Green Panel defers approval for Indian Oil Corp's Styrene project planned at Panipat

22-Aug-16

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL)'s proposed setting up of Styrene and Ethylene recovery units in the existing Panipat Naphtha Cracker Complex (PNCC) at an investment outlay of Rs 593 crore has been deferred by a green panel appointed by the Centre. The panel has deferred its decision on granting environment clearance for want of more information. “The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) examined the IOCL’s proposal in the recent meeting. After detailed deliberation, the Committee sought additional information,” a senior Environment Ministry official said. The EAC has asked IOCL to provide reasons for high carbon monoxide (CO) in ambient air and measure sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the existing unit and any additional SO2 emission from the proposed unit.

Presently, there is no Styrene producer in the country and entire quantity is imported by Indian Synthetic Rubber Limited (ISRL). Since IOCL is a 50% equity holder of ISRL, the proposed project will ensure steady supply of Styrene to the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) unit of ISRL. The proposal has been deferred till the desired information is submitted and site visit is conducted by the sub-committee of EAC.