Mizoram Revives Oil and Gas Exploration Efforts

Aizawl: Mizoram is ramping up its hunt for oil and gas. State officials want better tech and sharper expertise to tap into dormant reserves. H Lianzela, Secretary of Commerce, Industries, Geology and Mining, led a high-level strategy meeting. He confirmed that previous efforts underperformed. Now, a fresh roadmap brings the state government, central agencies, and industry giants together.

Drilling is coming to Kolasib district. Crews plan to sink a new exploratory well near the Hortoki gas site. This spot sits just two kilometers from a 2011 gas discovery by ONGC. Heavy equipment is on the way. Workers retrofitted a bridge over the Chhimluang river in 2025 to clear the path. ONGC previously drilled wells at Meidum and Zanlawn, while OIL surveyed sites in Aibawk, Keifang, and Thenzawl.

Exploration will push south next. The state identified the Rabung, Tlabung, and Palzawng-Thiltlang sectors as new targets. The effort depends on the North East Gas Grid. IGGL is building the Panisagar-Sihhmui pipeline to link infrastructure. During the review, Lianzela stressed the need for results. He noted, "a more promising roadmap was now emerging through closer coordination between the Centre, oil and gas companies and the state government."

Sohban Pathak of the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons joined officials from ONGC, OIL, and IGGL to finalize the plans. They are currently identifying new zones for bidding under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy. The goal remains simple: turn natural resources into commercial success while keeping development sustainable.