LG Polymers fined Rs 50cr for Vizag gas leak by National Green Tribunal

The National Green Tribunal slapped an interim penalty of Rs 50 crore on LG Polymers India. The NGT also issued notices to Union Environment Ministry, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and others. This is regarding the Vizag gas leak incident. The National Green Tribunal sought response from the Centre and others for the “damage to life, public health, and environment”.

A bench is headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. It has set up a 5-member Committee to probe Thursday”s gas leak incident. They have to submit a report before May 18.

The bench said, “Having regard to the prima facie material regarding the extent of damage to life, public health, and environment, we direct LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd to forthwith deposit an initial amount of Rs 50 crore, with the District Magistrate, Vishakhapatnam, which will abide by further orders of this tribunal. The amount is being fixed having regard to the financial worth of the company and the extent of the damage caused.”

Styrene leak, a hazardous gas had leaked from a chemical plant at 3.45 am at Venkatpuram village in Visakhapatnam. The gas leak had lead to the death of 11 persons and the hospitalization of over a hundred. Twenty-five of those hospitalized is in serious condition. The chemical plant is owned by a South Korean company LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd.

LG Polymers has expressed condolences for the death of 11 people due to the gas leak at its Visakhapatnam chemical factory. They also assured of “all possible support” to ensure people and families affected by the incident are taken care of. The company has set up a special task force to help victims and families to resolve issues and provide assistance to the bereaved families.

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