NGT takes cognisance of petroleum outlets’ failure to check harmful vapour

The bench comprising judicial member Justice R Ramakrishnan and expert member Saibal Dasgupta recorded the directions given last year by the principal bench to the oil companies to install VRS, and ordered notice returnable by a week.

“On going through the allegations in the application, we are satisfied that there arises a substantial question of the environment which requires the interference of this Tribunal. Further, we also feel it necessary to ascertain the status of implementation of the direction issued by the principal bench in respect of establishment of new petroleum outlets and also in the existing outlets regarding the installation of VRS from the oil corporations before proceeding further,” the bench said, and posted the plea to September 22.

The petitioner, VBR Menon, had submitted that the oil marketing companies in Tamil Nadu have decided increase the number of retail outlets, but without abiding by the directions issued by the principal bench on July 22, 2019 of providing VRS Stage 1 and 2 in all the existing and the proposed retail outlets in the interests of public health and safety.

He also pointed out that a large number of existing outlets are situated in close proximity to residential buildings, and public places such as schools, play grounds, parks, etc., which is endangering public safety, health and security due to the presence of harmful petroleum vapour.

Lack of sufficient awareness among the public about the serious harm that the petroleum vapour would cause to their health and safety has been taken advantage of by the oil companies, ignoring the social responsibility they owe to the public and the environment, he added.