Vizag Gas Leak: NGT Directs LG Polymers To Deposit Rs.50 Cr. And Forms 6 Member Committee
In the incident of Vizag Gas Leak, National Green Tribunal has taken up suo-moto case and directed LG Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. to deposit an initial amount of Rs. 50 Cr. on the prima facie material regarding the extent of damage to life, public health and environment. The said amount has been fixed having regard to the financial worth of the company and the extent of the damage caused, order stated.
The incident claimed atleast 11 lives and over 1000 residents got hospitalized. The incident took place in the wee hours at styrene gas plant owned by South Korean electronics LG. So far, 11 people have died and over 1000 residents got hospitalized.
Styrene is a colourless, flammable liquid which is used to prepare polystyrene plastics, rubber and fibre glass. It is used in pipes, insulation, automobile parts etc.
“Styrene gas is a hazardous chemical as defined under Rule 2(e) read with Entry 583 of Schedule I to the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989. There appears to be failure to comply with the said Rules and other statutory provisions. Leakage of hazardous gas at such a scale adversely affecting public health and environment, clearly attracts the principle of ‘Strict Liability’ against the enterprise engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous industry,” the bench observed.
Read also: Vizag Gas Leak: How Deadly Is The Styrene Gas?
The 6 member committee has also been formed for fact finding and reporting. The Committee may visit and inspect the site at the earliest and give its report before the next date i.e. 18.05.2020.
The Committee may specifically report on:
- The sequence of events;
- Causes of failure and persons and authorities responsible therefor;
- Extent of damage to life, human and non-human; public health; and environment – including, water, soil, air;
- Steps to be taken for compensation of victims and restitution of the damaged property and environment, and the cost involved;
- Remedial measures to prevent recurrence;
- Any other incidental or allied issues found relevant.
Read the order:
