Chief General Manager & Head – Fire Services, ONGC
A towering figure in India’s industrial safety and emergency response landscape, Mr. Dhananjay N. Patil has completed an extraordinary journey of 36 years and 5 months of dedicated service at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) — a Maharatna enterprise and the backbone of India’s energy security.
An alumnus of the National Fire Service College, Nagpur, Mr. Patil is highly qualified, holding a B.Sc., B.E. (Fire Engineering), an Advanced Diploma in Industrial Safety, NEBOSH certification, and recognition as a Lead Auditor. Beginning his career on 9th February 1989 as a Fire Officer, he rose steadily through the ranks with determination and professionalism, ultimately serving as Chief General Manager & Head of Fire Services at ONGC’s Corporate Office in New Delhi.
Decorated Service and National Recognition
Mr. Patil is the first Fire Engineer in ONGC to be awarded both the President’s Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service (2009) and the President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service (2017) — a rare dual honor that reflects his unparalleled contributions to national safety and resilience.
Leadership Across Critical Sectors
Over the course of his career, Mr. Patil demonstrated leadership across onshore, offshore, hydrocarbon processing plants, and fire safety training divisions, including ONGC’s prestigious Institute of Petroleum Safety, Health and Environment Management (IPSHEM), Goa. His work significantly strengthened ONGC’s fire service infrastructure, advanced training systems, and introduced innovative safety technologies.
Key Contributions and Innovations
- Modernized offshore safety by replacing Halon 1301 systems with environmentally safe Novec 1230.
- Successfully managed multiple blowout emergencies, including the critical R-147-A blowout in Sibsagar, Assam (June 12, 2025).
- Conceptualized firefighting system models for GGS, CTF, Drilling & Workover Rigs, showcased nationally and internationally.
- Framed technical specifications for firefighting and rescue equipment, contributing significantly to OISD standards.
A Legacy of Excellence
Respected deeply across the oil and gas sector, Mr. Patil’s vision and expertise enabled ONGC’s Fire Services to win multiple accolades, including the prestigious Genentech Safety Award in Training. His professional journey has been defined by integrity, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of safety excellence.
As he retired on 31st July 2025, Mr. Patil left behind a legacy that will inspire generations of safety professionals. His work not only safeguarded India’s energy infrastructure but also strengthened the nation’s overall industrial safety framework.
The SafeTech Awards 2025 is proud to honor Mr. Dhananjay N. Patil with the Lifetime Achievement Award — a recognition befitting a guardian of industrial safety, a mentor to many, and a national asset in every sense.
A Knowledge-Sharing Platform for the Future
Beyond individual recognition, the conference also served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, featuring insightful discussions, technical sessions, and case study presentations on emerging challenges in EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management. These interactions helped pave the way for future innovations and collaborative solutions across industries.
The presence of esteemed dignitaries further elevated the proceedings. SafeTech extended its deepest gratitude to the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour:
- E. Mr. Yogev Meushar, Trade Commissioner of Israel, Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai
- Santosh Warrick, Director – Maharashtra Fire Services & CFO MIDC Maharashtra
- Ram Dahifale, Additional Director – DISH Maharashtra
- Nalin Chaudhary, Director – Gujarat State Fire & Emergency Services
- Ravindera Ambulgakar, CFO – Mumbai Fire Brigade
- S. B. Jadeja, President IFE Gujarat & DFO Abd Fire Services
The After Movie of this edition captures the commitment, courage, and collaboration that define India’s evolving safety culture. Together, these collective efforts are propelling industries closer to the shared mission of Zero Accidents — transforming safety from a compliance mandate into a true culture of prevention, preparedness, and proactive leadership.
Heartfelt thanks from Team SafeTech to all delegates, speakers, and industry leaders who made the 5th SafeTech Awards & Conference 2025 an unforgettable celebration of safety excellence. The 5th Edition of the SafeTech Awards & Conference 2025 marked a Super Grand Success, uniting a record 589 delegates from across PAN India in Mumbai making it one of the largest gatherings of safety professionals, thought leaders, and industry stakeholders in the country. The event once again reaffirmed its reputation as India’s premier platform for recognizing excellence in industrial safety, emergency response, and risk management. This edition stood out as a landmark celebration of excellence, honoring both organizations and individuals who have set new benchmarks in safety culture, risk mitigation, and operational integrity. From recognizing pioneering factories and corporate units through the Industrial Safety Awards to saluting frontline heroes with the Safe India Hero Plus Awards, the event underscored the critical role of safety in ensuring business continuity, workforce morale, and national resilience. Among the many highlights, the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 was a moment of deep pride and inspiration, as the SafeTech platform paid tribute to one of India’s most respected fire and industrial safety leaders.