By Kamal Sharma, Dailekh, Feb. 27: Seismic survey carried out in 10 lines in Sristhan, Navisthan and Paduka of Dailekh district to discover petroleum substances has completed.

The survey was conducted to find out existence of petroleum mine in three east-west facing and seven north-south facing lines, after the availability of petroleum products was confirmed in different parts of the district.

Ganesh Nath Tripathi, exploration officer at the Department of Mines and Geology (DoMG), said that the survey of 10 lines was completed on Wednesday.

10 lines were excavated to conduct 200 lines kilometer survey in 400 square kilometer area in main locations of Dullu Municipality, Narayan Municipality, Bhairavi Gaupalika and Mahabu Gaupalika and in a few locations of Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality, Dugeshwar, Naumule and Bhagwatimai Gaupalika.

Tripathi said that the result of inspection carried out by Chinese Technical Team from the sample of rocks and other sources of the district was exciting.

“From the exploration, we have found enough evidence regarding physical surface where the petroleum substances could be stored,” he added.

“Gaseous and oily substances, rocks required to make petroleum products, bigger rocks to where the petroleum products could be stored and appropriate natural structures were found during the exploration,” said Tripathi. “Dailekh is most likely to have hosted petroleum mines.”

Tripathi said that the main task would start after the Chinese technical teams submits the result of exploration.

“If the existence of petroleum mine is proved, the financial analysis including the shape and size of the mine, type, volume and commercialisation prospects will be analysed and conclusion will be drawn,” he added.

The seismic survey includes petroleum geological survey, magneto telluric survey and geochemical sampling.

During the survey, artificial seismic waves were sent deep down in the lines. Tripathi said, “When the seismic wave strike the excavated land and return, those waves are recorded in the sensors attached in the surfaces.”

Tripathi said that the task of refining and studying the waves had completed.

As only the preliminary phase of exploration has completed, the Chinese team would identify the main drilling point for further exploration, he added.

The Chinese team had established base camps in Dungeshwor Gaupalika-1 and in Dullu Hospital of Dullu Municipality to carry out the exploration works.

Existence of Petroleum Substances Proved

The preliminary phase of exploration has established existence of petroleum and gaseous substances through the seismic study carried out in 10 lines of the district.

Rabindra Sharma, House of Representatvies (HoR) member from Dailekh said, “If the amount of petroleum substances and volume of petroleum mine is found out, the Nepali tankers will come to Dailkeh instead of going to Raxaul border to import it from India.”