Online BusinessGovt mulling extension of safety zone near offshore oil units
In view of the security threat to offshore oil and gas installations, the government is mulling on extending the safety zone around these facilities beyond 500 meters.
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"An area of 500 meters radius around the offshore installations have been declared as "Safety Zone", prohibiting intrusion by unauthorised persons," Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), he said, has reported extensive intrusion of fishing boats into the oil field development areas which could pose threats to the safety and security of the oilfield installations.
"The need to extend the safety zone around petroleum installations beyond 500 meters is under discussion with the authorities concerned (Coast Guard, Navy, Oil Industry Safety Directorate and Offshore Defence Advisory Group)," he said.
The Offshore Defence Advisory Group (ODAG) advises the Government on offshore security and defence cover of offshore establishments. Coast Guards and Indian Navy keep constant vigil in consultation with ODAG.
"The installation of Vessel and Air Traffic Management System (VATMS) has strengthened surveillance of the offshore platforms. Regular patrolling of the offshore area is also being done by armed patrol boats," he added.