Chennai: After several complaints over the petroleum odur in the downwind direction of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) plant in Manali, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued directions to limit its production to 75%.
The order of TNPCB has come after a five-member technical committee, comprising of scientists and representatives of IIT-M, Central Pollution Control Board and Anna University, submitted a report with the recommendation of the state on July 27. The TNPCB hinted that CPCL was the source of the smell and advised it to reduce the use of high sulphur crude oil in the plant.
According to a report on The New Indian Express, around 15 teams of environmental engineer/assistant engineers from August 6 are provided with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) to check the air quality in places in and around Manali and Tiruvottiyur.
TNPCB Chairperson Jayanthi said, the ground measures to monitor the air quality will continue till August 12.
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Earlier, Environment Minister Siva Meyyanathan said, the technical committee found that CPCL is the reason for the odour and has recommended ways to curb it.
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment Department, CPCL has been told to carry out measures for addressing the issue by the committee.
In an official response to TNIE, CPCL said that they were following all the directions issued by TNPCB.
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However, the Petroleum dealers express worry over the reduction of production.
Petroleum dealers express concern
The State President of Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association told The Hindu, the impact is yet to be felt due to the available stock but the development should not affect the consumers.
Meanwhile, the associations have also information National Bombay stock exchanges on the advice of TNPCB.