Clearance for IOC's Kochi LPG Terminal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given a ‘go ahead’ to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)’s stalled LPG import terminal project at Puthuvypeen near Kochi in South India.
A statement from IOC said that NGT reaffirmed its previous order dated August 2, 2016, thereby removing the hurdles in resuming its prime infrastructure project in the State. The project work has been stalled since February 15 due to protests, alleging that IOC is violating NGT order.
IOC's project was to construct a LPG Import Terminal of six lakh tonne capacity a year at Kochi in Puthuvypeen SEZ of Cochin Port Trust.
A report in the Hindu quoted PS Mony, General Manager and State Head, Kerala saying that the NGT passed an order confirming that there is no bar on proceeding with the work according to the August 2 order and hence no obstruction should be caused to the project work. In case of any obstruction, IOC is entitled to take appropriate action in accordance with law.
The project also includes laying of a pipeline from the Jetty to Kochi refinery via IOCL's LPG Plant at Kochi. This pipeline would be hooked to Kochi-Salem Pipeline, which is also under construction.