BPCL-KR urged to consider Ayyankuzhi residents' demand for land acquisition

The Hindu

2 days ago

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited–Kochi Refinery (BPCL-KR) has been asked to proactively consider the demand of residents of Ayyankuzhi, located near the company's campus at Ambalamugal, to acquire their land on the grounds that it is unfit for habitation due to pollution.
This was one of the major points discussed during the Chief Secretary-level meeting held here a couple of days ago to consider the residents' longstanding demand for the acquisition of their land. Over 30 families remain sandwiched on a 9.4-acre strip between two major public sector units — Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) and BPCL-KR — at Ayyankuzhi.
The families were temporarily relocated to a lodge at Chottanikkara after around 200 metres of the KSEB's 220kV cables, laid in an underground trench inside the company's campus, caught fire on July 8, 2025, causing considerable discomfort to the residents. The families have since then refused to return to their homes unless a decision is taken on their demand for land acquisition.
'Over the past two years, several studies and reports have confirmed the residents' allegation that the area is unfit for habitation due to pollution. The Chief Secretary reminded BPCL-KR authorities that land had been acquired in places like Ahmedabad and Jharkhand following pollution by public sector units, and urged them to consider the residents' demand for acquisition. It was also decided that the State government would file a detailed report when the petition filed by Ayyankuzhi residents comes up before the Kerala High Court,' said P.V. Sreenijin, MLA, who attended the meeting.
The BPCL-KR authorities, however, reiterated their reservations about acquiring additional land, arguing that it would not benefit their project in any way. The company has consistently maintained that it does not share a boundary with the residential area. It also cited the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, which mandates that acquired land must be used strictly for the intended purpose.
Saji Kumar, convener of the Ayyankuzhi Janakeeya Samiti, said there was no question of the residents returning to their houses. 'Instead, the company may set a time frame of three to six months for the permanent acquisition of our land while providing us rent for that period. Even the latest report by the Pollution Control Board, prepared in the aftermath of the incident, has reaffirmed that our neighbourhood is unfit for habitation,' he added.
However, it is being pointed out that the residents staying away from the affected neighbourhood may have an adverse impact and water down the urgency to find a solution.