MMC turns down IOCL proposal for ATF pipeline
Goa   31-Aug-2011

Mormugao Municipal Council on Tuesday resolved not to issue permission to IndianOil (IOCL) for laying Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) pipeline from IOCL depot Vasco to Dabolim.

IOCL on Tuesday placed a letter with MMC to seek permission for laying 200 mm diameter mild steel Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) pipeline from IOCL depot Vasco to IOCL Airport Aviation Fuel Station at Navy area at Dabolim.

However, before discussing any modalities, pros and cons of the proposal, MMC in its ordinary Before discussing any modalities, pros and cons of the proposal, MMC in its ordinary council meeting unanimously resolved not to issue any further permission to IOCL for laying any pipeline in the wake of recent naphtha fire mishap at Mangor.

Councillor Saifulla Khan asked the council to postpone the issue due to lack of details placed in the meeting. However, objecting to the stand, most of the councillors insisted that the council should resolve not to issue permission.

“ATF is more combustible fuel compared to naphtha. The pipeline would be laid from thickly-populated area and it will not be feasible to accommodate one more pipeline,” claimed the councillors.

Majority of the councillors were of the opinion that when the city is yet to recover from the recent naphtha disaster, why there was a need to include IOCL’s request to lay new ATF pipeline.

IOCL depot in Vasco has one dedicated ATF storage tank for Indian Navy and commercial civilian aircrafts and fuel is supplied via tankers in storage tanks at Dabolim.