Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding ethanol units operating without safety measures, 31/10/2018
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Social Action for Forest & Environment (SAFE) Vs. Union of India & Others dated 31/10/2018 regarding direction to close down operations of units functioning in violation of Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 and the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996. Directions have also been sought that Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Hindustan Oil Corporation (HOC) should not purchase ethanol from units operating without approval of the competent authority and without installing safety equipment.
National Green Tribunal notes that while availability of ethanol is important for environment as well as for foreign exchange, safety concerns are required to be addressed in accordance with law. Without safety measures approved by statutory authorities, including Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), the manufacturers of ethanol may not be allowed to function.