The Hindu Business Line : ONGC plans revamp of security system

At a recent review meeting in Chennai, the company has also discussed plans to set up its own intelligence wing to tackle the renewed threat. Specialised training programmes are mooted at the National Industrial Security Academy, Hyderabad, and the IB at Delhi.

While the detailed blueprint of the security makeover is yet to be ready, the company also hopes to make the best use of IT for preventing crime and ensuring security. ONGC, it may be mentioned, is already one of the largest users of IT among the public sector oil companies.

The review has also brought forth increasing pilferage from the company's pipelines and installations in the Western region.

IOC to have a re-look too

ONGC is not alone in taking a serious look at security issues after the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai. IOC, which has numerous oil depots and 10,000 km of oil and gas pipeline line network, also faces an urgent need to safeguard itself from possible terrorist attacks.

Though plans are yet to be drawn, the company has already divided its operational areas in three different categories in respect of degree of threat perception.

The most-sensitive locations include the seven North-Eastern States and large parts of Andhra Pradesh.

"We simply live on tenterhooks in the North-East and Andhra Pradesh," a senior official pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry on Tuesday has issued a security alert on the oil companies, particularly at Digboi and Tinsukia in Assam, on the eve of the Independence Day. As a preventive measure, all the installations in the area have been brought under a heavy security cover.

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