KOCHI: Dismissing apprehensions over safety of the 503-km LNG pipeline project from Kochi to Mangaluru, Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) on Friday told the Kerala High Court no alternative route is possible for the project in the Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.
The submission was made in the wake of protests from residents in the two districts who live on the land identified for the project. According to GAIL, changing the route will only shift the protest from one area to another. The PSU said the Kochi-Koottanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru LNG pipeline is a mega project involving a total investment of `3,300 crore.
“The apprehensions over safety of the pipeline are unwarranted. The underground pipeline is laid using the most advanced technology. It is closely monitored by satellite using an advanced technology called supervisory control and data acquisition system. All precautions are taken to ensure safety of the pipeline,” stated an affidavit by GAIL.
“The Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), the final authority for ensuring safety in the oil and gas sector, is a functional committee constituted by engineering firms and experts from various industries. The safety measures/assessments followed and maintained in the pipeline project are as per the OISD standards,” it said.
GAIL said the pipeline project was delayed due to objections raised by certain vested interests. “No alternative route is possible for the project in Malappuram and Kozhikode, and the pipeline will be laid on the notified land,” stated the affidavit.