State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Alexander Thomas has ordered the urgent intervention and site inspection at the level of the District Collector on the demand to rehabilitate 44 families who have been living for over 39 years on nine acres between the compound walls of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) in an area affected by severe environmental pollution.
The Commission instructed the Collector to appoint an expert team led by the Disaster Management Deputy Collector and the Environmental Engineer of the Pollution Control Board (PCB) to conduct a site inspection. The Collector may decide whether more experts are required.
The inspection must cover not only the complainants’ residential area but also the premises of BPCL and HOCL. The team should determine the exact number of residents, the extent of land to be acquired, and whether acquisition is unavoidable. The level of environmental pollution reportedly experienced by the complainants must also be assessed. If the companies do not acquire the land, whether the companies or the government should provide alternative rehabilitation instead should also be explored.
After careful evaluation, the Collector must submit recommendations to the Commission regarding land acquisition and rehabilitation of the 44 families. The expert team must record the statements of the families as well as representatives of the two companies. The report must be handed over to the Collector within six weeks, and the Collector must submit it to the Commission within one month thereafter.
The SHRC chief also ordered that the Deputy Collector (Disaster Management), Environmental Engineer (PCB), managing director/general manager of Hindustan Organic Chemicals, and representatives of BPCL must be present during the sitting scheduled for April at the Pathadippalam Public Works department rest house.
The action was initiated on a complaint by Sheena Mohanan and other residents of Ambalamugal.
Published – January 28, 2026 12:02 am IST
