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