In a recent development, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has taken action against two prominent state-owned corporations, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), for their failure to implement pollution control measures at their petrol pumps. These measures included the installation of Vapour Recovery Systems (VRS) aimed at curbing the release of harmful petrol vapours containing cancer-causing compounds. The fines imposed by the CPCB amount to ₹1 crore for IOC and ₹2 crore for BPCL, and are linked to the non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives regarding VRS installation within the National Capital Region (NCR).
Both corporations have been officially notified of these penalties, with IOC confirming that the ₹1 crore fine will have limited financial implications for its operations. On the other hand, BPCL has expressed its intent to challenge the fine, stating that it will provide an appropriate response to the CPCB’s notice and requesting that the company be discharged from further action. These notices were issued to both entities on October 19, 2023. While these fines have been levied, they are not expected to significantly disrupt the daily operations of either IOC or BPCL.
This regulatory action underscores the increasing focus on environmental protection and pollution control, with regulatory authorities in India taking stringent measures to ensure compliance with established environmental standards. The fines serve as a reminder to corporations to prioritize eco-friendly practices in their operations to mitigate environmental harm and public health risks.
