The Disaster management department has initiated steps to relocate the two big oil depots of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum ( HP) situated in the heart of the city, apprehending mishap in case of an accidental fire.
While the IOC depot is close to a big school in Namkum, the HP's establishment is nearer to Ranchi railway station. Each locality has a population of over 50,000 and that too within the radius of one kilometre.
State project officer for disaster management programme Nitish Kumar Sinha said, "The department has taken up the matter seriously with the two companies. We will try our best to ensure quick relocation of the two oil depots in Ranchi and even those located at sensitive places," said Sinha adding the department would not allow any installation in the city or in densely-populated area and risk lives of people.
However, sources in disaster management department said the relocating of oil depots would not be an easy task as it involves not only the state government but also two Union ministries - railways and petroleum.
"Even if the two ministries agree, there is a huge risk to the population residing close to the oil depots the installation will not be shifted easily as it involves other logistics. The new location also needs to be close to a railway station and have good connecting roads," said an officer.
The state government will have to make available land to the two companies to relocate their depots at a place which has sparse population.
"Till the time all the problems are redressed, people of Ranchi, especially those living near the depots, will have to live in risk," the officer added.
While the IOC depot is close to a big school in Namkum, the HP's establishment is nearer to Ranchi railway station. Each locality has a population of over 50,000 and that too within the radius of one kilometre.
State project officer for disaster management programme Nitish Kumar Sinha said, "The department has taken up the matter seriously with the two companies. We will try our best to ensure quick relocation of the two oil depots in Ranchi and even those located at sensitive places," said Sinha adding the department would not allow any installation in the city or in densely-populated area and risk lives of people.
However, sources in disaster management department said the relocating of oil depots would not be an easy task as it involves not only the state government but also two Union ministries - railways and petroleum.
"Even if the two ministries agree, there is a huge risk to the population residing close to the oil depots the installation will not be shifted easily as it involves other logistics. The new location also needs to be close to a railway station and have good connecting roads," said an officer.
The state government will have to make available land to the two companies to relocate their depots at a place which has sparse population.
"Till the time all the problems are redressed, people of Ranchi, especially those living near the depots, will have to live in risk," the officer added.
