Oil companies in Chennai would be directed to shift petroleum pipelines in some areas on the back of complaints from residents that they are polluting the ground water.
The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal was hearing a petition filed by local residents in North Chennai. The petitioner argued that the pipelines were carelessly laid in the midst of thickly populated areas of Chennai.
The laying of these pipelines through residential areas exhibits the non-application of mind on part of the oil companies, the petition had said. The petitioners complained that their bore well water was contaminated with oil.
The Bench asked senior officials, not below the rank of joint secretary in the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas, to be present before it on August 2 to explain the steps taken to rectify the problem.
Following this, Joint Secretary (refineries) RK Singh was present during the hearing.
During the hearing, Singh assured that his ministry would direct oil companies to shift some of the pipelines from certain areas of North Chennai.
“We understand that IIT Madras has been entrusted with the job of submitting a report. We will direct the oil companies accordingly,” he said, .
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