Agartala: May 14: Oil India Limited (OIL) marked a historic milestone in Tripura’s hydrocarbon sector by commencing its exploration and production activities with the spudding of the Debtamura#1 well at Loc. TUL-B under the DSF-II block AA/ONDSF/TULAMARA/2018. This well is the first to be drilled in Tripura under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
The ceremonial spudding event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Shri Rupjyoti Phukan, RCE, OIL; Maj Gen (Retd.) Praveen Mathur, Advisor – Security (DGH); Smt. Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Tripura; Shri Chitra Mohan Borah, Executive Director and HoD, Frontier Basin Project, OIL; Shri Arunav Baruah, Chief General Manager (FB), OIL; and Shri Pankaj Kumar Biswas, General Manager, GAIL, along with other senior OIL officials.
Located around 120 km from Agartala, the well site lies within the Baramura-Debtamura Reserve Forest in Gomati district, close to the Indo-Bangladesh international border. This project marks a significant leap forward in the region’s energy exploration journey.
The journey to this point was fraught with logistical and environmental challenges — from dense forest cover and undulating hilly terrain to frequent landslides and narrow, curved roads. Adverse weather, particularly the prolonged monsoon, further hampered infrastructure and site access.
Despite these hurdles, OIL’s successful launch of drilling operations reflects its determination and resilience. The Debtamura#1 well stands as a symbol of progress and self-reliance, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and opening new possibilities for energy security and economic development in Tripura.
