GAIL clarification on fire incident in Delhi

New Delhi, GAIL  has clarified in a press release that a fire incident took place  on the DESU – Maruti pipeline of GAIL (India) Limited near Venkateswara College, Dhaulakuan, New Delhi around 9.45 a.m. today. The incident occurred due to a third party drilling activity without prior permission taken by the agency from GAIL,  in spite of the pipeline warning markers located in close proximity to the site .
 
Immediately on receiving the information, GAIL’s pipeline sectionizing valves were closed by remote operation from the regional control room. With the support of Delhi Fire services and IGL Fire Tenders, the fire was extinguished by 11.10 a.m. The Army Supply Corps located in the vicinity also rendered support.  There have been no casualties. However, the fire damaged a couple of vehicles parked nearby.
 
Mr. B C Tripathi, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL and Dr. Ashutosh Karnatak, Director (Projects), GAIL immediately rushed to the spot and took immediate control of the situation.  Site engineers,  safety personnel of GAIL and IGL and GAIL Emergency Response Vehicle also reached the site.
 
Because of the incident, some CNG stations of IGL may get affected temporarily and efforts are being made to restore gas supply at the earliest. Restoration work of the pipeline has already started.