The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has slapped a fine of Rs. 2 crore on state-owned oil marketing company Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for not installing vapour recovery systems (VRS) at its petrol refuelling stations and storage terminals within the given deadline.
The CPCB issued a notice to BPCL under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, stating that the company had not installed the VRS within the timeline fixed by the Supreme Court and the CPCB. BPCL has said that it is examining the notice and will give an appropriate reply soon.
VRS are systems that help to capture and recover petrol vapours that are released into the atmosphere during refuelling and storage. Petrol vapours are a major source of air pollution, and VRS can help to reduce emissions by up to 90%.
The Supreme Court had ordered all oil marketing companies to install VRS at their petrol pumps and storage terminals by March 2023. However, BPCL was unable to meet the deadline.
The CPCB's decision to fine BPCL is a welcome step. It will send a strong signal to other oil marketing companies that they need to comply with environmental regulations. It will also help to improve air quality in the country.
The delay in installing VRS at BPCL's petrol pumps and storage terminals is a matter of concern. Petrol vapours are a major source of air pollution, and they can cause serious health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and cancer. The CPCB should take steps to ensure that all oil marketing companies comply with the Supreme Court's order and install VRS within the stipulated deadline.
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