Functions and responsibilities of The DGH includes the following:

Review exploration Programmes of companies for adequacy

• Half yearly review of work programme in 112 Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) areas of ONGC & 18 PEL areas of OIL, awarded on Nomination Basis (Total 130 PELs).
  
   
• Processing and review of all the PEL and ML cases for the Ministry.
  
   
• Review of work programme and budget of all exploration blocks and fields under PSC’s: 155 Blocks & 33 small and medium size fields.

• Change of Participating interest and assignment cases.
   
• Participation in Management Committee meetings on behalf of the Government.
   
• Cost monitoring, statutory payments to government, Profit sharing to government.
   
• Monitoring of safety, Security and Environment aspect.
   
• Facilitating of statutory & other clearances.
   
• Extension of phases, relinquishment of acreages, assignment, appointment of auditor, approval of auditing account and other PSC related issues as and when arise.
   
• Participation of arbitration matter.
   
• Advise Government on policy formulations.

Monitoring of 26 CBM blocks awarded under CBM rounds I - II - III, on Nomination Basis and through FIPB Route. Review development plans of commercial discoveries and advise Government of their adequacy

To reassess the hydrocarbon reserves estimated by the operating companies

Advise Government on offering of acreage for exploration to companies, as well as, matters relating to relinquishment of acreage by comp companies

Technical advice to MOP&NG on issues relevant to exploration and optimal exploitation of oil & gas

Advise Government on laying down of safety norms and framing regulations on safety in oilfield operations, prescribe pollution control measures, assist in inspection and periodic safety audit

Conduct periodic Safety & Environment audit of field installations/ rigs of all PSC operators.

Conduct periodic environmental audits and inspections to monitor stipulations of MOEF/SPCB. 

Ministry of Defence (MOD) guidelines  

• DGH scientists remain on board all the seismic vessels and deep water drilling rigs during operation.
   
• DGH geophysicists have to accompany all raw / field seismic and G.M. data whenever it leaves the country for processing and interpretation.
   

All other matters incidental thereto and such other functions as may be assigned by Government  

• Coordinate the technical activities of all projects under National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP).
   
• To provide input material for Parliament Questions, Parliamentary Committees relating to DGH & Pvt/JV operations.
   
• Issuance of Essentiality Certificates for import of goods used in petroleum operations.
   

Facilitating clearances from MOD for foreign rigs/vessels and from MOEF for all projects.