LI Network
Published on: October 23, 2023 at 12:46 IST
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed fines on two state-owned giants, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), for their failure to install pollution control devices at their petrol pumps. This move by the CPCB is a significant step in enforcing environmental regulations and preventing pollution.
The CPCB has imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on IOC and Rs 2 crore on BPCL for their non-compliance with regulations related to the installation of pollution control equipment at their petrol pumps. These fines were disclosed by the two companies in separate stock exchange filings.
IOC, in response to the CPCB’s directive, has confirmed that it has been directed to pay a compensation of Rs 1 crore for their failure to install Vapour Recovery Systems (VRS) at retail outlets in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The fine is a result of their inability to meet the timeline set by the Supreme Court for the installation of VRS at petrol refueling stations. VRS plays a crucial role in preventing the release of petrol vapors, which contain harmful substances such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, into the atmosphere during refueling. This regulation was put in place in 2016 to mitigate the environmental impact of petrol vapor emissions.
Despite the imposition of this fine, IOC has clarified that it will not affect the overall operations and activities of the company. The financial implications are limited to the compensation amount of Rs 1 crore, and the company remains committed to addressing environmental concerns.
In a separate filing, BPCL revealed that it has received a notice under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, requiring them to pay an environmental compensation of Rs 2 crore to the CPCB.
This compensation is a consequence of BPCL’s failure to install Vapour Recovery Systems within the prescribed timeline, as mandated by both the Supreme Court and the CPCB, at their petrol refueling stations and storage terminals.
BPCL has stated that they are currently examining the notice and intend to respond appropriately, including requesting the CPCB not to proceed further and discharge the company from the notice. Both IOC and BPCL received these notices on October 19, 2023,