January 22: A survey for the exploration of petroleum products in Dailekh has reported eighty percent work progress. This survey in Bhirkhet, the project's main site, is said to be decisive for the exploration.    
The government has acquired 45 ropanis of land (one ropani is equivalent to 5476 sq. ft.) at Bhirkhet of Bhairabhi rural municipality-1 for the final survey and the land owners have already been provided with compensation. Twenty seven families received the compensation for the acquired land at the rate of Rs 175,000 per ropani.      
This survey is said to be significant in determining the volume of raw petroleum products and gas available in the area.    
According to project chief of the Department of Mines and Geology, Dinesh Kumar Napit, studies so far suggest that Dailekh could be a major source of petroleum products and natural gas.    
The final drilling that will go underground up to four kilometers will be vital in determining the available volume of petro products. The drilling is assisted by a giant machine brought from China, according to Napit.    
The exploration is underway here since September-October, 2019. It is jointly carried out by the Department of Mines and Geology under the Government of Nepal and China-based Geological Survey at the cost of Rs 2.40 billion. -- RSS