A public hearing for the environment clearance for setting up a polyol plant by Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s Kochi refinery was held here at the district collectorate on Monday under the aegis of State Pollution Control Board. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla presided.
A press release from the Public Relations Department said that Puthenkurisu panchayat president P.K. Velayudhan expressed the opinion that the problems associated with the establishment of the Kochi refinery itself should be avoided in the case of the proposed plant. The press release said that ₹9,000 crore was being invested in the propylene-based plant. The demand that land close to the project site should be taken over by BPCL was also raised during the public hearing. BPCL executive director Prasad M. Panicker answered questions raised at the hearing.
Environmental engineer M.A. Baiju, Deputy Collector A.P. Jose, social workers, representatives of political parties, office-bearers of residents’ associations in the district, officials of Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and representatives of government agency Kinfra were present.
Memorandum submitted
Meanwhile, a representation submitted at the public hearing by Residents Association Apex Council raised several demands. These included adherence to all environmental norms.
The formation of a green belt was one of the important factors, the memorandum pointed out.
It also demanded that the authorities concerned should ensure smooth road traffic. One of the suggestions put up was that the Pettah-Ambalamugal-Karimugal Road be made into a four-lane road. Along with it, the Seaport-Airport Road should be made four-lane.
