Date:08/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/08/stories/2006110817830500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Geophysics expert decries red-tapism in India

Special Correspondent

India not `attractive' for oil exploration, says Reeves

Attributes problem to "bureaucratic delays"

Stresses greater spending on oil exploration

HYDERABAD: International expert in geophysics and consultant of the Netherlands-based Earthworks Colin Reeves has said that foreign companies engaged in mineral and oil exploration were finding it difficult to work in the country due to "bureaucratic delays" caused by lack of coordination between different Government bodies.

At a press conference organised on Tuesday, in connection with a three-day international seminar and exhibition on exploration geophysics beginning here on Wednesday, he said foreign firms were not finding it "attractive" to get into exploration. As a result, opportunities were being lost for quicker exploration of oil and mineral deposits. Prof. Reeves is one of the council members of the Association of Exploration of Geophysicists which is organising the conference.

The seminar would be inaugurated by Reliance Industries Ltd CMD Mukesh Ambani. For the first time 30 domestic and foreign companies would participate. Nearly 1,000 professionals from India and abroad would attend.