Exploration of Shale gas in India is fraught by several issues. Consid...
Exploration of Shale gas in India and its associated issues
Shale gas is a type of natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations deep beneath the earth's surface. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in exploring and extracting shale gas in India. However, this exploration is fraught with several issues, which are discussed below:
1. Groundwater contamination: The process of extracting shale gas involves a technique called hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking'. This involves injecting large amounts of water, sand and chemicals into the shale formations to create fractures, which then release the trapped gas. However, this process can also cause the release of toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment, including groundwater sources. This can lead to contamination of drinking water sources, which can have serious health implications for local communities.
2. Greenhouse gas emissions: Shale gas is considered a 'cleaner' alternative to coal because it produces less carbon dioxide when burned. However, the process of extracting and transporting shale gas also generates significant amounts of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane has a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide, and its release into the atmosphere can contribute to climate change.
3. Seismic activity: Hydraulic fracturing causes millions of very small and localized seismic events when the fractures are actually produced in the shale. While most of these events are too small to be felt by humans, there is some concern that they could trigger larger earthquakes in areas where there are already faults present.
Overall, the exploration of shale gas in India is a complex issue, which requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. While shale gas could potentially provide a new source of energy for India, it is important to ensure that this is done in a way that is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. This will require close collaboration between government, industry and local communities to ensure that the risks are minimized and the benefits are maximized.
Exploration of Shale gas in India is fraught by several issues. Consid...
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