Monday, 22 January 2018

RULES OF THE ROAD

RULES OF THE ROAD

 

Do not Drive without these Documents
  • Valid driving licence
  • Vehicle registration certificate ( Form 23)
  • Valid vehicle's insurance certificate
  • Permit and vehicle's certificate of fitness (applicable only to transport vehicles)
  • Valid Pollution Under Control Certificate
On demand by a police officer in uniform or an officer of the Transport Department, produce these documents for inspection.

Know these Rules

>> GENERAL RULES
>> SHARING THE ROAD
>> OVERTAKING
>> DRIVING AT NIGHT
>> HOW TO STOP QUICKLY
>> RIGHT OF WAY
>> INTERSECTION
>> ROUNDABOUTS AND HOW TO APPROACH THEM
>> TURNING
>> U-TURN
GENERAL RULES
KEEP LEFT on a two-way road to allow traffic from the opposite direction to pass on your right and on a one-way road to allow vehicles behind you to overtake from your right.

WHEN TURNING LEFT, keep to the left side of the road you are leaving as well as the one you are entering. When turning right, move to the centre of the road you are leaving and arrive near the left side of road you are entering.

SLOW DOWN at road junctions, intersections, pedestrian crossings and road corners and wait until you are sure of a clear passage ahead. if you are entering a main road where traffic is not being regulated, give way to vehicles passing on your right.

HAND SIGNALS are necessary at certain times. When slowing down, extend your right arm palm down and swing it up and down; when stopping, raise your forearm vertically outside the vehicle; when turning right or changing lane to the right hand side, extend your right arm straight out, palm to the front; when turning left or changing lane to the left hand side, extend your right arm and rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction.
To allow the vehicle behind you to overtake, swing your right arm backward and forward in a semi circular motion.

DIRECTION INDICATORS Better use directions indicators instead of hands signals and both in case of any emergency.
WEARING A HELMET FOR TWO WHEELER DRIVERS is a statutory requirement. The helmet must conform to the ISI standards and should bear the ISI mark. Helmet works as a shield for your head in case of a mishap. It is designed for your individual safety and not as a cover to avoid legal prosecution. For complete safety tie the strap properly otherwise the helmet may slip from your head in case of an accident head injury. (Turban wearing Sikhs are exempted from using a helmet).

DO NOT PARK at or near a road crossing or on top of a hill or on a footpath; too near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing; on a main road or a road with heavy traffic; in front of or opposite another parked vehicle to cause obstruction; on roads that have a white line; near a bus- stop, school or hospital entrance; right next to a traffic sign thereby blocking it for others; at the entrance of a building; near a fire hydrant thereby blocking access to it; where parking is specifically prohibited.

THE REGISTRATION MARK of the vehicle should be clear, legible and visible at all times. Do not load the motor vehicle so as to obstruct the tail lights or any other lights or marks required on the vehicle for its safety.

DO NOT DRIVE 
on a one way road except in the direction permitted. Reversing into a one way street in the wrong direction, is also prohibited.

DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINE dividing the road even while overtaking. On roads with defined lanes use appropriate indicator signal before changing lanes.

DO NOT CROSS THE STOP LINE painted on the road when you stop at a road junction or intersection or a pedestrian crossing. In no case should your stationary vehicle project,beyond this line.

TOWING IS PERMITTED only for mechanically disabled or incompletely assembled motor vehicles, registered trailers and side cars. Vehicles other than these may be towed for delivery to the nearest garage or petrol pump in case of untimely breakdown.

USE THE HORN only when essential and do not use it in a silence zone. Do not fit loud, multi-toned or harsh and shrill sounding horns or alarms in your vehicle. Vehicles with altered silencers are also prohibited on the road.

DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO DRIVERS either through police officers regulating traffic or through road signs or traffic signals should be followed at all times. Violation of these is an offense.

MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE DISTANCE from the vehicle ahead of you to avoid collision if that vehicle suddenly slows down or stops. A chart to guide you on minimum braking time required at different speeds is given on page 33 for your information.
DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY except for safety reasons.
ON MOUNTAINS AND STEEP ROADS the vehicle driving uphill must be given the right of way by vehicles coming downhill. If the road is not sufficiently wide, pull your vehicle to a stop on the side of the road and allow the driver going uphill to proceed first.
WHEN ROAD REPAIR WORK is going on, slow down and drive at a speed not exceeding twenty five kilometers per hour.
DRIVERS OF TRACTORS AND GOODS VEHICLES are prohibited from carrying passengers for hire or reward. In a tractor, the driver should not carry any other person and in a goods vehicle, he should not exceed the number of persons permitted in the driver's cabin.
DO NOT CARRY GOODS on a motor vehicle in a manner that may cause danger to any person, or load it thus that the goods extend laterally beyond the side, front or to the rear of the vehicle. Carrying of explosives, inflammable or dangerous substances by any public service vehicle is also prohibited.
CARRY ONLY ONE PILLION RIDER on your two wheeler. You must carry the rider only on the back seat. Do not allow any rider to sit or stand in front of you (not even children). It is not only illegal but often becomes dangerous because sudden braking may throw out the child or person hitting the vehicle in front. It is a violation of law to carry goods on your two wheeler as the rider may lose balance easily leading to accidents.
DO NOT DRIVE BACKWARDS longer than necessary, and do ensure that you do not cause danger or inconvenience to any other person or vehicle while doing so.
DO NOT DRIVE on the road if you are unwell or after taking medication that is likely to impair your driving abilities including tonics that may have an alcohol content in them.
Drivers often forget that roads are not just for them alone. This can make things difficult on the road for pedestrians, cyclists, scooterists and motor cyclists who do not have solid protections around them. They are entitled to your care and consideration. Always keep a close watch on other road users. Children, for example, may do unexpected things. Elderly pedestrians may move more slowly than you expect or may not see or hear you until you are too close.
ALWAYS GIVE WAY TO PEDESTRIANS if there is danger to their safety. Take extra care if they are children or elderly people. There are some obvious places and times where you should take extra care like shopping centres, busy intersections, schools, parks and residential areas where children and others have a greater need of crossing the road. Also, in wet weather, people may hurry and take risks. At night remember that pedestrians may not always be aware how hard it can be for you to see them. Be careful when approaching parked cars or buses. It is difficult to see or anticipate people crossing from behind them. Slow down at pedestrian crossings or intersections, specially if you are turning.
You must give way to pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing. This means you must approach the crossing at a speed which will let you stop in time. Not all pedestrians look before they step onto a crossing. So watch out for anyone approaching and be ready to stop.
You must stop if a pedestrian is on a school crossing. This applies even if there is no crossing  supervisor present. Stop at the stop line until all pedestrians are off the crossing.
NEVER INDULGE IN ZIG-ZAG DRIVING, specially on two wheelers. It is not only dangerous for you but is a danger for others also. Motorcycles have a high accelerating power. Don't misuse it. Don't overtake when it is not necessary. Remember, at higher speed the slightest collision can prove to be fatal.
DO NOT OVERTAKE another vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian school crossing. That driver may have stopped, or may be stopping, for a pedestrian you cannot see.
YOU MUST GIVE WAY to pedestrians when you are entering or leaving private property such as a driveway. If you cannot see whether anyone is coming, sound your horn and then drive out very slowly.
CYCLISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of   larger vehicles. When overtaking cyclists, leave at least one metre clearance. Don't try to share the lane with them. Cycle riders are entitled to ride two abreast. Also, when you are about to alight from your car, check for bicycle riders or scooterists to avoid opening your door in their path. Children on cycles can also be unpredictable. Take extra care of them.
Bicycles scooters and motorcycles are smaller than cars and therefore harder to see. A common cause of accidents is the failure of a right-turning driver to notice an oncoming motorcycle as motorcycle accelerate much faster than cars. What appears to be a safe gap in traffic may not be if there is an oncoming motorcycle or a scooter.

Bicycles can travel surprisingly fast. 30 km/h is not unusual. Drivers can easily underestimate their speed. Be careful not to cut them off when turning in front of them.

Most motorcycle crashes happen at intersections. Before turning, or entering an intersection, have one more look to make sure there's no motorcycle or bicycle there. Motorcyclists and cyclists can be hidden by trucks and buses which are overtaking them. Only move left or turn left from behind a large vehicle when you are sure the road is clear.

LOOK OUT FOR large, heavy, turning vehicles. When such a vehicle is turning, you must not pass on the left or right of the vehicle. If your vehicle comes between a large turning vehicle and the kerb, there is a likelihood of your vehicle getting crushed. Remember, long vehicles may use more than one lane when negociating turns.
WHEN OVERTAKING do so from right of the vehicles you are passing. If the driver of the vehicle in front of you indicates that he is turning right, you may pass from his left. Remember not to cut in onto heavy vehicles. They need more room to slow down and stop.

DO NOT OVERTAKE when you think it might endanger other traffic on the road; if the road ahead is not clearly visible, for example, near a bend or a hill. If you know that the vehicle behind you has begun to overtake you; if the driver ahead of you has not yet signalled his agreement that you pass him.
If you cannot see for more than 150 metres ahead, because of a hill or curve or if the road is narrowing, avoid overtaking.
If a vehicle has stopped at a pedestrian crossing, intersection or railway crossing, do not overtake it.
In a multi-lane road, you must remember to give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into.

WHEN BEING OVERTAKEN do not increase the speed of your own vehicle. This creates confusion for the driver trying to overtake you.
There are fewer cars on the road at night. This does not increase your safety in any manner. This is because speeds are higher, people and bicycles are difficult to see and other motorists or pedestrians may have been drinking. Drive slowly and you will be able to react better. At higher speeds, the stopping distance exceeds the seeing distance thereby causing accidents.
The high beam is useful for extra seeing distance. However, you must dip your headlights to low beam when an approaching vehicle is within 200m, or die other vehicle's headlights dip, whichever is sooner. Also dip your headlights when driving 200m or less behind another vehicle.
Remember not to use high beam in foggy conditions as your light reflects back, reducing visibility. Also remember to use your dipper at night.
If oncoming traffic does not dip its high beam, look to the left side of the road and drive towards the left of your lane.
If you are dazzled, slow down or pull over until your eyes recover.
 
The best way to stop quickly is to drive slowly. Sometimes, unexpected things happen quickly. A driver can pull out of a side street without warning. A pedestrian can suddenly step out from behind a parked car. A truck can drop some of its load. A scooterist or motorcyclist could hit a pot-hole and fall off. If you are travelling too fast, it may be difficult to avoid an accident.
In the diagram below one of the cars is driving at a speed higher by only 10 km/h. A truck suddenly pulls up in front. If both drivers brake hard at the same time, one car will avoid a collision while the other will strike the truck at 30 km/h. (These calculations are based on ideal road conditions, good drivers and well-maintained cars. This may not be the case always.)
At some crossroads there are no traffic lights or signs. When you come to one of these intersections you must give way to vehicles travelling in the intersection on your right as marked below:
You must also give way to the right at intersections where the lights have failed. If yours and an oncoming vehicle are turning right at an intersection both cars should pass in front of each other.
If the other drivers do not give way to you, do not commit the same mistake they are doing.
Give way to fire engines and ambulances by driving your vehicles to the side of the road.
Give way to pedestrians at crossings that are not regulated.
Give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into.
At T-intersections the vehicle travelling on the road that ends must give way to any vehicle travelling on the road that continues (unless otherwise sign-posted). The give way to the right rule does not apply to T-intersections.
 
An intersection with a central traffic island is called a roundabout. Give way to vehicles already on the road. If you are turning, as you approach or exit the roundabout, you must use your indicator to show where you are going. Always slow down  and prepare to give way at a roundabout. Please follow lane markings on the road leading to the roundabout.
If there are no lane demarcations, do not overtake from the left. Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
When turning left, stay on the left. When going straight, from whichever lane you enter, drive in the same position through the roundabout. When turning right, drive close to the centre of the roundabout. Take care while changing position on the roundabout, particularly when exiting.
Remember to give way to pedestrians when turning to the left. When turning right, make proper hand or indicator signal, move as close to the centre line as possible and Turn only when there is no oncoming vehicle.
WHEN TAKING A U-TURN signal by hand the way you would for a right turn, observing the traffic behind you in your rear view mirror at the same time. Do not take a U-turn where it is specifically prohibited.
U-turns can be dangerous. Be extra careful while taking one. Make sure it is safe and let other motorists know by signalling at least 30 metres before you turn.

Remember U-turns cannot be made at traffic lights, on high-ways or if your U-turn disrupts traffic. Also U-turns are prohibited on a road marked with any single unbroken line or double centre lines whether or not one line is broken.
 

Monthly Production Report December, 2017

Monthly Production Report December, 2017
Crude Oil
  1. Crude oil production[1] during December, 2017 was 2991.06 TMT which is 6.8% lower than target and 2.1% lower when compared with December 2016. Cumulative crude oil production during April-December, 2017 was 26934.40 TMT which is 4.33% lower than target for the period and 0.41% lower than production during corresponding period of last year. Unit-wise and State-wise crude oil production is given at Annexure-I. Unit-wise crude oil production for the month of December, 2017 and cumulatively for the period April-December, 2017 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-1 and month-wise in Figure-1.
Table-1: Crude Oil Production (in TMT)
Oil Company
Target
December (Month)
April-December (Cumulative)
2017-18 (Apr-Mar)
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
ONGC
23071.00
1989.40
1862.08
1904.60
97.77
17330.33
16848.70
16629.09
101.32
OIL
3734.00
317.14
288.38
280.59
102.78
2813.00
2548.42
2430.46
104.85
PSC Fields
10562.00
902.92
840.61
869.89
96.63
8009.26
7537.28
7985.79
94.38
Total
37367.00
3209.45
2991.06
3055.08
97.90
28152.59
26934.40
27045.34
99.59
Note: Totals may not tally due to rounding off.                                       *: Provisional

Figure-1: Monthly Crude Oil Production
Unit-wise production details with reasons for shortfall are as under:

    1. Crude oil production by ONGC during December, 2017 was 1862.08 TMT which is 6.40% lower than the monthly target and 2.23% lower when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative crude oil production by ONGC during April-December, 2017 was 16848.70 TMT which is 2.78% lower than target for the period but 1.32% higher than production during corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production with respect to target are as under:
  • Delay in implementation of ‘Conversion of Sagar Samrat to MOPU’ & ‘Integrated Development of B 127 Cluster’
  • Production from NBP field in western offshore affected due to ESP related issues.
  • Increase in water cut in wells of Heera, Neelam and B-173 fields.
  • Frequent power shut down hampered artificial lift operations and caused unexpected well closure in Mehsana.

    1. Crude oil production by OIL during December, 2017 was 288.38 TMT which is 9.07% lower than monthly target but 2.78% higher than production in December, 2016. Cumulative crude oil production by OIL during April-December, 2017 was 2548.42 TMT which is 9.41% lower than target for the period but 4.85% higher than production during corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under:

  • Less than planned contribution from old wells – Rise in water cut in wells and decline in total liquid production of wells of Greater Hapjan and Greater Chandmari Fields.
  • Less than planned contribution from work over wells

    1. Crude oil production by Pvt/JVs during December, 2017 was 840.61 TMT which is 6.9% lower than the monthly target and 3.37% lower than December, 2016. Cumulative crude oil production by Pvt/JVs during April-December, 2017 was 7537.28 TMT which is 5.89% lower than target for the period and 5.62% lower than the production during corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under:

  • RJ-ON-90/1 (CIL): Around 90 wells are closed either due to high water cut or require WOJ. Underperformance of reservoir in Bhagyam. Production affected in Dec’17 from Guda and Kaameshwari West due to non-availability of tankers.
  • Panna-Mukta (Shell): Lower production due to closure of re-perforation wells and loading of well PC-14H.
  • CY-ONN-2002/2 (ONGC): Full fledged production yet to be realized owing to non-grant of PML.

Natural Gas
  1. Natural gas production during December, 2017 was 2751.36 MMSCM which is 7.42% lower than the target for the month but 0.53% higher when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative natural gas production during April-December, 2017 was 24687.55 MMSCM which is 5.5% lower than target for the period but 3.36% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year. Unit-wise and state-wise natural gas production is given at Annexure-IIUnit-wise natural gas production for the month of December, 2017 and cumulatively for the period April-December, 2017 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-2 and month-wise in Figure-2.

Table-2: Natural Gas Production (MMSCM)
Oil Company
Target
December (Month)
April-December (Cumulative)
2017-18 (Apr-Mar)
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
ONGC
24208.00
2045.87
2000.79
1926.76
103.84
17902.37
17651.17
16420.29
107.50
OIL
3000.00
252.21
236.97
246.50
96.14
2259.67
2196.98
2211.56
99.34
PSC Fields
8034.00
673.64
513.59
563.56
91.13
5962.33
4839.40
5253.54
92.12
Total
35242.00
2971.72
2751.36
2736.81
100.53
26124.37
24687.55
23885.39
103.36
Note:  Totals may not tally due to rounding off.                                      *: Provisional


Figure-2: Monthly Natural Gas Production

    1. Natural gas production by ONGC during December, 2017 was 2000.79 MMSCM which is 2.2% lower than the monthly target but 3.84% higher when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative natural gas production by ONGC during April-December, 2017 was 17651.17 MMSCM which is 1.4% lower than the cumulative target but 7.5% higher than the production during the corresponding period of the last year. Reasons for shortfall in production during month are as under:

  • Delay in implementation of ‘Conversion of Sagar Samrat to MOPU’ & ‘Integrated Development of B 127 Cluster’.
  • Delay in commencement of production planned from one new sub-sea well in Eastern Offshore. Well has been completed and expected to be put on production during February, 2018.

    1. Natural gas production by OIL during December, 2017 was 236.97 MMSCM which is 6.04% lower than the monthly target and 3.86% lower than December, 2016. Cumulative natural gas production by OIL during April-December, 2017 was 2196.98 MMSCM which is 2.77% lower than the cumulative target and 0.66% lower than the production during the corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under:

  • Reduction in production potential of few gas wells in Kathalguri and Zaloni area.
  • Unscheduled maintenance shutdown of plants of major cusmomers.

    1. Natural gas production by Pvt/JVs during December, 2017 was 513.59 MMSCM which is 23.76% lower than the monthly target and 8.87% lower when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative natural gas production by Pvt/JVs during April-December, 2017 was 4839.40 MMSCM which is 18.83% lower than the cumulative target and 7.88% lower than the production during the corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under:

  • KG- OSN-2001/3 (GSPC): Underperformance of wells.
  • Sohagpur West (RIL): Underperformance of CBM wells.
  • Raniganj East (Essar): Few wells closed for planned maintenance and refrac jobs. Less offtake by buyer.
  • KG-DWN-98/3 (RIL): Closure of 3 wells in D1D3 field. Well A13 ceased on 15.12.2017 due to high water production.
  • Panna-Mukta (Shell): Lower production due to closure of re-perforation wells and loading of well PC-14H.

  1. Refinery Production (in terms of crude oil processed)

Refinery production during December, 2017 was 22129.13 TMT which is 2.43% higher than the target for the month and 3.21% higher when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative production during April-December, 2017 was 187963.86 TMT which is 3.28% higher than the target for the period and 2.21% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year. Unit-wise production is given at Annexure-III. Company-wise production for the month of December, 2017 and cumulatively for the period April-December, 2017 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-3 and month-wise in Figure-3.

 Table 3: Refinery Production (TMT)
Oil Company
Target
December (Month)
April-December (Cumulative)
2017-18 (Apr-Mar)
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
2017-18
2016-17
% over last year
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
Target
Prod.*
Prod.
CPSE
140322
12425.82
12793.63
12098.54
105.75
103190.47
108059.43
102760.85
105.16
IOCL
66290
5872.03
5985.89
5682.22
105.34
48499.18
51848.96
48103.97
107.79
BPCL
27000
2375.00
2527.91
2307.73
109.54
19725.00
20441.10
19338.98
105.70
HPCL
18000
1554.27
1568.14
1620.20
96.79
13547.64
13646.22
13195.83
103.41
CPCL
10300
942.47
945.43
747.45
126.49
7566.71
7976.15
8170.39
97.62
NRL
2670
226.65
241.55
257.01
93.99
2011.37
2135.13
1960.56
108.90
MRPL
16000
1450.00
1517.44
1476.64
102.76
11795.00
11951.74
11927.60
100.20
ONGC
62
5.40
7.27
7.29
99.74
45.57
60.13
63.52
94.65
JVs
15201
1468.00
1625.05
1570.99
103.44
10888.00
10942.45
12697.89
86.18
BORL
6000
525.00
623.95
623.73
100.04
4425.00
5037.82
4677.93
107.69
HMEL
9201
943.00
1001.09
947.25
105.68
6463.00
5904.63
8019.97
73.62
Private
90480
7710.97
7710.46
7772.04
99.21
67914.37
68961.98
68432.36
100.77
RIL
70174
5994.99
5941.67
5994.99
99.11
52641.83
53418.97
52641.83
101.48
EOL
20306
1715.98
1768.79
1777.05
99.53
15272.54
15543.01
15790.54
98.43
TOTAL
246002
21604.79
22129.13
21441.56
103.21
181992.84
187963.86
183891.11
102.21
Note: Totals may not tally due to rounding off.                       *: Provisional

Figure 3: Monthly Refinery Production
               
    1. CPSE Refineries’ production during December, 2017 was 12793.63 TMT which is 2.96% higher than the target for the month and 5.75% higher than the production achieved in the corresponding month of last year. Cumulative production by CPSE refineries during April-December, 2017 was 108059.43 TMT which is 4.72% higher than the target for the period and 5.16% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall of refinery production in some CPSE refineries are as under:

  •  IOCL, Barauni: Throughput lower than previous year due to M&I shutdown in Jul-Aug 2017 and HSD / naphtha containment.
  • IOCL, Haldia: Throughput lower due to M&I shutdown and VGO containment.
  • IOCL, Mathura: Throughput lower due to M&I shutdown.
  • IOCL, Paradip: Throughput lower due to VGO containment.
  • BPCL, Mumbai: Crude processing for Apr-Dec’17 is lower than Apr- Dec'16 due to planned outage of CDU3/ Hydrogen /Hydrocracker units for turnaround & revamp and annual turnaround of FCC/CCR and DHDS.
  • HPCL, Visakh: Throughput lower due to CDU deferred shutdown taken for T&I in Nov-Dec, 2017 planned in vis -a-vis July-Aug 2017.
  • CPCL CBR: Throughput lower due to product upliftment constraints.

3.2    Production in JV refineries during December, 2017 was 1625.05 TMT which is 10.7% higher than the target for the month and 3.44% higher than the production achieved in the corresponding month of last year.Cumulative production by JVs refineries during April-December, 2017 was 10942.45 TMT which is 0.5% lower than the target for the period and 13.82% lower than the production during corresponding period of last year.
3.3    Production in private refineries during December, 2017 was 7710.46 TMT which is marginally lower (0.01%) than the target for the month and 0.79% lower when compared with December, 2016. Cumulative production by private refineries during April-December, 2017 was 68961.98 TMT which is 1.54% higher than the target for the period and 0.77% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year.
3.4    Refinery-wise details of the capacity utilization and production of petroleum products during the month of December, 2017 and cumulatively for the period April-December, 2017 vis-à-vis April-December, 2016 are given at Annexures - IV and V respectively.
********

Year End Review – 2017: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

Year End Review – 2017: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

I.                   Exploration &Production

1.                  HELP: The new Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) for award of Hydrocarbon Acreages in the Upstream Sector of India was notified on 30th March, 2016 and formally launched w.e.f 1st July, 2017. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (“OALP”) is one of the key features of HELP which has beennotified on 30.06.2017.
2.                  Discovered Small Field Policy:  The Union Cabinet approved 69 marginal fields for offer under Discovered Small Fields Policy.  Out of these, 67 Discovered Small Fields were clubbed into 46 contract areas and put on offer. 
Based on the success of DSF Bid Round-I, DGH has further identified 60 un-monetised discoveries / fields of ONGC and OIL in nomination regime and relinquished blocks of PSC regime.
3.                  Survey of un-appraised areas of Sedimentary Basins of India: To generate seismic data for initiating Exploration and Production (E&P) activities, Government prepared a Project to conduct 2D seismic surveys of all sedimentary basins of India.  The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 2932.99 Crore.  Project will be completed by 2019-20. As on date 31.10.2017, 2D seismic survey of 10,200.54 LKM has been carried out.  Out of this ONGC has conducted survey of 1902.68 LKM and OIL has conducted survey of 697.86 LKM. 
4.                  National Data Repository (NDR): NDR has been set up at DGH to make the entire E&P data available for commercial exploration, research and development and academic purposes.  This has been launched on 28.6.2017. 

II.                Natural Gas

1.                  National Gas Grid (Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga): To have a gas based economy and enhance the share of gas in the energy basket to 15%, the Government has envisaged developing additional 15,000 km of gas pipeline network.  At present, the natural gas grid in the country predominantly connects the western, northern and south-eastern gas markets with major gas sources. As a commitment to provide the clean energy in the Eastern part of the country, the Government has approved a capital grant of Rs. 5,176 Crore (40 per cent of the estimated capital cost of Rs. 12,940 Crore).
2.                  City Gas Distribution Network: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Urja Sangam 2015 on 27.03.2015 at VIgyan Bhawan, New Delhi mentioned as under “In the next four years, to increase Piped Line Gas Connection from 28 lakh connections to 1 crore connections to reduce pollution in the cities.”  At present, 31 CGD companies are developing CGD networks in 81 GAs in 21 State(s)/UTs which are supplying clean cooking fuel in the form of PNG to about 40 Lakhs in the country. Further Govt. has envisaged to expand the coverage of CGD networks across the country in synchronisation with the Gas availability and pipeline connectivity.

3.                  Promotion of CNG/LNG in Transportation Sector: The Government is promoting the usages of environment friendly transportation fuel, i.e. CNG by expanding the coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country.  In order to promote the CNG services in the country, the Government has issued guidelines for making available domestic gas to the CGD entities for meeting the entire requirement of CNG for transport segments.

III.             Refinery

1.      Augmentation of refinery sector: Out of the 23 refineries operation in the country, 18 are in public sector, 3 are in private sector and two as a joint venture with a total refining capacity of 247.566 MMTPA. Out of the total refining capacity of 247.566 MMT, 142.066 MMT is in the public sector, 17.3 MMT in joint venture and the balance 88.2 MMT is in the private sector. The country is not only self-sufficient in the refining capacity for its domestic consumption but also exports a sufficient quantity of petroleum products.

IV.             Marketing

1.      Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):  This scheme has been launched with an aim to provide LPG connections to 5 crore women belonging to the Below Poverty Line(BPL) families, over a period of 3 years starting from FY 2016-17.  As on 4.12.2017, more than 3.2 crore new LPG connections have been given to them. Out of this, 30.5% and 13.3% connections have been issued to SC and ST categories respectively.
2.      PAHAL: As on 13.11.2017, more than 19.12 crore LPG consumers have joined the PAHAL Scheme. PAHAL has entered into Guinness book of World record being largest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. So far, more than Rs. 58243 crore have been transferred into the bank accounts of consumers. PAHAL has helped in identifying ‘ghost’ accounts, multiple accounts and inactive accounts. Estimated savings in subsidy due to implementation of PAHAL for FY 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 is nearly Rs. 29446 crores.
3.      Direct Benefit Transfer in PDS Kerosene (DBTK) Scheme: To bring reforms in Allocation and Distribution of PDS SKO distribution system, for better subsidy management, and also for reducing subsidy outgo by means of curbing diversion of subsidized kerosene, this scheme was launched. DBTK has been implemented in all districts of Jharkhand and 4 districts of Chhattisgarh. Other States have been requested to join the Scheme. Further, States/ UTs are encouraged to become `Kerosene Free’ by brining all households under LPG. So far, UTs of Delhi, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadar and Nagar Haveli & Puducherry and the States of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh & Punjab have become `Kerosene Free’.
4.      LPG Coverage: During 2016-17, more than 3.31 crore new LPG connections have been released and during 2017-18 (upto 18.12.2017), more than 2.15 crore new LPG connections have been released. As on 1.11.2017, National LPG coverage has reached to 78.3% from 60.6% as on 11.1.2015.
To increase the LPG coverage further, advertisement for selection of 6149 new LPG distributorships has been released in various states across the country and selection process is underway.  As on 19.12.2017, draw for 2468 locations have been conducted.

5.      Subsidy on Kerosene and LPG:  As on 1st December, 2017, the Oil Marketing Companies are currently incurring under recovery of Rs.12.44 per litre on PDS Kerosene and Government is providing cash compensation of Rs.252 per cylinder under DBTL.
6.      Automation at OMC ROs:  To enhance customer confidence through Q&Q (Quality and Quantity) of fuel and minimizes chances of fraudulent transactions, this Ministry has given the target to OMCs to Automate all ROs selling more than 100KL/Month. As on 15.11.2017, out of 31155 ROs currently selling 100KL/Month, 21152 ROs have been automated.
7.      Promotion of Digital Payments Undertakn by MOP&NG: There has been a significant expansion of digital payment infrastructure at retail outlets. As on 28.11.2017, 82132 POS terminals and 81070 e-wallet facility have been provided at 49204 (90%) petrol pumps across the country, these Outlets cover more than 95% of sales.

V.                Auto Fuel Vision
1.      Auto Fuel Vision and Policy – Introduction of BS-IV & BS-VI fuels in the Country: The Government has implemented supply of BS-IV auto fuels in the entire country in phases by 01.04.2017. Further, Government has also decided to leapfrog from BS-IV to BS-VI directly and a notification has been issued for implementation of BS-VI w.e.f. 01.04.2020 in the entire country.  However, considering the recent rise in environmental pollution in Delhi and NCR Government has preponed the implementation of supply of BS-VI w.e.f. 01.04.2018 in NCT-Delhi.
2.      EBP Programme:      In order to improve the availability of ethanol, the Government revised the ex-mill price of ethanol for the ethanol supply year 2017-18 at Rs. 40.85/per litre. During 2015-16, OMCs procured 111 crore litres of ethanol (till 30.11.2016) which is an all-time record in the history of EBP.  For 2016-17, OMCs have floated tender for the quantity of 278 crore litres of enthanol out of which 62.32 crore litres has been received till 14.11.2017.
3.      Biodiesel Programme:  The Government, vide notification dated 29th June, 2017, has paved the way for direct sale of Biodiesel (B-100) for blending with High Speed Diesel to all consumers, in accordance with the specified blending limits and the standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
4.      2nd Generation Ethanol through Lignocelluloses Route: Oil PSUs are establishing twelve 2G Ethanol plants in 11 States of the country. Six MoUs have been signed between Oil Marketing Companies and Technology Providers (5 MoUs) / State Government (1 MoU) for setting of 2G ethanol plants in five locations. Foundation stone of the first Biofuel refinery set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited in Bathinda, Punjab, has been laid.


VI.       International Cooperation

1.      International Cooperation: In line with government’s ‘Act East’ policy, there has been series of engagement in the hydrocarbon sector with the neighboring countries, various pipelines are being constructed to connect our gas grids with our neighbours like Bangladesh and Nepal.  We have robust hydrocarbon trade with Nepal, Bhutan and Mauritius and have sent first test cargo of petroleum products to Myanmar.  We are also working towards setting up an LNG terminal in Sri Lanka through an international JV company.

VII.     Flagship Programmes

1.      Start-Up India: The oil and gas CPSEs have set up a Start-Up fund aggregating to Rs. 320 Crore for 3 years. They have also launched their Start-Up websites and have launched Innovation Challenges. 29 start-up firms have been selected in Phase-I.
2.      Skill Development: Under the Skill India initiative Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council (HSSC) has been set up with a projected training plan for certification based skill development programmes and has identified a target of training approximately 7.3 lakh persons by 2022.
3.      Make in India:  A Policy to provide Purchase Preference (linked with Local Content (PP-LC)) in all oil and gas PSUs has been approved by the Government on 12.04.2017 to incentivize growth of local content in goods and services by implementing Oil and gas projects in India by providing purchase preference to the manufacturers/ service providers.
4.      Ease of Doing Business: To ensure transparency and fairness the Oil and Gas PSUs were directed to consider incorporation of relaxation of Past Track Record (PTR) norm subject to meeting the quality and technical specifications (except procurement of items related to public safety, health, critical security operations and equipments etc.)  to all Startups (whether MSEs or otherwise) in their procurement manuals. 
5.      Engagement of Apprentices: PSUs have also been directed to prepare their action plans for increasing engagement of apprentices upto the level of 10% of the total workforce by December 2017.

VIII.    Swachh Bharat

1.      Swachh Bharat Mission: The revised provision pertaining to availability of clean toilets has been classified under “Major irregularity” and the penalty provisions have also been suitably amended by the OMCs. As on 15.11.2017 OMCs have a total number of 55,413 ROs across the country, out of which 54,441 ROs have toilet facility which includes separate toilet facilities for gents and ladies at 30,886 ROs. OMCs are putting all efforts to provide separate toilet facilities for ladies and gents at all ROs, wherever feasible.

AD/

Landslide Risk Reduction and Management

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.05-January, 2018 09:28IST
Landslide Risk Reduction and Management
“As per the information received, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken initiatives in the field of landslide risk reduction and management through landslide susceptibility mapping in various scales in different parts of the country including North-Eastern Region (NER) and Sikkim.
GSI in its landslide studies included Pre-disaster studies (multi-scale landslide susceptibility/hazard/risk mapping & conducting landslide awareness programme); and Post-disaster studies (landslide inventory mapping and site specific detailed geological mapping, slope stability analysis and landslide monitoring).
Under Pre-disaster studies, GSI has already formulated and carried out a National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) Programme on macro-scale (1:50,000 scale) in various parts of the country including NER and Sikkim. Aproximately, 44,600 sq. km area has been completed under the ongoing National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Project (NLSM) in all the states of NER, except Arunachal Pradesh. . The State Remote Sensing Application Centre (SRASC) of Arunachal Pradesh has carried out landslide susceptibility mapping for the entire Arunachal Pradesh.  The outcome of the study includes (i) generation of field maps, (ii) categorization of hill slope in terms of landslide susceptibility, (iii) preparation of landslide inventory database using high resolution remote sensing data, archival information and field inputs and (iv) preparation of spatial database for geo-factors of landslides.
Besides this, GSI has also carried out meso-scale (on 1:10,000 scale) landslide susceptibility mapping in the different regions for (i) preparation of meso-scale detailed landslide inventory database using very high resolution remote sensing data and field inputs (ii) application of appropriate deterministic techniques for slope stability assessment and (iii) preparation of meso-scale landslide susceptibility map in a GIS by integrating rated and weighted thematic geofactor maps.
In addition, Analog maps of Landslide Susceptibility on meso-scale (1:10,000) has been prepared by GSI in Shillong town of Meghalaya; Serchip, Chiahtiang Townships and Lunglei area of Mizoram, Mangan Urban area, Singtam-Mangkha-Dikchu road corridor and Singhik-Manul-Paegum-Chungthang road sector of North Sikkim Highway in Sikkim.
On landslide remediation, GSI has carried out Site specific landslide study through detailed mapping (1:2000 scale) at Sonapur landslide in Meghalaya; Martam Landslide, Rongpo Landslide, 9 mile landslide complex, Malten Landslide, Old Carbonment area, Gangtok, B2 slide, Monitoring of 9 mile slide complex, Andheri Jhora Landslide on Ranipool Pakyong road, Bojek, Psochen Pheri, Lanta-Khola, Manvir colony, Namak, Theng and Mayang Chu landslide, Sub-Jail Complex area, Omchung Gyalshing, Kyangsla and 17 Mile landslide, Sangkhola landslide on NH-31A, 5th Mile Landslide on Gangtok-Nathula road in Sikkim.
GSI has recently concluded Research and Development (R&D) on 1:50000 landslide hazard and risk mapping for regional planning with case studies on selected highly vulnerable areas of Higher Himalayas in various parts of NER.
In order to capacity building, GSI has conducted landslide awareness programme in collaboration with State Government and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Contact programmes are being conducted for raising awareness and developing resilience. Recently completed contact programmes are in Aizwal, Mizoram (on 22 July 2015); Guwahati, Assam      (on 15 July 2016); East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya (on 22 August 2017).            
Further, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) invites participants from all the states/U'I' of the country in its in-campus training programmes including North-Eastern Region. In addition NIDM has been conducting training programmes in North Eastern Region.
As part of the mandate under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the NIDM has organized more than 20 Training Programmes on Disaster Risk Reduction including landslides since 2006 in different states of the Northeast India including Sikkim.”
            This information was given by Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.