NGT Imposes ₹2 Crore Fine On Bharat Petroleum Refinery In Kochi For Unscientific Greenbelt

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed an environmental compensation of ₹2 crores on Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) Kochi Refinery for the "unscientific green belt" developed around its Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDDP) unit.

The Bench comprising Justice K. Ramakrishnan and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati has also asked the management to remit the money to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) within two months. The board has been directed to use the money to increase the green cover around the factory and nearby residential areas.

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 tribunal was considering a petition filed by residents' associations living near the government-owned oil company's Ambalamugal compound, alleging air and noise pollution owing to failure on the part of the company to follow environmental norms.

The plea had asked BPCL to maintain the green belt along the boundaries as far as possible and plant species that would not cause impediments to safety measures for the existing plants as per guidelines issued by various departments.

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.

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.

The NGT directed the SPCB to suggest the methodologies by which the complaint of sound pollution can be avoided caused by the BPCL unit. BPCL has also been directed 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. 

Advocate J. Sunil appeared for the applicants along with Advocate Jose Paul Thottam. Senior Advocate M. Vijayan and Advocate Kumaresan appeared for the respondents. 

Case Title: N.G. Soman v. Bharat Petroleum Co Ltd, Kochi & Ors.