The last post in this blog delved on the PNGRB (ERDMP) Regulations, 2010. On 28 November 2025, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has invited comments on the proposed draft PNGRB (Codes of Practices for Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan) Second Amendment Regulations, 2025 (“Proposed Amendments”). This post comments on the amendments proposed.
Changes to Regulation 6: Regulation 6 of the ERDMP Regulations deals with classification of emergencies. The Proposed Amendments seek to correct a typographical error in that the Note to Regulation 6 classified the emergencies in terms of Roman numerals I, II and III (“Note : Level-I and Level-II shall normally be grouped as onsite emergency and Level-III as off-site emergency.”) while Regulation 6 referred to it in Indian numerals 1, 2 and 3. This typographical error has been sought to be corrected:
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6. Classification of emergencies.– Emergencies can be categorized into three broad levels on the basis (a) Level 1 : This is an emergency or an incident which (i) can be effectively and safely managed, and contained within the (ii) has no impact outside the site, location or installation. |
6. Classification of emergencies.– Emergencies can be categorized into three broad levels on the basis (a) Level I : This is an emergency or an incident which (i) can be effectively and safely managed, and contained within the (ii) has no impact outside the site, location or installation. |
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(b) Level 2 : This is an emergency or an incident which (i) cannot be effectively and safely managed or contained at the (ii) is having or has the potential to have an effect beyond the (iii) is likely to be danger to life, the environment or to |
(b) Level II : This is an emergency or an incident (i) cannot be effectively and safely managed or contained at the (ii) is having or has the potential to have an effect beyond the (iii) is likely to be danger to life, the environment or to |
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(c) Level 3: This is an emergency or an incident with |
(c) Level III: This is an emergency or an incident with |
Correction of Errors reg. SIC & CIC: Regulation 14.2 of the ERDMP Regulations deals with the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Incident Controller (CIC) and the Site Incident Controller (SIC). Both CIC and SIC are appointed by the concerned entity.
CIC is defined in Reg. 2(1)(d) of the ERDMP Regulations to mean “the person who assumes absolute control of the unit and determines action necessary to control the emergency;” Reg. 14.2.1 provides that the CIC “shall have overall responsibility to protect personnel, site facilities, and the public before, during, and after an emergency or disaster.”
SIC is defined in Reg. 2(1)(ab) of the ERDMP Regulations to mean “the person who goes to the scene of the emergency and supervises the actions necessary to overcome the emergency at the site of the incident;“.
The below diagram in Reg. 14.1 of the ERDMP Regulations provides the organisational chart for emergency response:
The next major amendment in the Proposed Amendments is to correct a typographical error in Reg. 14.2.2 which actually lists the responsibilities of SIC but wrongly states that the responsibilities “of the Chief Incident Controller…”. The responsibilities of the CIC are already listed in Reg. 14.2.1:
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14.2.2 Site Incident Controller (SIC) The Site Incident Controller shall be identified by the Site |
14.2.2 Site Incident Controller (SIC) The Site Incident Controller shall be identified by the Chief |
Changes to Siren Codes: Regulation 14.2.5.9(c) dealt with Siren Codes. While dealing with Emergency Level III, the Regulation wrongly stated that “waiting siren” had to be given. It was supposed to be a “wailing siren”. This has been corrected:
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14.2.5.9 Siren … (2) Emergency siren code … (c) Emergency Level III- |
14.2.5.9 Siren … (2) Emergency siren code … (c) Emergency Level III- |
Also, there was a duplication in Regulation 14.2.5.9(c). Hence the clause in sub-regulation after the emergency siren code and remaining clauses in this sub-Regulation have been renumbered:
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14.2.5.9 Siren … (2) Emergency siren code … (c) ALL (d) TEST: (e) Public |
14.2.5.9 Siren … (2) Emergency siren code … (d) ALL (e) TEST: (f) Public |
Changes to Cl. 19 reg. Medical Facilities: It was not clear from the existing Reg. 19 if details of burn treatment wards with number of beds are to be provided in the emergency response plan. It is now proposed to be clarified this these details are also to be included:
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19.0 Medical Facilities. Details of medical facilities to be provided in the ERDMP as per the |
19.0 Medical Facilities. Details of medical facilities (including details of Burn |
Changes in Regulation 24: Reg. 24 (Action after reporting of incident by the entity) contains substantive amendments. The existing Reg. 24(6) is sought to be deleted and replaced by a new Reg. 24(6) on actions to be taken by an entity after an incident. These amendments require the entity to submit explanation for lapses/ violations that resulted in/ caused the Major incident, constitute an internal committee, take appropriate disciplinary or administrative action against the personnel
or contractor/agency found responsible and disburse compensation in case of incidents involving any fatality or permanent disability:
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24.0 Action after … (6) Entity shall ensure the following in case of each Major incident: a. Submit explanation for lapses or violations that resulted into or b. Constitute of an internal committee to fix responsibility for each c. Take appropriate disciplinary or administrative action against the d. Disburse adequate compensation in case of incidents involving any |
The new Reg. 24(7)(a) provides for complying with the recommendations of the Incident Investigation Committee at all its locations within time bound
manner and to undertake all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of
incidents. The new Reg. 24(7)(b) provides for action taken report.
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24.0 Action after … (6) The entity shall take necessary measures to prevent the |
24.0 Action after … “(7) (a)The entity shall ensure compliance of all recommendations of (b) Nominated Director of the entity shall ensure submission of the
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In sum, substantial amendments have been made in Reg. 24 of the ERDMP Regulations.


