Vizag gas tragedy: NGT serves notices to LG Polymers and Centre

Visakhapatnam: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed LG Polymers India Private Limited to deposit an initial amount of Rs 50 crore for the human loss and damage caused by styrene gas leak in Vizag city on Thursday.

A bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, issued notice to the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Union Environment Ministry, seeking their response on gas leakage by May 18.

Styrene gas leakage claimed 12 lives, including two children, and caused sickness to over 400 people in and around RR Venkatapuram, where LG Polymers was located.

The NGT also constituted a five-member fact-finding committee, to be headed by a former Andhra Pradesh High Court judge, to probe into the incident and submit a report to the tribunal.

Having regard to the prima facie material regarding the extent of damage to life, public health and environment, we direct LG Polymers India Pvt Limited to forthwith deposit an initial amount of Rs 50 crore, with the district magistrate, Visakhapatnam, 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,” e bench said.