Modi demands change in defence rules for aerial survey of gas, oil

New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) Observing that secrecy on even most sensitive institutions had been ripped apart by Google search engine, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today asked the Centre to make ''some relaxations'' in defence rules that would allow state governments to conduct aerial surveys of hydrocarbons, especially oil and gas.

''Some of the existing defence rules have become redundant and archaic in view of Google search engine making available details of most sensitive institutions, and it is only in the fitness of things that defence rules are amended to allow aerial prospecting of oil and gas,'' Mr Modi suggested during a meeting with Planning Commission officials on the Approach Paper for the XIth Plan.

The chief minister said high resolution cameras were now able to pinpoint the number of even a scooter from a great height, and sensitive institutions round the globe had come under a scanner through satellite imagery.

He said Gujarat had developed a sound expertise in oil exploration, but it was not being allowed to do so because of defence rules.''The state government had been trying to rope in a Canadian company for oil and gas exploration, but it was not allowed.'' Mr Modi also complained that Gujarat was not being offered enough blocks for prospecting oil and natural gas. ''I am going to Syria and Yemen to finalise deals on some blocks. Earlier, I had gone to Iran also in this connection, but I need some blocks in India as well,'' he complained.

Making a strong plea to evolve an energy security system, he said the country also required to upgrade its transmission grid.

''Gandhinagar has become the first state capital in the country where every household gets piped gas,'' he said.

About the power crisis in the national capital, he said Gujarat had offered electricity to Delhi and the latter had agreed to the proposal, but it could not become possible because of lack of transmission lines.

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