Kochi: The opposition to the LPG Terminal at Puthuvypeen has been mainly on safety concerns and violations of environmental norms. The people opposing the project allege that the IOCL has been constructing the plant in area described as intertidal zone in violation of the clearance given by the Ministry Environment and the National Green Tribunal. The MOEF and Coastal Regulation Zone Authority have permitted the IOCL to undertake construction of the project from 200 metres from the high tide line.
According to them, on an average, 2 to 3 metres of land is getting eroded in this areas every year and currently the construction is taking place in such an area. The fisher folks living in the area are apprehensive that any damage to the plant located in such a sensitive area will have serious consequences for the people. They also fear that any leak would have a major fall out on the fishing wealt. The opponents of the project say that under the guise of permission granted by the IOCL for the construction away 200 metres the promoters of the project are undertaking construction within 200 metres.
The people opposing the project have already filed a revision petition in the HC and the court is scheduled to hear the case. The NGT order has strictly stated that the construction should be undertaken only in accordance with the environmental norms including 200-metre distance. The activists also claim that the environmental clearances obtained five years ago is not valid due to the changes and a fresh appraisal should be done before proceeding with the project. The Elankunnapuzha Panchayat has also not given its approval for the project, they say.
