RIL asked to respond to radiation complaints

Amid the ongoing debate over the Bhopal gas tragedy and inadequate compensation paid to victims, reports of a radiation from the Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries petrochemicals manufacturing plant at Nagothane in Maharashtra has forced the district authorities to swing into action. The Raigad district administration has asked RIL to submit details regarding production and safety measures at the plant.

The district administration moved after it received complaints from local villagers about irritation due to the alleged radiation.

The Nagothane plant comprises an ethane and propane gas cracker and five downstream plants for the manufacture of polymers, fibre intermediates and chemicals. Incidentally, the American Society for Training and Development had in February this year recognised the Nagothane plant with an ‘Excellence in Practice’ award for achieving world-class safety in operations. However, in June 2008, three people had died while one was injured following a fire at the plant.

Raigad District Collector Subhash Sonawane told Business Standard: “RIL has been asked to explain its case with regard to the complaint on radiation from Nagothane plant. There is some emission which the company claims is below permissible level. However, I have asked industry department officials to verify emission levels.”

He informed he had yet to receive RIL’s explanation in this regard. Sonawane further said that, based on RIL’s submission, a future course of action would be decided.

An RIL spokesperson said: “The Nagothane plant makes petrochemicals and this manufacturing process does not involve any process that can produce radiation. Operations at the plant are continuing safely and smoothly.”