Environmentalist moves NGT seeking ban on petroleum coke

An environment activist today moved the National Green Tribunal seeking ban on use of all forms of petroleum coke, also called Petcoke, as it emits fine particulate matter (PM), which is harmful to human health.
Petcoke is a high calorific value solid fuel and is extensively used for power generation in various countries.
The plea has sought direction to the Centre to issue appropriate "notification/order/direction" to all the state governments and project proponents to stop using all forms of petroleum coke which emit large amount of sulphur dioxide in the environment.
"Burning of Pet-coke emits pollutants which impairs the functioning of upper respiratory system. It affects breathing, causes respiratory illness and lung cancer. Pet-coke emits high level of PM2.5 and PM10 that are harmful to human health," it said adding that "ban on Pet-coke will reduce national smoke level and improve air quality."

The petition filed by Pritam Singh has contended that demand and supply of Pet-coke was increasing at a high rate due to its cheaper cost and better availability compared to coal.
Singh has made Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Pollution Control Board as parties in the case and the matter is likely to come up for hearing on May 26.

"Pet-coke is being consumed by both the private and public sector with a massive growth rate. In FY 2013-14, 2.13 million tonnes were used in public sector and 9.662 million tons were used by the private sector. However in FY 2014-15, 2.381 million tonnes were used in public sector and 12.027 million tonnes were used in the private sector.

"That approximately 5.81 million tonnes of petroleum coke were imported in the country in FY 2014-2013 as compared to 3.57 million tonnes in FY 2013-2014, thus having the growth rate of 62 per cent," the plea, filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, said.
"Constitute the committee of independent experts to assess the situation and overall environment pollution and human health and other pollution caused due to the use of petroleum coke and to suggest the remedial measures thereto on account of loss of ecology, impact of pollution on natural resources, health of the people due to use of Pet coke (Petroleum Coke)," the plea sought.