SHRI RAM NAIK RECEIVES INTERIM
REPORT FROM INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY COMMITTEE ON MUMBAI OFFSHORE HELICOPTER
CRASH
Shri Ram Naik, Minister
of Petroleum & Natural Gas received here today an Interim
Report from the Independent Inquiry Committee, which was set up
by the Government on 18th August, 2003 to look into
safety and security related aspects of Off-shore Operations of
ONGC, after the crash of helicopter The Interim Report is in regard
to Safety and Security of lives in Offshore Operations, especially
air logistics & inspection mechanism and hiring of helicopters,
specifically MI-172 helicopters, including the circumstances under
which the ill-fated helicopter was hired. Before submission of
the Interim Report, the Committee has interacted with various
individuals, organizations and ONGC.
The Committee was
set up in pursuance of a Suo Motu statement in the Parliament
on 13th August, 2003 made by Shri Ram Naik, on ‘crash
of a helicopter hired by ONGC in Mumbai Offshore on 11th
August, 2003’. While 2 persons could be saved, 27 lives were lost
in the unfortunate accident. Shri Naik informed that compensation
and other benefits have already been given to affected families
by ONGC.
The Committee is
headed by Shri T.S. Vijayaraghavan, who has held the post of Secretary
to Government of India in the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural
Gas, Defence Production and Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises.
The other members are Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.C.N. Jatar and Prof.
Pritam Singh. Maj. Gen. Jatar has served the Corps of Engineers
of Indian Army and is a former CMD, of Oil India Limited. Prof.
Pritam Singh, a Management specialist and Padma Shri Awardee,
has been a Director of Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.
Shri Naik informed
that the Committee was given the task to enquire into safety and
security of lives in Offshore Operations, including air-logistics
and inspection mechanism. The Committee, inter-alia, was also
advised to look into aspects such as maintenance/ repairs/ replacement
of offshore installations; hiring of helicopter; the circumstances
under which the ill-fated helicopter was hired; adequacy of efforts
made by ONGC; any act of omission and the role of management,
short & long term remedial measures to be taken for safety
and security of personnel engaged in offshore operation etc.
As regards the cause
of accident, a statutory investigation is separately being made
by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who is vested
with such functions under Aircraft Act and Rules.
The Committee has
sought extension of tenure to enable it to study and give its
Report on all aspects referred to the Committee, which are extensive
in coverage. On specific request of the Committee, the tenure
of the Committee has been extended by 3 months, i.e. up to 17th
February, 2004.
Shri Ram Naik reiterated
that the Government is committed to ensuring safety and security
of lives of persons engaged in exploration and production of oil
and gas as also the installations and assets deployed in such
operations. The Interim Report will be examined by the Ministry
for implementing the recommendations, added Shri Naik.
