CHENNAI: A month after Express reported contamination of groundwater in the residential area surrounding the Hindustan Petroleum outlet in Nehru Nagar in Chromepet, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to disconnect the power supply to the outlet. The outlet operated by Mahalakshmi Agencies remained shut since Thursday.
The board exercised powers conferred under Section 33A of The Water ( Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which allows it to stop power supply to ensure closure of the organisation.
The Pallavaram Municipality, after receiving repeated complaints of smell of petrol in groundwater from residents around the petrol outlet, ordered a test in July. Two of the four groundwater samples taken tested positive for hydrocarbon aroma. The results of the test conducted by the Chief Water Analysis Laboratory in Guindy on behalf of the municipality was forwarded to the TNPCB on August 28.
When contacted by Express on September 12, a joint environmental engineer handling the case at the TNPCB promised prompt action if seepage of fuel into the groundwater was confirmed.
Residents first came across the petrol smell in groundwater in 2015. Both the operator and Hindustan Petroleum immediately denied any leaks in the storage tanks after conducting checks.
A K Karunakaran, proprietor of Mahalakshmi Agencies, told Express on September 12 that the entire piping system had been changed in 2016 though the earlier one had clearance.
Residents of Nehru Nagar welcomed the closure and hoped the petrol aroma in groundwater would soon become a thing of the past. However, there are concerns over HP being let off the hook easily.
“Being a local, the outlet operator went out of his way to help residents with alternative drinking water. But the company - HP - has not done anything for the affected residents. It is the company that is responsible for the maintenance of the facility. Why are they not being pulled up,” said V Santhanam, an activist.