Paradip oil refinary faces terror threat

Security has been tightened around the Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) under construction oil refinery in Paradip after a tip off from central intelligence agencies about a possible terrorist attack on oil installations around the country.

The Coast Guard and Indian navy have deployed its warships along the Paradip coast to prevent any terror strike.

The Coast Guard and the navy have deployed ICGS Sarang and INS Sandhayak to monitor the coast.

Along with naval forces, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also been put on high alert.

According to reports, the authorities have received inputs from intelligence agencies that terrorists could target oil houses located in the state.

High alert has been sounded at Paradip oil refinery, Paradip-Haladia-Barauni pipeline and  Single point boring system (SPM).

“We are well aware on this matter. The CISF has been keeping vigil on the refinery. As it is a national project we have passed the input given by central intelligence to the security agencies of both central and state governments. They will take any decision on it,” said, Bijay Bhargiya, executive director of  Paradip oil refinery.

However, the project head of Paradip-Haladia-Barauni pipeline, VC Sati, has denied the possibility of terrorist attack on the project.

Sati argues, “We are transporting crude oil. So this project may not be in danger zone. We have also received this type of threats earlier. Hence, the CISF personnel are put on high alert round the clock. The district administration and the coast guard have been informed. So they will take further action.”
 
CISF commandant Satish Sekhar Mishra said, “Strong measures are being taken to foil any attack by terrorists. Sufficient numbers of security personnel have been deployed in and around Paradip oil refinery, Paradip-Haladia-Barauni pipeline and Single point boring system (SPM).”

The navy and Coast Guard authorities have also been informed about the threat perception.

Coast guard commandant Ashutos Behera said,  “We are informed about the possibilities of the terrorist attack. we have already made all the necessary actions. Two warships have been fanned out. They are keeping a vigil on the sea. We are looking at expanding the security measures.”

Notably, after its completion Paradip oil refinery will be the largest oil refinery in the country. It has been constructed on 3344 acres area. The work on the project is about to complete.