With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas', consider the following statements: 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's evaluate the statements regarding coalbed methane and shale gas:

Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. This statement is incorrect. While coalbed methane (CBM) is indeed primarily pure methane (CH4) extracted from coal seams, shale gas is also predominantly methane. Although shale gas can contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane (often referred to as natural gas liquids), it is not a mixture of only propane and butane. Methane remains its primary component. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. This statement is incorrect. India has significant proven reserves and ongoing production of Coalbed Methane (CBM), primarily in states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, India has also identified significant shale gas resources in various sedimentary basins, including Cambay (Gujarat), Krishna-Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), and Cauvery (Tamil Nadu). While commercial exploitation is still in early stages compared to CBM, the presence of shale gas sources has been confirmed through exploration. Therefore, neither statement given is correct.