Agartala, May 15, 2025: Tripura’s energy sector has witnessed a major development as the Oil India Limited (OIL) has launched its first-ever hydrocarbon exploration in the state by spudding the Debtamura well in Gomati District. This marks a historic milestone as Debtamura becomes the first well drilled by any oil and gas company in Tripura under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).

The announcement was made by Oil India on X (formerly Twitter), where the company confirmed that drilling activities commenced on May 11. The well is located around 120 kilometers from Agartala, within the Baramura-Debtamura Reserve Forest, close to the Indo-Bangladesh border.

According to OIL, exploration efforts in the area have long been hampered by extreme geographical and logistical challenges, including dense forests, rugged hilly terrain with sharp curves, seasonal floods, and frequent landslides. The adverse conditions previously caused significant damage to infrastructure, including well foundations and access roads.

Despite these obstacles, the company stated that the successful initiation of drilling operations is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Oil India team, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The spudding ceremony was attended by several key dignitaries, including Rupjyoti Phukan, RCE, OIL; Maj Gen (Retd.) Praveen Mathur, Advisor – Security (DGH); Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce; Chitra Mohan Borah, Executive Director and Head of Frontier Basin Project, OIL; Arunav Baruah, Chief General Manager (FB), OIL; and Pankaj Kumar Biswas, General Manager, GAIL, among other senior officials.