In its 117th year of historic refining journey, the Assam Oil Division (AOD) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Digboi Refinery created yet another milestone following an installation of a new plant in the refinery.
The new plant of Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) in the refinery was unveiled by the Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Dr Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.
The significant ceremony was held in presence of other officials of OPEC including Hasan Hafidh, Head Public Relations and Information Department, Nadir Guerer, Senior Research Analyst, Research Division, Herwig Steiner, Public Relations and Information Department, SM Vaidya, ED (OPS) IndianOil, Sukla Mistry, CGM (AOD), Manik Saikia, GM, In-charge, TS(HSE), NK Barua, GM, In-charge (T), PP Dhekial, GM (BD), senior officials of AOD, Digboi Refinery and a large gathering of employees.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Barkindo showered compliments on both IndianOil and AOD, Digboi Management for taking this innovative step towards evolving CRMB as special product. A tour of the refinery included pit-stops at the 1928 vintage Wax Moulding Shed and the historic ‘Still’.
“I am on a pilgrimage,” remarked Dr Barkindo as he stood awestruck to behold the Oil Discovery Well No 1 and the various vintage refining equipments exhibited inside the Digboi Centenary Museum Complex.
Further, expressing his thoughts on being able to visit Digboi – a name he had heard multiple times since his student days, he said, “A dream fulfilled finally as I have the distinct honour and privilege to visit the birthplace of this noble industry (oil) that fuelled the current civilization and will continue to do in the foreseeable future. I congratulate the Management of IOCL, Digboi and the Government of India for preserving this prized history.”
The OPEC team was given a guided tour of the museum by Sabeena Chowdhary, CM(H, CC & CSR) with detailed brief about the incredible facts that led to the discovery of oil in the remote corner of India in the times beyond-belief. The visit of the OPEC team to Digboi was commemorated aptly as each of them planted a fruit-bearing tree inside the museum complex.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Barkindo said, “Contrary to some views, the petroleum industry devotes its maximum priority, time and resources in the care and concern for the environment. I am extremely honoured on being able to participate in this meaningful action of tree plantation that too in this revered birth-place of Oil.”
The OPEC team also visited the Digboi War Cemetery and offered their prayers of peace for the war heroes.