Oil and Gas companies have implemented various measures to protect underground oil and gas pipelines from unauthorized digging which inter-alia includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time monitoring, regular security patrolling, Leak Detection Systems (LDS), public awareness campaigns, Pipeline Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), negative pressure wave leak detection systems, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based pipeline mapping, etc.

The Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (P&MP) Act, 1962 restricts the construction of permanent structures or tree plantations in pipeline Right of User (ROU) areas and provide penalties, including imprisonment for damaging pipelines. Under the aegis of PM Gati Shakti program, any new project in the vicinity is notified to the utility owners using Gati Shakti portal. This aids in identification of potential infringement. The Department of Telecommunication has developed an application CBuD (Call Before you Dig) and is being implemented by the oil and gas companies to facilitate coordination between excavation agencies and the oil and gas companies GAs (Geographical Areas) thus reducing the incidents and damage to the CGD (City Gas Distribution) infrastructure. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place to identify pipeline locations, determine pipeline depth, and obtain approvals for crossing work. Thus, oil and gas companies maintain close coordination with the State and Central Government agencies to secure underground gas and oil pipelines.

This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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MONIKA