ONGC to hunt for gas in Himachal's Kangra valley.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation plans to search for oil and gas in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra valley early next month, ONGC officials said.

The spot chosen for drilling is Surani, about 10 km from the temple town of Jwalamukhi.

Most of the drilling equipment has reached the spot.

Engineers said in the first phase, an attempt would be made to drill 3,500 metres. If oil and gas is found, more drilling would be carried out.

In the 1970s, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation had made its first attempt to find gas in the region.

ONGC first attempted to drill in the scenic Kangra valley in the early 1970s.

The Jwalamukhi temple attracts pilgrims from across the country.

BS