Jammu Depot of Indian Oil Corporation will not be shifted to the proposed new site at Barian in Samba for security reasons. The issue of shifting the depot has been on the cards for a long time. Two aspects have been under consideration. Shifting from its present site was decided for several sound reasons. It is just a hundred meters away from Jammu railway station; the depot is in the midst of densely populated locality and being huddled in a small area of 8 acres, the risk of accidents or subversion are higher. Since oil it is combustible substances, any mishap taking place out of chance if not sabotage is bound to bring havoc to the population and structures so close to the depot. Being close to the railway line is a plus point for any oil depot but it has not to be too close and a hundred meters is too short a distance. Therefore, it was a right decision to shift the IOC Depot from present site. Even the civilian population around the area felt unsafe with a dangerous material in the shape of oil being stored in close proximity of civil lines.
The other part of the issue is where to shift. Barian in Samba was identified by the Revenue Department as the new site and somehow it was approved. However clearance had to be obtained from the Railways which were holding it back for reasons best known to them. IOC had been insisting on railways to issue clearance and the shifting would begin only then. But somehow, and again on unknown reasons, the Railway Board did not come up with clearance that was mandatory. Though Samba falls on the railway line yet railways had some reservations. As the tussle between the two was going on, a bombshell was dropped by the Defence Ministry when it cautioned the IOC about the risk of proposed oil depot in Barian being under enemy fire. The identified site is reported to be barely one kilometer from the border.
Samba border is vulnerable and it has also to be borne in mind that setting up oil depot so close to the border would be tantamount to inviting disaster for the people. The Defence Ministry would not be prepared to take any risk and has rightly cautioned the IOC and the railways. Attention of IOC authorities has now shifted from Samba to a safer place by the railway track between Jammu and Udhampur. Revenue authorities have moved the matter and search is on for a 120 acre strip in the neighbourhood of the railway line. It should be possible for the Revenue officials of two districts namely Jammu and Udhampur to identify the stretch of land without much hassle and the multi-crore project will kick start with that.
True this is a bad news for the youth of Samba and Barian areas. For quite some time they were made to believe that shifting of the IOC Depot could provide employment to a good number of the youth and those living in Samba would find a big opening with chances of expanding business and also self employment for the youth. Unfortunately, this had to be changed and national interests are more important. It is totally unwise to take any risk of exposing such a combustible stuff to the gunfire of the enemy and then witness stupendous devastation if oil catches fire. We cannot forget the tragedy that befell Jaipur some years back when the oil depot caught fire. Moreover, as we know, we have to deal with a relentless enemy who is ready to do any mischief conceivable. Samba has already seen the attack of jihadis who had clandestinely sneaked from the LoC. Therefore, it is prudent on the part of the Government and concerned ministries to have decided to shift the IOC Depot to a safer and not a vulnerable place.
The Government should instead propose some new industries for Barian and Samba regions with the purpose of providing employment to the youth of the regions. They have not to be deprived.
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