On Tuesday, an AFP report, based on an Environment Ministry paper obtained by it, revealed that a draft proposal has been framed by the German government for carrying out the highly controversial "fracking" oil and gas technique in the country.

According to the report, the "fracking"-related rules, which have been have been drawn up by the Economy and Environment Ministry, there will apparently a ban on the use of the controversial technique in areas which have water reserves and mineral springs.

The proposal for imposing a ban on the use of the "fracking" technique in certain areas clearly underscores a concession to public opinion amid the serious concerns which are being raised about safety of the technique, as well as its disquieting environmental and health effects.

Moreover, with the paper also stressing that the government will undertake rigorous studies into the environmental impact of "fracking" at all proposed sites, German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier has promised that legislation on the subject of "fracking" will be introduced before federal elections which are scheduled to be held on September 22.

About the proposals for the use of "fracking" in Germany, Altmaier said in a statement the rules that have been drawn up represent "an important breakthrough to contain the dangers of fracking;" and added: "Safety and environmental protection have priority over economic interests."