Question : Gas Leakage Cases

(a) the details of gas leakage cases reported in the ONGC pipelines of East Godavari District near Pasarlapudi along with loss incurred/loss of life reported in the said area along with the steps taken by the Government to avoid pipeline leakages and improve the safety of the pipeline and other petroleum and natural gas infrastructure in the Country including Andhra Pradesh;
(b) whether the number of incidents of gas leakage and fire break out in underground natural gas pipelines, refineries and oil fields/wells have gone up and if so, the details thereof along with number of such incidents and the loss of revenue reported as a result thereof; and
(c) whether the oil companies/persons and other agencies have been found responsible/involved in such incidents and if so, the details thereof along with action taken by the Government against them?

MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) Minor incidents of leakage in ONGC gas pipelines Tatipaka#6 to Tatipaka Gas Collection Station (GCS) and Bandmurulanka#1 to Pasarlapudi GCS have been reported during the current year. However, there was neither any incident of fire breakout nor loss of life and revenue. Oil companies in the country maintain the highest level of safety standards. The safety measures taken by the Industry include incorporation of in-built safety aspects at the nascent stage, process safety hazard analysis with remedial measures, instrumentation and safety interlocks, and safety during design of equipment etc. Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) undertakes external safety audit as well as surprise safety checks of the companies/installations. The deficiencies/gaps in operations/maintenance etc. are identified and based on findings OISD recommends to strengthen the systems and procedures.
(b) During the current year 6 incidents of gas leakages and fire breakout in underground natural gas pipelines, refineries and oil fields/wells have been reported as against13 incidents occurred in 2017-18.
(c) Disciplinary actions are taken against officials concerned by the respective oil companies depending upon the lapses/fault under the provisions of their Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules.
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