Jharkhand makes pollution checking units at petrol pumps compulsory

RANCHI: The state government is firm on its decision of implementing the Supreme Court directive to install pollution checking units at petrol pumps by end of the year 2018.

CP Singh, Minister for Transport and Urban Development said that the government will not renew the licenses of petrol pump if owners fail to implement on the directive. He further said that the order is for both public sector oil companies as well as private sector oil companies operating in Jharkhand and the Government cannot compromise on pollution checking measures. Instructions have been issued to oil companies to adhere to the Supreme Court order.

Sanjeev Rana, general secretary of Coalfields Petroleum Dealers Association (CPDA) said that non-renewal of license by the government would create crisis of petroleum products in Jharkhand.

Besides, it’s the work of the oil companies to get licenses for the operation of pumps. If oil companies don’t take interest automatically the pumps would be closed, he added.

The Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association (JPDA) has moved Jharkhand high court against the government order of fixing time bar on the implementation of the SC order.

Ashok Kumar Singh, president, JPDA said that the state government must reconsider its stand of not renewing the licenses and every pump needs a proper review on practical feasibility, the economic condition of pumps as well as other requirements for the installation of the pollution control units.