(a) whether the Oil-Pipeline at Moran (Assam) was blown up by militants in January, 2006;
(b) if so, the number of casualties occurred and the extent of damage to pipeline and other infrastructure caused thereby;
(c) whether attacks on oil companies and oil infrastructure was intensified in January this year; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to provide adequate security in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c): The details of incidents which took place at oil installations in Assam during January, 2006 are given in annex.
(d): The security of oil installations in Assam is looked after by the security staff of the Oil Companies, the Central Industrial Security Force and Assam Police. The security status is reviewed on a regular basis in coordination with the State Government through a Onshore Security Co-ordination Committee ( OSCC) headed by the DGP, Assam and oil companies, DCs, SPs as members. The Inspector General of Police (Security) reviews the security arrangements of Oil Sector Refineries, Pipelines and Installations on a quarterly basis in the Intelligence Sub-Committee Meetings.
ANNEX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 527 BY SHRI M.K. SUBBA REGARDING OIL PIPE LINE BLOWN IN ASSAM
THE DETAILS OF INCIDENTS
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
(i) A blast took place on 15-1-2006 on the Guwahati-Siliguri Pipeline near Palasbari in Chirang District. No casualty was reported.
(ii) On 20.1.2006 at around 6.45 P.M., there was a grenade attack on security personnel in front of the Guwahati Refinery main gate, causing injuries to 9 security personnel, 2 contract labour and one IOC employee. Besides these, on the next day a dead body of a contract driver was discovered bearing splinters in the head.
(iii) On 22-1-2006 at about 8.40 P.M., there was another blast on 8` Digboi-Tinsukia Product Pipeline.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
i) On 22.1.2006 at about 1635 hours, the Christmas tree of well no. 409 connected to GGS-II, Lakwa was damaged by way of a powerful explosion.
ii) On 24.1.2006 at about 1940 hours, a blast created a hole in the north west corner of the boundary wall of GGS-IV, Rudrasagar
iii) On 24.1.2006 at about 2130 hours, fire was noticed on the top manhole of the oil storage tank at Safari Early Production System (EPS) . Fire was brought under control at about 2145 hours by ONGC fire tenders.