By The Sampadak Express
In the border district of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, the floodplains of the Ganges, which once allowed only one crop a year, are now witnessing the dawn of a new era. The land, where the locals struggled with bountiful crops due to annual flooding, has become the site for a major discovery of crude oil reserves by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). To extract oil from these reserves, ONGC has started drilling a well on land owned by the family of Chittu Pandey, a renowned freedom fighter.
A Land Once Struggling with Floods and Farming The area in question, located in the Ganga’s floodplain, has long been subjected to seasonal floods. Despite their efforts, farmers here were only able to cultivate one crop—mainly wheat—due to the recurring floods that destroyed most other crops. The region falls within the Ganga’s flood zone, which renders agricultural activities vulnerable. As a result, wheat became the primary crop, while the prospects of cultivating other crops like rice or mustard remained slim.
Village head Mahesh Yadav explains that the floodwaters every year created a cycle of devastation, and this phenomenon contributed to the backwardness of the region. However, with the discovery of oil in the area, it appears the fortunes of the region could change dramatically.
Oil Discovery on Chittu Pandey’s Land According to Mahesh Yadav, ONGC has discovered a large oil reservoir spread across a vast area, stretching from Chitbada village to Sagarpali. The most suitable area for drilling lies near the Vaena Gram Sabha, around three kilometers from the village. This area has been deemed ideal for excavation due to the large tract of land owned by the family of Chittu Pandey, a freedom fighter. Consequently, ONGC entered into a three-year agreement with the Pandey family to lease around 6.5 acres of land for the drilling project.
Advanced Drilling Begins ONGC has commenced drilling operations using state-of-the-art machinery, which has been brought in from Assam. Additionally, trained personnel from other states have been hired to ensure the smooth execution of the project. The discovery of oil in the region is not just a boon for Ballia but also for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh, as it is expected to bring significant economic benefits.
A Historic Region with a Revolutionary Legacy The floodplains of the Ganga, where the oil reserves have been found, hold historical significance as well. This very region was home to Chittu Pandey, who played a pivotal role in India’s fight for independence. During the British era, when revolutionaries were being hunted by the colonial authorities, many of them took refuge in the dense floodplain areas of Ballia, including the land where oil is now being extracted. Some of the most critical secret meetings of freedom fighters took place in these very floodplains. Today, as oil is unearthed from this land, the historical and economic importance of the area has only grown.
This discovery of crude oil marks a significant turning point for Ballia and Uttar Pradesh, promising new opportunities for economic growth, and potentially transforming a region historically beset by flooding and agricultural challenges into an emerging hub of resource extraction.
