GAIL to distribute ex-gratia compensation to blast victims

RAJAHMUNDRY (AP): Gas Authority of India ( GAIL) today said it will distribute tomorrow ex-gratia compensation to those killed and injured in the Nagaram gas pipeline blast.

An official release issued here said that the compensation would be distributed in the presence of East Godavari District Collector and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM at Nagaram village in Mamidikudru mandal of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa, District Collector Neetu Prasad and GAIL authorities would distribute a compensation of Rs 3.80 crore to 19 people who lost their lives in the gas pipeline blast incident on June 27, tomorrow at 2 PM at Nagaram village, the release said.

"Rs 20 lakh each will be given to the family members of the 19 deceased, who lost their lives on that day and the total amount of compensation will come to Rs 3.80 crore," it said, adding that Rs 50,000 each would be paid to 18 people who received severe burn injuries in the blast and are undergoing treatment at Amalapuram, Rajahmundry and Kakinada hospitals.

"The total amount of compensation for injured people will be Rs 9 lakhs. All payments will made in the form of Demand Drafts (DD) as directed by the district collector," it said.

Meanwhile, GAIL authorities today met the district collector, who instructed them bring the amount in the form of DDs for distribution.

She clarifed that there is no truth in rumours claiming that a gas pipeline had leaked at Nagaram village where the incident occurred on June 27.

"There has been no leakage of gas from any part of the village. All valves are closed. Experts are keenly observing and all preventive steps have been taken. People are requested not believe such rumours. There is no threat to the village or people. ONGC, GAIL and revenue officials visited the village and verified all gas pipelines," she said.