Section 26 in The Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959
26. Spacing of wells. - The Central Government may issue instructions for--
(a)the spacing of oil wells; and(b)the spacing of gas wells:Provided that no such well shall be drilled at any point, within a minimum distance, to be prescribed by the Central Government, of any railway, pipeline or other right of way, surveyed road, dwellings, industrial plant, air-craft runway, buildings used for military or public purposes, or within [three kilometers] of any mine, whether active or abandoned, unless the special permission of the Central Government is obtained in advance.
