A seismic survey to explore hydrocarbons in six districts of Punjab has been virtually stalled for nearly 20 months due to persistent opposition from farmers. The survey, conducted on behalf of Oil India Limited (OIL) in Muktsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Moga, Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts, officially began in October 2024 but has made negligible progress.
Survey launch and initial attempts
The contract for the survey was awarded in September 2024 to Mumbai-based Asian Energy Services Ltd, which subcontracted field operations to Haryana-based DS Geo Services Pvt Ltd. The survey was planned along a 168-km stretch across Punjab, with 25 shot holes to be drilled per kilometer for seismic data collection. According to the contract, the work was to be completed within 18 months.
However, three attempts to start the survey—in October 2024, April-May 2025 and January 2026—failed as protesters repeatedly blocked operations. Company officials report that only about three drill shot holes have been created so far, and even those were allegedly filled up by protesting farmers.
Farmer concerns and opposition
Farmers fear that any discovery of hydrocarbons would lead to land acquisition. They also worry about adverse impacts on groundwater levels, possible contamination of water resources, reduced agricultural productivity, damage to tubewells and harm to village water storage infrastructure. Several village panchayats have passed resolutions refusing to allow the survey.
Khushveer Maan, sarpanch of Sehna Khera village in Lambi, said, “We oppose this survey because we believe this will lead to the acquisition of our land. We have already passed a resolution opposing this survey tooth and nail, and still oppose it.”
Operational challenges and deadline extensions
A senior executive associated with the project said, “We missed the deadline due to continuous protests by farmers. The deadline was then extended by nearly two months, which is also nearing its end now. Several village panchayats have passed resolutions refusing to allow the survey.” The official added that at some locations, drilling equipment was vandalized, shot holes were damaged and survey teams were attacked. In contrast, the same survey has been almost completed in neighboring Rajasthan.
Government response and survey coverage
A senior officer in the Punjab Department of Mines and Geology said, “We have held correspondence with the deputy commissioners to try to convince the farmers so that the survey can be carried out.” The survey is proposed to cover around 57.36 km in Muktsar, 1.6 km in Bathinda, 34.88 km in Faridkot, 48.36 km in Moga, 14.12 km in Jalandhar and 12.4 km in Kapurthala.
