(a) whether it is a fact that Government propose to take up a new project namely Gas Hydrates exploration and Technology development for extraction:
(b) if so, the details of the project:
(c) the estimated potential of gas hydrates available in Indian Ocean rgion, which can be extracted by India: and
(d) the itime by which the country iis likely ito be able to tap the potential of gas hydrates?
THE MINISTER OFR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSAHI)
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. The Department of Ocean Development proposes to undertake a new projedct on gas hydrate exploration and production technology development during the 10th Plan. Under this Programme, it is proposed to understand formation of gas hydrates, their distribution and develop necessary technology to harness these resources.
(c) The estimate for gas hydrates within the EEZ of India vary from 40 to 120 trillion cubic neters based on various assumptions.
(e) It is too early to indicate the likely time of producing the resources at this stage. It will depend on the development of scientific and tgechnological knowledge, etc. and may take several years.