Relief measures announced for the fire accident in GAIL (India) Limited’s gas pipeline at Tatipaka on

The Minister of State (Independent Charge), for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited the accident site at Tatipaka today along with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. After initial assessment of the damage the following relief measures have been announced: 

a) The total ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of the deceased will be Rs.25 lakh. Out of this Rs.2 lakh will be provided from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, Rs.3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs.20 lakh from GAIL (India) Limited. 

b) For those permanently disabled, Rs.5 lakh will be deposited as Fixed Deposit in their name by GAIL (India) Limited. The permanent disability will be certified by the District Administration. 

c) All other injured persons will be given an ex-gratia of Rs.1 lakh. Out of this Rs.50,000 will be provided from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the balance Rs.50,000 will be provided by the GAIL (India) Limited. 

d) Best possible medical care will be provided to those injured. All expenses in this regard will be borne by GAIL (India) Limited. 

e) Damage to property and crops will be compensated at market value by GAIL (India) Limited. 

f) All thatched houses in the affected village will be converted into pucca houses through CSR funds of GAIL and ONGC. 

g) A world class skill up-gradation center will be established near the site of accident through CSR funds of GAIL and ONGC. 

h) A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to probe the incident. The committee would submit its report in a time bound manner. 

i) Action will be taken to adopt best international practices regarding safety and security of all pipelines in the country. An action plan for this would be developed in a time bound manner.