The risks in fracking

The risks in fracking

Context:

Prospects and risks associated with the process of fracking for extraction of shale gas.

What is shale gas and oil?

  • Unconventional natural resources
  • Found at 2,500-5,000 m below the earth’s surface within a special form of sedimentary rock termed shale rock.

What is fracking or hydraulic fracturing?

  • Process used for extracting shale gas and oil
  • High volumes of water mixed with certain chemicals are pushed down to break the rocks release the trapped energy minerals.

India Scenario:

  • In 2013, GoI approved the policy guidelines for the exploration and exploitation of shale gas and oil
  • It permitted national oil companies to engage in fracking.

India has identified six basins as areas for shale gas exploration:

  • Cambay (Gujarat),
  • Assam-Arakan (North East),
  • Gondwana (Central India),
  • Krishna Godavari onshore (East Coast),
  • Cauvery onshore, and
  • Indo-Gangetic basins

What are the benefits of commercial exploitation of Shale Deposits for India?

  • Meet energy demands
  • Decrease oil and gas imports
  • Improve balance of payments

What are the concerns associated?

Commercial exploitation of shale deposits by fracking have social and environmental concerns associated

  • Water pollution: As chemically-treated water is used to bring out the gas, fracking will lead to surface and groundwater pollution
  • Increased air emissions
  • Increased seismic activity
  • Conflict: High water requirements for fracking may clearly put shale gas explorers in conflict with the local population.

What are the legal hurdles involved?

  • Right to clean and healthy environment is a fundamental right under right to life
  • Further, the state has the duty to protect its natural resources from harm
  • If the risks of fracking to groundwater materialises, the judiciary can hold state responsible for it and order for preventive and corrective measures
  • The government is also obliged to adopt measures in accordance to the ‘precautionary principle’
  • The principle states that where there is a significant risk to the environment or human health, precautionary measures must be undertaken, irrespective of any scientific uncertainty
  • Further, the Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection, Regulation and Management of Groundwater, 2016 has set certain priority uses of groundwater- right to water for life, water for food security, supporting sustenance agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and eco-system needs
  • Only after meeting these needs groundwater can be used for other purposes

Way Ahead:

  • Countries like Germany and France; sub national governments like Scotland have banned fracking
  • Keeping in mind the risks involved, the government should impose a prohibition on fracking
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