SHILLONG, March 10: Congress MLA HM Shangpliang on Wednesday urged the state government to conduct a research into claims of crude oil emanating from the ground in Mawsynram Constituency.
Speaking on the floor of the Assembly during the Budget session, Shangpliang informed that few locals from Umlyndere and Umphyniang villages along the Indo-Bangla border, which falls under his constituency, claimed to have found crude oil in the area which they are utilising in their homes.
“Perhaps it is a good thing. Hence, I request the state government to explore and find out facts about the concentration level of crude oil and its viability so as to tide over the present situation of fuel crisis in the country. It may even be refined and utilised for the state and the country too”.
Stating that he was informed about the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) doing survey and studies as well as investing in construction of road to the place where the oil was discovered, Shangpliang said, “I would like to know why they left. Is it because the oil is not viable or poor in quality? I ask the government to verify the facts with the ONGC,” he said, while adding that the oil could be put to effective use with the concept of latest technology.
Pointing out that crude oil is being collected by the locals on a daily basis and used as fuel, the MLA said, “They (villagers) say that it burns immediately”.
“Let’s hope the government will take a positive step in verifying the facts,” he added.
Earlier, Power Minister James Sangma said that it is matter of the central government and the state may be able to communicate with the Centre after verifying the facts.
