India is embarking on a significant endeavor to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This survey, which marks the first proper assessment of the offshore area of Andaman, holds great importance for the IAS exam economy and geography segments. In this essay, we will delve into the details of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ EEZ, highlighting its significance and potential impact on India’s energy resources.
EEZ of Andaman: Unlocking Oil and Gas Resources
The central government has orchestrated a coordinated effort involving various stakeholders, including defense and space agencies, to release 99% of the areas previously prohibited for oil exploration and production. This alignment has paved the way for the comprehensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ EEZ.
The ongoing survey aims to acquire data for 23,055 line kilometers (LKM) and focuses on exploring the petroleum resources within the Andaman offshore area. The region is believed to be rich in oil and gas prospects, making it an attractive target for exploration. The survey is nearing completion in the Eastern and Western sectors and will subsequently cover the limits of the Indian Extended Continental Shelf (ECS).
Collaborative Efforts: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Defence, and Space Department
The survey is a joint effort undertaken by three key agencies: the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the Ministry of Defence, and the Space Department. These agencies have collaborated to release the prohibited land, facilitating the survey. The National Maritime Security Coordinator, a part of the National Security Council Secretariat, played a crucial role in expediting security clearances. The entire process was overseen by an empowered coordination committee.
Reduction of No-Go Zone and Indemnification
Through extensive consultations with the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the size of the no-go zone within the Indian EEZ has been significantly reduced. It has been scaled down from 42% (2.36 million square kilometers) to 24,832 square kilometers. Moreover, the Indian defense forces and government departments have been indemnified against any damage caused to resources during exploration and production activities.
Reducing Import Dependence: Unlocking India’s Energy Potential
India, as the third largest energy consumer globally, has been striving to reduce its dependence on oil imports. The comprehensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ EEZ is expected to yield substantial sources of oil and gas within the Indian EEZ. According to estimates, the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone could potentially contain 17 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE) resources. Out of this total, 7.4 BTOE has already been discovered before the survey was conducted.
Understanding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The concept of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was introduced under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The EEZ extends up to a maximum of 200 nautical miles from the baseline, which is typically measured as the low-water line along the coast as indicated on officially approved large-scale charts.
Within the EEZ, a country possesses sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources of the seabed, subsoil, and waters above it. This provides nations with the opportunity to harness the economic potential of their maritime territories.
Important Points:
- 🌊 India is conducting a comprehensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), aiming to unlock oil and gas resources.
- 🗺️ The survey is the first proper assessment of the offshore area of Andaman, significant for the IAS exam economy and geography segments.
- 🛢️ The Andaman offshore area is considered rich in petroleum resources, and the survey is expected to yield significant sources of oil and gas in the Indian EEZ.
- 🤝 The central government aligned stakeholders, including defense and space agencies, to release 99% of the areas previously prohibited for oil exploration and production.
- 📊 Data acquisition for 23,055 line kilometers (LKM) is underway, with the survey nearing completion in the Eastern and Western sectors.
- 🌏 The next step involves covering the limits of the Indian Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) in the survey.
- 👥 The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Ministry of Defence, and Space Department collaborated in releasing prohibited land, making the survey possible.
- 🗄️ The size of the no-go zone within the Indian EEZ has been reduced from 42% to 24,832 square kilometers after consultations with the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and DRDO.
- 💪 Indian defense forces and government departments are indemnified against any damage caused to resources during exploration and production.
- ⚡️ India, as the third-largest energy consumer globally, aims to reduce import dependence on oil, and the survey is expected to contribute significantly to this goal.
- 🌐 The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone is estimated to contain 17 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE) resources, with 7.4 BTOE already discovered before the survey.
- 🌊 The concept of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) grants a country sovereign rights within 200 nautical miles from the baseline for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources.
- 🌍 Unlocking the energy potential of the EEZ aligns with India’s economic and strategic interests, while bolstering its maritime territories.
Why In News
India is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to conduct an extensive and pioneering survey of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) encompassing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This monumental initiative marks the first comprehensive assessment of the offshore region, showcasing India’s commitment to better understand and harness the vast potential of the Andaman Islands’ marine resources. The survey will provide invaluable insights into the region’s biodiversity, geology, and natural resources, facilitating sustainable development and fostering greater maritime security in the Andaman Sea.
MCQs about Andaman and Nicobar Islands EEZ
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What is the purpose of the comprehensive survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
A. To study the marine biodiversity in the region.
B. To unlock oil and gas resources.
C. To assess the impact of climate change.
D. To promote tourism in the Andaman Islands.
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Which agencies were involved in releasing the areas previously prohibited for oil exploration and production?
A. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and ISRO.
B. Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Defence, and Space Department.
C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Indian Navy, and DRDO.
D. Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Power, and NASA.
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What is the estimated oil and gas resource potential within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone?
A. 10 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE).
B. 7.4 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE).
C. 17 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE).
D. 5 billion tons of oil equivalent (BTOE).
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What does the concept of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) grant to a country?
A. Sovereign rights for maritime defense purposes.
B. Exclusive rights for deep-sea fishing activities.
C. Rights to explore and exploit natural resources within the seabed and waters.
D. Full ownership of neighboring countries’ EEZ.
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