New Delhi, Nov 20 Union Government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that it has taken a series of measures to promote safety in and around oil depots across the country.

Making a suomoto statement in the lower House, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said these measures include promotion of safety consciousness and training on safety requirements at all levels.

Deora said : "All oil and gas installation in the country will carry safety audit conforming to the statutory norms and all of them have to submit their reports to the regulatory authority by the end of this year."

He added hat safety council is being expanded to include private sector refineries and offshore and other installations as well.

Giving details of the fire tragedy at Indian Oil Corporation depot near Jaipur, Deora said : "A seven member enquiry committee has been constituted to look into the causes of the incident and suggest remedial measures."

He informed the House that the depot was equipped with the fire fighting equipment in line with the oil industry safety directorate guidelines, but this could not be used to douse the flames in view of the nature and magnitude of the tragedy.

The minister also assured the House that government is making best efforts to help the affected families and prevent such tragedies in future. (ANI)