KOCHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to pay an environmental compensation of Rs 2 crore to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) within two months for the unscientific greenbelt developed by them. The order was passed by NGT while hearing petitions filed by residents’ associations living near the government-owned oil company’s Ambalamugal compound.
The NGT also directed the PSU to increase the density of tree cover in the areas already earmarked for greenbelt, in consultation with the state forest department. As per the NGT order, if the amount is not paid, the state PCB has been directed to take steps to recover the same from BPCL as per the law. The tribunal also directed BPCL to maintain the greenbelt along the boundaries as far as possible and plant species that will not cause any impediments to safety measures of the existing plants as per the guidelines issued by the different departments.
The company has been directed to maintain the greenbelt along the boundary in consultation with the safety departments concerned. The NGT directed the SPCB to suggest the methodologies by which the complaint of sound pollution can be avoided caused by the BPCL unit.
It has directed the company to implement the PCB’s suggestions to the letter and spirit. The NGT authorised the regulating authorities to take appropriate action against BPCL for non-compliance with the conditions, if any, imposed in the environmental clearance and other clearance or permission granted, strictly by law. The tribunal directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to ensure that, in future, if BPCL applies for any expansion within the area available in the industrial complex, they are to conduct a carrying capacity study.
ALL CONDITIONS COMPLIED WITH, SAYS BPCL
Reacting to the tribunal’s order, the BPCL spokesperson said, “BPCL Kochi Refinery has always displayed the highest level of commitment towards compliance with all conditions and stipulated norms regarding protection of health, safety and environment of our employees and stakeholders. We have taken utmost care to incorporate all necessary features which ensure safety during normal operations and emergency conditions.”