Reliance to set up geophysicists school

Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani today announced the setting up of a school of geophysicists in Hyderabad in association with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in view of growing demand for skilled manpower in the oil and natural gas exploration sector.

Mukesh, on the sidelines of the international seminar of geophysicists, said the country needs to build capacities in the oil and gas sector to make use of its enormous potential. He said it also has a great potential in nuclear energy. "The Indian story is just beginning. It will unfold with the results of exploration of blocks under NELP 6 and 7," he said.

Mukesh said the company would provide piped gas to domestic households in Andhra as part of its commitment to the welfare of common people. "K-G basin's first gas will go to the common people before it is made available to the industry," he said, adding Reliance was very much committed to the welfare of Andhra Pradesh.

The state government had asked the company to provide gas to meet the needs of the state before taking it to elsewhere in the country. The state has also proposed to develop a gas grid for utilisation of natural gas for various sectors in the state.

Commenting on the plan for piped gas supply by Reliance, a senior government official said the government initiative on the proposed gas grid was aimed at ensuring filling the gaps wherever private players are unwilling to reach out.

Replying to another question, Ambani said the company was willing to cooperate with other players like ONGC in sharing of exploration rigs to optimise costs.