Subject: Indian Geography

India's pursuit of energy security through shale resources presents a complex scenario where substantial reserves meet implementation challenges. The country's estimated technically recoverable shale gas resources of 6.1 trillion cubic feet (TCF) across three major basins - Cambay, Krishna-Godavari, and Cauvery - highlight its potential for reducing energy import dependency.

Availability and Potential

• Resource Distribution: Major shale reserves are concentrated in the sedimentary basins of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, offering strategic geographical advantages for extraction.

• Policy Framework: The Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Act, 1948, amended to include shale gas, provides the legislative foundation for exploration and production.

• Exploration Progress: ONGC has initiated activities in 50 areas while Oil India Limited is working in 6 areas, demonstrating initial steps towards resource utilization.

Critical Issues and Challenges

Technical Challenges

• Water Intensity: Hydraulic fracturing requires enormous quantities of water, raising concerns in water-stressed regions.
• Geological Complexity: Indian shale formations are different from successful US models, requiring specialized extraction techniques.

Environmental Concerns

• Groundwater Contamination: Risk of chemical contamination during fracking process.
• Seismic Activity: Potential for induced seismicity in geologically sensitive areas.

Regulatory and Policy Issues

• Limited Participation: The 2013 Shale Gas Policy initially restricted exploration to national oil companies, limiting private sector innovation.
• Environmental Clearances: Complex process of obtaining Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals for fracking projects.

Economic Constraints

• High Investment Requirements: Need for specialized technology and infrastructure.
• Market Uncertainties: Fluctuating global energy prices affecting project viability.

The path forward requires balancing energy security needs with environmental sustainability through green technologies and robust regulatory frameworks. Success stories like the US Shale Revolution demonstrate the potential, while emphasizing the need for India to develop its own sustainable model of shale resource exploitation.