City's oil refineries at risk

Mumbai has three oil refineries. Encroachment is compromising safety there

Mumbai has three oil refineries. Encroachment is compromising safety there

In the wake of the three-day blaze in the Indian Oil Corporation's fuel depot in the outskirts of Jaipur, oil refineries within the city ought to be on high alert too. Sunday MiD DAY visited three areas where the Indian Oil Company and BPCL have their centers and found out that there is risk at certain locations due to encroachments.

The BPCL at Mahulu00a0 pic/Bipin Kokate

Bharat Petroleum Company in Mahul
There are residential areas quite close to this refinery. A few years ago, there was even an upcoming MHADA construction which came to a standstill after a stay order from the Supreme Court, as they could face a threat.
BPCL officials refused to give details, stating that several developments have taken place in the matter.

Indian Oil Company in Sewri
There are no residential areas in the vicinity of the Indian Oil company. A security guard said, "Right now the tanks are being cleaned and officials are not present on the spot. There are two shifts, in the company. We are trained every month for an hour or two for precautionary measures. But we haven't received any extra instructions since the Jaipur blaze."

Indian Oil Company in Wadala
There is no residence around here either. Officials from the Wadala branch office informed us that they hadn't received any extra instructions after the Jaipur incident either, adding, "But we have always followed the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD)."

Chief fire officer Uday Tatkare agreed that many of these areas were vulnerable to accidents. He said, "The Chembur Mahul Road is one of the high risk areas because of its proximity to the refineries of Tata Power Company, HPCL and BPCL. However, we are well prepared if there is an incident similar to the one in Jaipur. The companies have teams of firemen who undergo mock drills. We supervise these drills quarterly too. We have the best quality foam liquid (AFFF) in bulk to fight with oil-related fires. The Mumbai fire brigade team of five was on the ready with foam liquid and machinery in case Jaipur required help."

Inputs by Somita Pal