RAM NAIK ORDERS INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY
OF LIFE IN OFF-SHORE OPERATIONS
Shri Ram Naik, Minister
of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has announced that the Government
has decided to hold an Independent Inquiry into the aspects of
safety and security of life in off-shore operations in the exploration
and production. Addressing a Press Conference here today after
his visit to Mumbai following the unfortunate crash of Mi 172
helicopter in Mumbai Offshore yesterday, Shri Naik said that the
Inquiry Committee would be constituted in the coming days which
would specially look into the air logistics, the maintenance,
repairs and renovation of offshore structures and pipelines, hiring
of helicopters, particularly the Mesco helicopter. The Committee
would also inquire into any matter ancillary thereto including
any act of omission and the role of management.
Shri Naik added that
he had asked CMD, ONGC to draw up an emergency plan to further
strengthen safety measures for air transportation in the offshore
so as to make them fully comparable with the best global standards,
in consultation with DGCA, within a fortnight.
Shri Naik informed
that the helicopter of Mesco Airlines was going from Sagar Kiran
Rig to Sagar Jyoti of Neelam Field with 25 passengers, 22 from
ONGC and 3 Contractor employees, along with 4 crew members. After
take off at 12.15 p.m. , the helicopter crashed within 3 minutes
around 12.18 p.m. The twin-engined helicopter was 1995 vintage
and held Certificate of Airworthiness valid till 30th
March, 2004. While 2 passengers, both from ONGC could be saved,
so far 3 dead bodies had been recovered and the rescue / salvage
work was still going on by Navy, Coast Guard and ONGC . A statutory
investigation has already been ordered by Director General, Civil
Aviation (DGCA) in this accident.
Shri Naik added that
he rushed to Mumbai by the first available flight after hearing
the sad news of the incident and went to Juhu Helibase of ONGC.
In Mumbai, he met representatives of Officers and Employees Associations
as also the Press. Thereafter, he took a meeting with CMD, ONGC
and functional Directors.
Shri Naik informed
that the collectives from Mumbai Region had written to him yesterday
late night regarding number of their demands pending settlement
of which the offshore operations may be affected from 0600 hours
of 13th August 2003. Shri Naik said that he had held
detailed talks yesterday with them at Helibase Mumbai. During
the talks he had announced ex-gratia payment of Rs.5 lakhs to
all deceased, which is in addition to financial assistance (Rs.1.80
– 6.00 lakhs) , Composite Social Security Scheme (Rs.5.00 – 10.00
lakhs) and Air Insurance of about Rs.7.50 lakhs, available to
the employees. The total compensation would thus range between
Rs.19.30 lakhs and Rs. 28.50 lakhs. In addition, he said that
ONGC would consider giving one job to a family member of the deceased
and the Management would be asked to take time-bound decision
on matters such as sufficient manpower for offshore operations.
Shri Naik has urged
the collectives not to take any action which may adversely affect
the oil and gas production from Mumbai Offshore and thereby the
national economy, at this critical juncture. Shri Naik expressed
confidence that the collectives would pay due regard to his request
and not take any hasty steps. They, he hoped, would continue to
contribute to the national well being, as before.
