Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, who is also the chairman of the Onshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC), on Wednesday assured complete assistance and support from the Punjab Police to the Oil and Gas Companies to ensure the security and safety of oil and gas, which are vital national assets.

The DGP, chairing the third OSCC meeting organized by Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Chandigarh, reviewed the safety measures in place for security of oil installations in the state. The meeting was also attended by ADGP Internal Security RN Dhoke and ADGP Security Sudhanshu Srivastava, Officers from Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Agencies, besides, representatives of all the oil and gas majors including IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, HMEL and Torrent Gas.

A number of issues such as the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), scaling up of security, keeping vigil via CCTVs and Drone Surveillance was discussed during the meeting, which was aimed at effective coordination between the stakeholders.

DGP Yadav said that although Punjab has been secure so far, the Police and Oil-Gas Companies need to be alert and aware all the time, and should work together for the safety of the oil and gas. He also stressed the need to hold district level security coordination meetings for greater synergy between oil-gas companies and district police.

He also proposed to depute Special Squads, which would exclusively look after the Oil and Gas related crimes. He said that the Punjab Police will also explore the feasibility to link the Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) or Emergency Response System for prompt action.

The DGP also reiterated the importance of regular updation of contingency plans and mock drills. He requested all oil and gas companies to feel free to reach out to the Punjab Police for any kind of assistance they require.