Cairn strikes water in Rajasthan desert

KOLKATA: Cairn India, which has struck oil in Barmer, has managed to discover substantial freshwater resources in Rajasthan desert, in what has come as a boon to the water-starved region.

“Ever since the discovery of the Mangala oilfield in Rajasthan, we have been on the lookout for water. It is a key driver to push the oil up to the surface,” Jaishanker Krishnan, deputy general manager, Cairn India, told ET on the eve of World Water Day. Cairn India is a 69.5% subsidiary of Edinburgh-based oil exploration and production company, Cairn Energy .

Cairn India had made a commitment to the government of Rajasthan that for its own drilling operations, it will use water only from saline aquifers. “To locate such reserves of saline water, we had commissioned a study for identifying saline water resources. Subsequently, local authorities in Barmer requested the company to assist them in a similar study to understand and define the extent, nature and status of the freshwater resource in the Barmer area,” he added.
Every year, March 22 is observed as World Water Day, according to a decision taken by United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. The day is observed globally to highlight the growing need for striking a balance between availability and supply of a crucial natural resource like water.

Following this, Cairn commissioned a freshwater study and appointed Water Management Consultants (UK) for expert assistance. The study helped in understanding the hydrogeology of the Barmer Basin, and in defining the extent and availability of the freshwater resources of the area.

The findings provided information for the state government authorities responsible for water management in the area. It also forms part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for Cairn which is keen to develop deep roots in India. “The study made during 2006 served as a model for management of water resources in the area,” Mr Krishnan said.

The findings of the study provided a sound basis for decision-making with regards to management of the resource. Based on the integration of all available data from the study, a groundwater model was developed.

A new freshwater zone has been also identified. The model could also be used to identify data shortcomings and to predict outcomes for various management options and natural changes.

Joining forces with the state’s groundwater department, Cairn decided to invest in development of these freshwater resources for the local community. Cairn thus decided to supplement these efforts with rain water harvesting initiative.