Baghjan oil blowout: NGT holds M/s John Energy responsible for lapses

In its order on oil blowout and other consequential events at Baghjan issued on Thursday, the National Green Tribunal

TINSUKIA: In its order on Baghjan oil blowout and other consequential events at Baghjan issued on Thursday, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed that Justice BP Katakey's report was based on review of secondary data which needed further verification. The report was, however, accepted on the subject of compensation for three categories of victims. The Tribunal's Bench accepted some of OIL's technical statement and made M/s John Energy responsible for its lapses that led to the blowout.

The Bench headed by Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairperson, SP Wangdi, Judicial Member, and Dr. Nagin Nanda, expert member, in continuation of earlier orders dated June 24, 2020 and July 2, 2020, maintained that no site visit was undertaken and the statement of Niranta Gohain was not credible. The Bench, however, gave fillip to OIL by stating that the oil giant followed all safeguards and SoPs and had employed experienced contractor-M/s John Energy. The Bench said it was the contractor who violated the laid-down procedures. Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) were taken by OIL in composite application as per practice, including procurement of Environment Clearance (EC).

In respect of interim compensation, the Bench maintained that it was not justified to award additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh in addition to Rs 20 lakh already paid to those whose houses were completely gutted and also to be excluded from the interim compensation recommended by the Committee. Victims whose houses have been severely damaged will be compensated with Rs 10 lakh and those whose houses have been moderately/partially damaged or whose standing crops and horticulture have been partially damaged will get Rs 2.5 lakh and will be subject to identification by the Tinsukia district administration, which may be completed preferably within one month. The Assam State Legal Services Authority will oversee the process, the Bench observed while accepting the recommendation for interim compensation to the families who have moved out of the relief camps after the blowout of 27.05.2020 and to the families who have shifted to the relief camps after explosion on 09.06.2020.

The case will be heard next on November 3, 2020.

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National Green Tribunal