Hartal held at LG Polymers to demand justice; Situation under control

The residents of RR Venkatapuram near Visakhapatnam on Saturday held a hartal at LG Polymers Pvt. Ltd.  They were sought to be stopped by the police.  

The angry residents, many of whom belong to the families of victims of the recent Vizag Gas Leak tragedy, were there to demand justice.  The situation turned a bit tense for some time.  It’s under total control now.  

Media reports, meanwhile, say that the company has violated environmental rules and doesn’t hold a valid Environmental Clearance certificate.  In 2019, as per a New Indian Express report, LG Polymers “vowed to pay 100% penalty” for the violation of EC-related rules.

A per the report, the company is liable to pay penalties as per relevant provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, among others.

On Friday, the National Green Tribunal imposed a fine of Rs 50 Cr on LG Polymers.  This is only an interim penalty.