The Hindu Business Line : NELP panel calls for appointment of nodal officers

TO ensure smooth implementation of the New Exploration Licensing Policy V (NELP V) and to overcome any future bottlenecks, the inter-Ministerial committee headed by the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, today decided to designate nodal officers in the Ministries of Environment, Finance, Home, Defence, and Petroleum.

Briefing a select press gathering, the Petroleum Minister said that the intent behind this exercise was to anticipate any hindrances that participants might face.

The Minister said with the appointment of nodal officers, the inter-Ministerial would meet only when the need arises.

Past experiences show that institutional clearances after the bidding could delay the progress of NELP.

Till now, almost 14 blocks are awaiting approvals under NELP I-IV due to lack of co-ordination between the Petroleum, Environment, and Finance Ministries.

There are three different types of environment clearances requirement, namely forest, wildlife, and general environment.

Mr Aiyar was confident of meeting the deadline of July 31 for announcing the award of the 20 blocks offered under the fifth tranche of the NELP.

The Petroleum Ministry proposes to approach the Cabinet for the purpose soon.

The production sharing contracts with successful companies is likely to be signed by September 30.

It was, however, clarified that the issue of production sharing contracts was not discussed at today's meeting.

Regarding the issue of Olive Ridley turtles, the Minister said that the companies involved had been asked to make a presentation before the Environment Ministry. The bids for NELP-V closed on May 31. NELP-V was launched on January 4 offering 20 blocks - six in deep waters, two in shallow waters, and 12 onland blocks.

The onland blocks are in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page