ONGC moots action plan to protect oil fields

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, the biggest exploration and production player in the country, has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to thwart subversive activities in oil field operations.

In wake of the recent subversive activities in the country, ONGC -- under the leadership of Chairman R S Sharma -- reviewed the security aspects of the company, including those in its offshore operations at a high level meeting held at New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting assumes high significance from national security perspective as ONGC has its major oil-producing assets in western offshore along the extensive coastline of Maharashtra and Gujarat having investments of around $24 billion with daily contribution of 335,000 barrels of oil and 56 million cubic meters of gas.

In a release, ONGC said the deliberations centred towards taking a holistic view of security and a comprehensive action plan was drawn up with enhanced security at various embarkation points.

The meeting took note of vulnerable areas and decided on specific measures to counter any ill designs to disrupt the operational activities of the company.

The meeting was attended by Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group, Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau and other senior management team of ONGC including Board Members as well as the Executive Directors of Western Offshore.

Detailed discussions were held on the possible threat perceptions and preparedness to meet any untoward eventuality.

Sharma made it amply clear that there can be no compromise on the security and safety of the oil and gas processing facilities. He reiterated that the design of insurgency is to destabilise the economy of the country and as a major upstream company, it is 'ONGC's endeavour and commitment to ensure a secure and sufficient supply of energy availability to the billion population country. Security of the producing assets is a critical step towards this challenge'.

The 'Vessel Automatic Tracking and Monitoring System', introduced by ONGC, has received tremendous appreciation by FODAG especially to track the vessels entering in ODA area.