hydrocarbon exploration in the Northeast and boost Tripura’s industrial landscape.
