November 20, 2001

‘20’

SHRI RAM NAIK ORDERS HIGH LEVEL INQUIRY INTO GANDHAR OIL FIELD FIRE

        Shri Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas informed that the Government has decided to order an inquiry into the matter of fire in oil well at Gandhar field of ONGC. The Minister made this announcement today, when he visited the Institute of Petroleum Safety & Environment Management (IPSEM), Betul in South Goa. It may be recalled that ONGC Well No. G-345 in Gandhar field, Ankleshwar Asset, caught fire at about 0230 hrs. on October 30, 2001. The evidence at site indicates that the fire was caused by miscreants while pilfering crude from the well. Extensive resources, including foreign consultancy, had to be deployed to handle the emergency. The fire was finally controlled and extinguished at 0950 hrs. on November 9, 2001. Shri Naik also visited the site on 9th November 2001 and reviewed the position.

        After reviewing the earlier cases of fires and action taken thereon in the last five years, he announced the terms of reference as well as personnel of the Inquiry Committee.

        The Terms of Reference of the Committee will be as follows:-

    1. To examine the security measures for oil and gas pipeline systems in ONGC especially with reference to the alleged acts of pilferage, particularly in Gujarat.
    2. To recommend action for improving the security of the oil and gas pipeline systems and also the connected facilities, including the coordination aspects of security arrangements.
    3. To review the emergency response capability in ONGC, with particular reference to fires and blow-outs and recommend upgradation of capability in ONGC to international standards.
    4. To examine related issues and make appropriate recommendations.

The Composition of the Inquiry Committee will be as follows:-
    1. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S C N Jatar, former CMD, ONGC Videsh Ltd. & former CMD of Oil India Ltd. CHAIRMAN
    2. Shri Ishwari Dutt, former Director (Tech.), ONGC MEMBER
    3. Shri H.S.Cheema, former Member (Onshore/NG), ONGC MEMBER

        Shri Naik mentioned that the Committee will submit its report by 31st March next year. However, an interim report on Gandhar incidents may be made available to the Government by 31st January 2002.

        Shri Naik informed that he has also taken up the matter with Shri L K Advani, Union Home Minister and Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat.

        As a token of appreciation of good job done by all concerned in extinguishing the fire Shri Naik has announced a group reward of Rs.25,000 lakhs in cash for all the ONGC and other employees involved in this operation.