Aug 12, 2003 KM News  Ram Naik orders independent inquiry into the safety and security of life in offshore operations MUMBAI - 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 offshore 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, 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. 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. 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 crewmembers. 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. Director General, Civil Aviation (DGCA) in this accident, has already ordered a statutory investigation. 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. 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. 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. 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. Naik expressed confidence that the collectives would pay due regards to his request and not take any hasty steps. They, he hoped, would continue to contribute to the national well being, as before. Pak President calls for immediate ceasefire along the LOC Pakistan President Gen.Parvez Musharraf called for an immediate ceasefire in Kashmir today, along the Line of Control. Saying that the daily firing between India and Pakistan on the Line of Control has been causing too much casuality on both sides and therefore an immediate ceasefire was inevitable. He made this call for ceasefire during a tea party hosted by him for the visiting Indian Parliamentarians and journalists, in Islamabad. Coal Mine blast in North China A Coal Mine blast occurred in the city of Datong in North China on Monday morning when a total of 43 miners were working in the Xing'ergou mine in Shaxi province. Around 28 miners have been killed and another 14 missing following the explosion. Only one miner was saved following the rescue operations. According to the state administration of production safety, 15 bodies were found underground while 13 died soon after being taken to hospital.