NGT directs CPCB to ensure ban on petcoke, furnace oil

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday, July 17 directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to ensure the prohibition of petcoke and furnace oil and mobilize a shift towards cleaner alternatives. A bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairperson, NGT, on Thursday, July 16, directed CPCB to file an action taken report (ATR) within four months and listed the matter for further hearing on January 15, 2021.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Sumit Kumar and Amarjeet Kumar, which sought prohibition on the use of all forms of petcoke as they emit fine particulate matter (PM), which is harmful to human health.

The Tribunal has observed the Supreme Court’s order on banning the use of petroleum coke or petcoke – a solid-carbon, coal-like material which results from oil refining and furnace oil, in the National Capital Region (NCR) and recommended that similar steps be taken in other States.

The NGT had previously instructed the CPCB to take administrative and control measures. The Green Tribunal noted that the use of petcoke and furnace oil by the industry generates massive emissions of SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) and other pollutants and also noted that some states are continuing its use.

Orders of the Tribunal must be enforced and the CPCB must ensure compliance by issuing such directions as may be necessary in exercise of its statutory powers, NGT said.