(a) whether no legal framework exist for regulating safety in offshore petroleum operations in the country though petroleum operation in the country`s offshore areas are going on for the last three decades;
(b) if so, the reasons for not taking any action to establish such framework so far; and
(c) the time by which the Government propose to establish safety regulatory frameworks for offshore petroleum operation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLUEM & NATURAL GAS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR )
(a) to (c): Offshore operations are governed by the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Act 1948 and the PNG Rules 1959 framed thereunder; whose provisions have been extended to offshore areas under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other Maritime Zones Act 1976; the Merchant Shipping Act 1958, the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones (TWCSEEZ) Act, 1976, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Indian Penal Code 1860, as amended from time to time, as also various other rules and international conventions which cover the safety aspects of offshore operations besides the related aspects of health & environment. Further, the Oil Companies have also been following the international standards and technologies for safety regulations.