DAILEKH, July 22: Geologists have said that they were optimistic about petroleum exploration prospects in the Panchakoshi area in Dailekh.

A team of Nepali and Chinese geologists are studying possible sites in Dailekh for petroleum exploration for more than a month. They have completed first phase of exploration works, according to the team.

"The geologists have made a field study of probable sites in the first phase. With this, works of first phase have been completed," Sudhir Rajaure, petroleum project chief at Department of Geology, told Republica. "It will take six months to complete works of the second phase."

According to Rajaure, it will take geologists two years to complete exploration and one more year to prepare and submit its report to the department.

"The next phase of exploration will start after Dashain (mid-September), added Rajaure.

The government has identified 10 blocks for petroleum exploration. "These 10 blocks cover 5,000 square kilometers and range from Chure to the tarai belt," he added.

 
• petroleum_exploration
 
• Panchakoshi
 
• geologists
 
• Chure