(TH)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) rapped Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and two other public sector oil companies for not complying with orders pertaining to the installation of anti-pollution vapour recovery systems at fuel stations.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel came down heavily on the companies and directed BPCL to deposit ₹1 crore fine levied on it by the Central Pollution Control Board earlier. The green panel further warned of punitive action against the company directors if the compliance reports are not submitted within two weeks.
“This is a matter of environment and you are playing with the lives of people. So we will also play with your lives. There is no harm in staying behind bars. The order was passed in September last year and you still have not complied with it. Why do we even have a tribunal if the orders are to be flouted by government officers themselves?” the Bench said during the hearing. The Bench has specified that no punitive action will be taken against officers if the compliance report satisfies the Bench.
