NGT directs oil companies to file status report on Vapour Recovery Systems in fuel outlets

The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed oil companies to file a status report on the implementation of Vapour Recovery System (VRS) in fuel retail outlets in Tamil Nadu. It also ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu government and the Central Pollution Control Board. The bench directed the oil companies to file a report on the volume of daily sales at retail outlets.

The applicant, V. B. R. Menon, an advocate, moved the Tribunal stating that a large number of petroleum retail outlets in the State are situated and operating in close proximity to residential buildings and public places, such as school, playgrounds and parks, thereby endangering public safety, health and security.

He submitted that as per various orders of the Principal Bench of the NGT, CPCB and the Supreme Court, installation of VRS Stage 1 and 2 has become mandatory and binding on the oil companies, subject to the population around the outlets.