ONGC, which holds a 30% stake in the block, approved the plan that was submitted by Cairn last year.

The plan is now likely to be put in front of the block’s management committee for approval.

Sources said ONGC’s approval for the project is crucial as it has a say in the block’s management committee, of which Cairn India and the Indian upstream regulator, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons are also on board.

The