Kochi, Aug 2 : The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is all set to start a major oil drilling off Kochi coast from today.

Most of the preliminary exploratory drilling confirmed the presence of hydro-carbon, carbohydrate and other chemicals.

According to scientists, geological samples obtained under the sea matched seismic and geo-chemical studies and the chemical study results stand positive for further drilling.

ONGC CMD R S Sharma and other directors have already arrived in the city to announce the drilling.

The top officials will first visit the site with the help of helicopters and later a formal announcement will be made.

For this purpose, a rig, which can drill up to a depth of 6,500 metres, is already in place off the Kochi coast. (ANI)