Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

NGT Orders BPCL to Pay ₹2 Crore as Environment Compensation to KSPCB

The NGT cleared the order while hearing a petition filed by associations of residents living near the state oil company's Ambalamugal compound.
April 22, 2022
Energy

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to pay ₹2 crore in environmental compensation within two months to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for the unscientific green belt created by them. The NGT cleared the order while hearing a petition filed by associations of residents living near the state oil company’s Ambalamugal compound.

The NGT, in consultation with the state forest department, directed the PSUs to increase the density of tree cover in areas already designated as greenbelts. According to the NGT order, if the money is not paid, the state PCB has been ordered by law to take action to recover the same amount from BPCL.

The court ordered BPCL to maintain the green belt along with the border and plant species as much as possible without creating a hindrance to the existing plant protection system based on the guidelines issued by the various departments.

The company has been tasked with maintaining the green belt along the border in consultation with the relevant security service. NGT orders SPCB to avoid noise pollution caused by the BPCL unit due to the processes.

The board has to suggest methodologies to avoid sound pollution. The regulating authorities have to take appropriate action against BPCL Kochi Refinery for non-compliance with conditions under environmental clearance and other permissions granted by the authorities.

Responding to the court order, a BPCL spokesperson said: “BPCL Kochi refinery has always demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the health, safety and environmental protection of its employees. and stakeholders. We have made sure to include all necessary facilities. is taken to ensure normal operation and safety in an emergency.