The fight for clean air in Kochi village catches NGT’s notice
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have been ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to submit reports by April 4 in response to the report “Begging for Breath: Trapped between industries Kochi residents gasp for fresh air,” which was published by TNIE on February 23. The NGT took cognisance suo motu of the report.
The case will be placed before the NGT at Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg in New Delhi on the specified day, according to the order, which was issued on March 13.
The TNIE research brought attention to the predicament of the people living in Ayyankuzhi hamlet in Ambalamugal, a narrow stretch of land bounded by the walls of the refineries owned by Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) in Kochi. Just 29 of the 41 households who formerly called the village home still do, with the primary reason for their departure being pollution. Additionally, the locals claim that the industrial buildings have encroached on 9.5 acres of community property.
According to Deepesh V, the CPCB coordinator for Kerala and Lakshwadeep, they have filed a report with the NGT based on the complaints that locals lodged against BPCL in 2022.
“We’ve turned in an early report. After it is transferred to the NGT’s southern bench, the board will have the authority to take any action, he said.
According to KSPCB head engineer Babu Raj (Ernakulam), their results have not yet been submitted. “We are unable to provide more report details. We haven’t carried out any surveys since the warning was sent out. Details of our prior inspections will be included in the report that has to be submitted. Only after receiving an order from the NGT will any further action be taken, he said.
‘BPCL requested payment of Rs 2 crore as solatium in ’22’
In 2022, the NGT ordered BPCL to provide compensation after considering a case brought by Vipin Nath A V and Sinu C Jacob of Kakkad Kara, N G Soman, and K J Mani.
“BPCL was ordered by the April 19, 2022, NGT ruling to pay Rs 2 crore in compensation. The objections were made on the basis that BPCL’s PDPP project was operating difficultly since there was no buffer zone or green belt between the residential and industrial zones. But BPCL was able to get the SC to grant a stay,” Deepesh said.
Results of the medical camp: at 2023, the Ernakulam district medical office conducted a medical camp at Ayyankuzhi as a result of the Kerala High Court’s involvement. 85 people (44 girls and 41 men) were investigated based on its data. The most prevalent conditions found were tiredness, dyspnea with exercise, cough, nasal allergies, recurrent respiratory infections, and chest heaviness. It was discovered that at least seven individuals had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
