Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding installation of Stage-I and Stage-II Vapor Recovery Devices at fuel stations, National Capital Territory of Delhi, 01/11/2018
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Aditya N. Prasad & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 01/11/2018 regarding installation of Stage-I and Stage-II Vapor Recovery Devices (VRDs) at all fuel stations, distribution centers, terminals, railway loading/unloading facilities and airports in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Such devices are required to safeguard against Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) released in the process of transfer of petroleum products. 
VOCs are highly toxic in nature resulting in serious adverse health impact. The Tribunal had directed oil companies (present before the Tribunal) to complete the process of installing VRDs by 31.10.2018 with regard to petrol pumps selling more than 300 KL per month. The remaining were to comply with the directions by 31.12.2018. HPCL and BPCL has sought extension of time upto December 2019 for installing VRS Stage-IB at Retail Outlets in NCT Delhi.
National Green Tribunal finds no justification to grant any further extension of time and dismisses the applications. The Court also directed that the directions will apply to the entire National Capital Region (NCR) where the air quality is extremely bad. This modified direction for area outside NCT Delhi be complied within three months.