Team Herald
VASCO: A fire at the already decommissioned oil supplying pipeline near gate number 9 of Mormugao Port created panic among the MPT staff.
According to sources, the incident took place around 10 am when one of the abandoned and unused oil pipeline belonging to Indian Oil Corporation and was decommissioned some four-five years ago suddenly started releasing thick fumes.
This created panic among the MPT staff and CISF personnel manning the MPT mini gate. However, the situation was soon brought under control by MPT staff before fire-tenders from MPT and Vasco could reach the site.
MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar told reporters that, “The pipeline was sold as a scrap and while the contractor was cutting this pipeline into pieces (pipeline already opened at many places), some sludge oil (fuel residue) inside the pipeline caught fire and was doused by the MPT staff present at the site. Nothing to worry as it was not a live pipeline and was decommissioned some four to five years back. Also, as precautionary measures, we have kept the fire-tenders stationed at the site and they are monitoring the situation.”
Jeyakumar informed that “the MPT had decided to make efforts to reduce the road congestion and to increase our handling capacity through rail. We have plans to handle more granite, steel cargo by rail in future, thus, to felicitate the same, we are developing additional two railway lines along with 30 meters wide paving inside our jurisdiction so as to handle rail bound cargo. The cost of project is about Rs 14 crores.”
He said that the unused oil pipeline was obstructing the MPT plans, as such, after discussion with IOCL a contractor was appointed to dismantle the oil pipeline.
However, before the work on dismantling could begin the minor fire incident occurred. “I have now issued directions to submit me a report and then we will take further decision on what is to be done with the unused oil pipeline,” he added.
