PUBLIC HEARING

M/s The Oil Petronas Ltd., bottling unit conducted public hearing through the Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) on 22nd August 2017 in the premises (S.F. No. 94 Pt, 95 Pt etc., Athipattu Village, Taluk, District). The public hearing notice was published in 2 leading newspapers one in English (The New Indian Express) and one in vernacular language - Tamil (Dinamani). The public hearing was conducted in line with the new EIA notification dated 14th September 2006. The notices and photographs of the public hearing are given below. A copy of the Proceedings and time bound action plan towards the issues raised during the public hearing is given below. NOTICES - ENGLISH AND TAMIL PHOTOGRAPHS

Time Bound Action Plan for Issues Raised During the Public Hearing

S. Questions by the Participants Response by Project Fund Time Bound No proponent of IPPL Allocated if Action Plan applicable Mr. M T G Kathirvel, Athipattu Village Panchayat Ex. President 1. He stated that the implementation of the proposed schemes and the safety measures IPPL has taken all taken by the organization were explained precautionary safety clearly. There is no awareness among the measures to avoid public about this organization. Public accidents. Further, awareness should be created by conducting IPPL will initiate Awareness Meeting once in three months or six measures to create months and explained to them about the safety safety awareness measures taken by the organization and the among local people. need to protect them during accidents. Further he stated that literate and illiterate IPPL has already young boys and girls are living in this area and given job they all should be given employment under this opportunities for 60 expansion scheme. peoples as per requirement. Further he expressed his gratitude personally Whenever new to the organization. The visit of District opportunity arise, the Collector for this public hearing meeting is a same shall be divine gift for us. Pudu Nagar Village was considered. created after the establishment of North Thermal Plant 29 years back and till date no patta has been issued to the people of this village. lnspite of giving petitions separately and also during Jamapandhi events and expressed the same in the various meetings, no patta has been issued to the public of this area. Because of this, people are in stress and they are in agitating mood. Though petitions were given to the District Collector, no action has been taken. People thought of conducting agitation by returning_ the Ration Cards. But, during the Grama Sabha meeting, a word has been mentioned about the present Collector. That is, whenever and wherever meetings are being organized by the public and wherever there is a problem, the present District Collector is the only person will appear in person. During the rainy season, the present Collector personally visited this area and Noted. Issues monitored the relief works and repaired the pertaining to Patta buckingam canal. When the issue of patta has will sorted out by been informed to the present Collector, she District assured to take action quickly for issuance of Administration. patta. Hence, we hope all the 546 persons will get patta. Like this, he requests that the young boys and girls of this area be given employment. Mr.Thirullayaraja, Athipattu. Pudhu Nagar. 2. He expressed his gratitude to express his views during the public hearing IPPL has already Fund Approval is meeting and he pointed out their long term provided drinking allocated for awaited from grievances. They have water problem for a long water supply from installation of District time. I.P.P.L. organization has solved this issue. kosasthalai river by RO Plant of Collectorate For this, he thanked this organization. But, at laying 14 km of pipe 10 KLD Office for the same time, he wish to state that the water is line and constructed capacity. execution of slightly salty. Therefore, it is better if they take 30 KL capacity over - project. any action on this. As per the proverb, 'No head tank and 30 KL world without water' water is very essential. Water sump for But, the water coming in this area is not drinking water suitable for drinking. Therefore, please rectify distribution. this. CSR activities carried Further he stated that roads in Athipattu- out in villages nearby Pudhu Nagar are in very worst condition and company. are in the state of deterioration, stagnation of 1)Athipattu Village : water on the higher side during rainy season School building (12 due to the non-availability of drainage facility. class room) , Public It has been reported that this organisation Toilet (2 blocks), allotted approximately Rs. 5 crore from its CSR Supplied Tractor with Fund. But, it is doubtful whether they have Tipping Trailer for done the work of nearly Rs. 5 Crore in our area MSW removal. and he expressed that the fact prevailing in that 2)Athipattu Pudu area. If they have no faith, they can come and Nagar: Laid 14 km of see the place. A person can look after his pipe line and necessities through his own income. But, there constructed 30 KL are certain works which have to be done by the capacity over -head Government. The works done by the tank and 30 KL Water Government have not reached the Pudhu Nagar sump for drinking area. They hope that some works will be done water distribution. through this organisation. But, no work has 3) : 200 KL been done so far. At present, they have capacity Over head provided only the water tank. It is not his Tank, 20 nos of Dust personal demand. Kindly accept this as the Bin, Supplied demand of the people of Athipattu-Pudhu Hydraulic Tipper for Nagar area. MSW removal.

Likewise, employment opportunities have to be created his father is doing the work of his IPPL has already grandfather. However, no youngster in my age given job group is in Government service. He is working opportunities for 60 in a private company by travelling 4 hours per peoples as per day. Even though he find it difficult and not able requirement. to earn sufficiently and lead his life properly. Whenever new All the youngsters in this area are in this stage opportunity arise, the only. Kindly create permanent employment same shall be opportunities for all of us. His father and others considered. will retire soon within 2 to 3 years from their services and for the betterment of his and their children; he offers the employment opportunity within this area. If employment opportunity is provided by the Companies in this area, they will work honestly and obediently and lead a life without any difficulty. This is the voice of the youngsters. District Collector should pay special attention on this and provide job to all. Further drainage facility should be provided. In the absence of this, production of mosquitoes The future CSR are on the higher side thereby causing diseases, activities will be similarly, necessary transport facility should carried out in also be provided. The Government has already consultation with announced this area as the ' Hazardous zone '. concern authorities. It is the duty of these organisations to protect the people who are living in this area. If all the facilities are provided by the organisation, they will not raise any objection to the schemes proposed by the organisation. If facilities are provided, we will not opt for agitation. ·we will protest only when there is no other alternative. Hence, kindly understand our sentiments. Tmt. Mariammal, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 3. She stated that they have no housing facility. IPPL has constructed They are living in the huts. If there is a 46000 KL of Rain continuous rain for two days, they will not Water harvesting come out of the huts. As there are companies Pond for collecting around us, there is no provision to discharge rain water and the the water. same is utilized for plant operation, No When water was released one time, it has come water is left out. to their huts and all the things in their huts Outside Drainage were ruined. If there is a rain during night, they facility is related to cannot sleep in the huts. Water will come to District their huts suddenly. Kindly provide facility to Administration. discharge the water outside. Thiru. M. Sridhar, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 4. He stated that If they place a glass in our area We submit to inform . or in front of this unit and we can observe that our plant smoke deposit in the same glass in the next day emission is within the and smoke is the only pollution in the gas plant PCB norms and and they have to point out that only. As far as Ambient Air & Water seIf defense is concerned, as pointed out by our Quality returns are Ex. President, an awareness should be created submitted to PCB among the public through concerned periodically. Dust Departments. Even all sensors are working, it problem is not on cannot be believed firmly. Hence, they have to account of IPPL explain the manual aspect. Further he stated that Water facility has been provided and they will have to make it clear how long they can provide water with the source available at present' There is no ground water in this area. It is only because of IPPL Organization, they are receiving water daily. Further they have explained about the expansion scheme. But, they have to explain in what way the people will be benefitted because of this scheme. Already, all the demands put forth by the people of this area when Thermal Plant unit '1 230 MW was started 27 IPPL will address years back have not been fulfilled. the issues as per the Now unit -2 & unit - 3 were started. company policy. Employment was given to the people of this area at that time. This is the only benefit we got it from the Government. Otherwise, no basic facility has been provided and they have been giving petitions frequently. Outsiders are working in this organisation. But there is no employment opportunity for the people of this area. Even if they ask him now, he can furnish the resume of persons who are holding degrees 20 no’s and diplomas 50 no’s Further he stated that to get a job in this organisation, Gate Examination has to be cleared. In this circumstance, what is the guarantee of providing 10 employments to our people? They will have to clarify this. The is very near to this place. There is no sufficient drainage facility in this area, It will take long time to drain the Drainage and Other water, There are two estuaries one is Adayar & issues pertaining to this . Only through the Ennore Estuary, Patta is related to water is also coming from Andhra. Pudhu District Nagar is a marsh land. If they examine the Administration. persons living in this area who are below 60 years, you can find pollution of coal layer in their lungs. Here, some of these organisations like Chettinad Coal terminal are not taking action to control pollution. Likewise, Open Conveyor Belts are available. Further he stated that , If anything happened seriously to the people of this During flood time area, Ambulance could not come into the IPPL has distributed village; Similarly, if fire accident takes place in Food, Bed spread, the organization, it will be put off. But, if it Mat, Food Materials happens in the village, Fire Extinguisher vehicle cannot enter, because the roads are very through village narrow and small. When this area was affected panchayat during rainy season, no help was extended to representatives. us through this organisation. There was not even an offer from the Company for our stay inside the organisation during emergency. In this situation, how can they believe this organisation? At that time, they stayed in over- bridge and railway station, Further he mentioned that they will know the fact of the school in this area. It is not enough if they help CSR Budget only Athipattu. They should provide facility to Proposal to provide will be Pudhu Nagar also. Similarly, toilet facility can Toilet blocks and allocated be extended to our village instead of providing Primary Health during 2018- to Minjur Town Panchayat. In our village, there Centre is under 19 is no toilet facility through Government. The consideration and people who are living here are not having shall be provided sufficient money to do it independently. To discharge the rain water out, only a channel of 10 metre is available. Hence, we don't know how many days it will take to drain the water. In this regard they asked to M/s BPCL and they stated that the unit has obtained necessary clearance. Though we have presented petitions to the District Collector three months back for issuance of patta, no action has been taken and hence once again they are submitting the petition. They are not able to do any work for ourselves because of the non issuance of patta. If patta is issued, we 'can construct houses either on our own or through Government. If it is not possible to issue patta, kindly relocate us. He also stated that If the officers of the Pollution Control Board will stay in this area for two days, they will find out then amount of pollution in this area. Next he pointed out employment opportunity. Even though there are several companies in this area, they are not able to get employment. There is no playground in this area. Because of this, there is no opportunity for the students of this area to play in the morning as we as in the evening which will lead to the possibility of doing wrong things. Diabetic patients and other patients are not able to go for walking because of heavy traffic in the roads. Though there is no road, we want drainage facility should be done. Though the estuary is very near, water is not able to exit. How is this? Hoping that you will extend all the facilities mentioned above, Thiru. Prabhakaran, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 5. He is reported that, a sum of Rs. 5 crore has been allotted for the development of this area- we don't know about this. But, one tank has been constructed in this area, Drainage facility Related query is important because in the absence of drainage already addressed facility, dengue diseases are high in this area. in sl no 2 with regard to pollution, he wish to state that ash is coming out from NTECL, Chettinad and India cements, etc, if we keep the water in a pot during night, you can see the ash in the water when you get up in the morning. They are inhaling and eating this ash. one officer while speaking here stated that highway, port, airport are very near to this area, But, they should see whether a man can live in this area, Necessary funds should be allocated to our people who are living very close to this company, As the potable water is not available here; they are buying canned water by spending a sum of Rs. 900/ per month. Further he stated that by using fund, they should develop the facilities in the school which is located in this area. Further, the Elementary school (up to VIII std.) should be upgraded as High school (X Std.). Finally he stated that patta should be issued to the people who are living here for the past 25 years. The District collector should make necessary arrangements to issue patta in addition to providing channel facility. Mr. Sunandha Reddy, Environmentalist 6. He said that he is an Environmentalist and he Noted and congratulated the I.P.P.L Management will Management and their consultant. He consider in future. appreciated the unit to planting 40% of green belt. Normally, the norms of MoEF, 33%. But, they are adopting 40o/o it they increase it to 50% it will be well and good. Further he stated that being it is a non polluting unit and the nearby industries are polluting here, hence it is their responsibility to increase some more plantation to control the Air pollution, water pollution,. He appreciated the unit that they are not using ground water and surface water. They are purely depending on Metro water supply and it is very useful for maintaining the ecological balance. For this expansion they are protecting 60 Crore plants either Bio-mass or Firewood, whatever it may be. Further he suggested that please take water harvesting in this 110 acres they can get 35 thousand litres of rain water per annum. Further skill development training is essential. They are giving employment to villagers and he humbly request that to promote skill development training to unemployed youth to get better skills and get employment opportunities in this industry. The other youths could get employment in some other industries. whatever they spending in CSR fund, they shall form a co-ordination committee to spend CSR funds, it is also an essential aspect in this area. Tmt. Sasikala, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 7. She stated that there is no hospital facility in Proposal to provide CSR Budget this area. If they have illness, they have to go to Primary Health will be Manali-Pudhu Nagar or Athipattu. There is no Centre is under allocated hospital in our area. They have submitted consideration and during 2018- several petitions both through ex-president and shall be provided 19 President. This is very essential. Lots of promises have been made. But nothing has been done for us. We are also human beings. If they would have stayed in their original place, there would not be any problem. They are suffering only after they have come to this place. We are suffering for water and drainage facility. Provision of drain will be little bit helpful for us. Previously, they had to visit Athipattu. Nobody is able to understand our difficulties. Stagnation of drainage water near our houses. They are entering the house placing our legs into the drainage water. How many times they have to wash their legs. Further, Last week, gas was opened. They were not able to live in their houses. We have to live or not? Otherwise, please instruct us to go to other place by vacating the houses here, We will go. We are fighting for the past 29 years. We have submitted our petitions to you. Time is just running like 3 months, 6 months. But nothing has been done. Further, Lots of children have been suffering. In the recent past, two persons expired of this, one expired because of cancer. Most of the people in this area are suffering from cancer. Women are suffering from diseases such as joint pain. They have no money for medical expenses. There is no hospital facility here. First provide hospital facility. In every house, there are well educated youngsters. If they approach for employment, they are saying that there is no job for local people. The elders are compelling the youngsters to go for jobs. These people are not giving employment. In this situation, they may commit suicide. She requested that to kindly guide these youngsters. As the District collector is a woman, please take into account the situation of women here and provide necessary facilities to them. Thiru. Jegadeesan, Athipattu - Pudhu Nagar 8. He stated that, those who have spoken before District him had expressed their feelings and he administration will submitting the remaining demands. There is no provide the necessary cremation facility here. The cremation ground facilities. near this company has not been repaired. If anyone dies during rainy season, the dead body has to be taken by 5 or 6 people in the water itseIf. This is not the big thing for the Company to make this as electric crematorium. We have been repeatedly telling them about this. If any big death takes place, a temporary path will be created by placing the sand. The water stagnated in that area is the water coming from the toilets used by the lorry drivers. They are saying, we are doing lot to this area. But nothing has been done. It is only an eyewash. Further he added that, when the expansion scheme of India Cements took place, the District collector visited this place. We have rejected that scheme. Next, Public Hearing was conducted to hear the views on behaIf of Anjani Cements. This also has been rejected by us. Our intention is not against the establishment of new companies. If new companies come, they should provide employment opportunities to the youngsters of this area and increase their standard of living. Though there are lots of companies here, our standard of living has not been increased. They are going outside the area for jobs by travelling two hours. If we approach the companies in this area for job, they refused to provide job on the ground that the local people will not work. But, when the officer explained about the expansion project said, that they will get jobs because of this expansion. But we are working here on contract basis. We have well educated persons here. But they are working on contract basis and they don't have opportunity to work as regular employees of the organisation. Further he mentioned that they are not living in the houses by encroaching the Government lands. They are living in the places where the Government allotted lands. But, we don't know why the Government is hesitant to issue patta. This is the situation for the past 27 years. What mistake we have committed? Kindly divulge the details regarding non-issuance of patta, If anything wrong on their part, they will rectify themselves and no hospital in this area. The place which was earmarked for hospital has also gone. Tmt. Vennila, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 9 She said that the persons who spoke before her District had expressed all the problems, she don't want administration will to speak on those problems. However, she provide the necessary requested that it is better if the respected facilities. Collector should visit our village for five minutes; They got tired of telling their problems repeatedly. They will surrender all of their ration cards and vacate the entire village. "You take the place". They are ready to live in platforms. They have been suffering lot by living in this village. They have to take their children very often to hospitals. Further she stated there are big insects from the sewage water drainage are entering into our houses. Now also, one boy has expired due to train accident. They have come here to represent their problems without participating in the funeral of that boy. Further youngsters living in our area are jobless. They are giving petitions seeking jobs. If they went and present petitions in BDO Office, Taluk Office, they say: "Which village you belong? How many persons are coming here for seeking job from Athipattu- Pudhu Nagar area like this? Already jobs were filled". Tmt. Renuka, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 10 She said that in order to get electricity for Noted Tamil Nadu, they have given their lands. But, what facility has been extended to us? Already, roads were laid through Electricity Board. This company has provided water facility for them and they are thankful to this. In their land, they could do cropping three times. They have given such a type of land to the Government and staying here. But, what the Government has done for us? No house has been allotted for their living, no patta has been issued. Further, today there are many companies in and around their village, which means, they are surrounded dust & garbage. They lived in their original area freely and happily. The Government brought them to this place, and squeezed like an insect and the Government dumped them. Thiru. President, AITUC Union 11 He said that If you feel that already the IPPL is paying Rs. youngsters and ladies who spoke here in a 536/ day for wrong way, we are not responsible for that. The unskilled, Rs. 593/day District Collector and the Officers are aware. for Semi Skilled and You should see what the minimum facilities Rs. 653/day for have been provided to the people of this area skilled as per Central by the pollution created by the companies, Minimum wages act. whether it is in private sector, Central Government or State Government. They should know what the other States are providing in similar cases. They are also aware what is going on in other parts of Tamil Nadu. Further he said that he was a MLA of this area. When he was there, Kamaraj Port was started. When the lands of the people of this area were taken over by the Government, among the various promises assured by the Government, the people of this area believed only the promise of Employment. The Government had taken over the lands by assuring the people of this area that jobs will be provided. Thousands of employees are working in the companies located in this area. But all of them are working on contract basis. On what basis it is justifiable? Six months back, the Government have fixed the minimum wage of Rs. 230/- Even now, this amount has not been disbursed to contract workers by certain companies. They are working on contract-basis for the past 15, 20 years. In this area, there are situations where the workers have been asked by the Companies to go out when there is no job. Further he said that the persons who have spoken here were pointed out that how Tamil Nadu and other States are benefited by these companies and at the same time, how the people here are District affected. As pointed out earlier, if we see the administration will water facility provided to this area, the water is provide the necessary only salty. The people of this area are facilities. requesting for establishment of a hospital because they are affected by disease. It is requested that these organizations should establish a Specialty Hospital in this area by spending crores of rupees, appoint doctors, and undertake master check-up every six months for all the people living in this area. The humanitarian District Collector should do this. Further, the people of this area are praying for patta for the past so many years. When he was an MLA, he was able to get patta for at least 100 people. Likewise, Ex. President was also able to get patta for hundreds of people. They are unable to understand the problem in issuing the patta for all the people. These people are demanding the minimum necessities such as Drinking water, health, drainage facility, roads, employment etc. The water available in this area is not useful for drinking purpose. The rich people can buy water based on their requirements. But, they should think of the situation of thousands of poor and downtrodden people. Hospital is essential here. Employment opportunities are not provided to the educated persons of this area. Instead, jobs were given to the persons from neighboring States. This type of worst situation is prevailing which affects the youngsters of this area. The officers have said that they have given employment. Jobs were given on contract basis. Nobody has given permanent employment. Further, he met Labour Welfare Officer at Kamarajar Port on 161h. He is only advising the management. No words like 'Do it' will come from the officer. On 16th, he said: 19 workers working on a contract basis have to be made permanent as they have obtained orders from the Court. But, the officer in that organization compelled the workers that don't come for work from 28th onwards. This is the situation of giving employment to the youngsters of this area. If we report this matter to the Police Department or Government office, they will say that it is the labour problem. Even if the Labour Welfare Officer gives his reasonable decision, The officers of these organizations will not agree to this. This organization was established not for the officers alone. These organizations were permitted to do their businesses with the good intention that it will do good for the public and youngsters of this area. Further, they are saying that this is the dangerous zone. The innocent people are living in this area only. District Collector should do justice for us. District Collector should issue necessary instructions to those organizations. Thiru. Kesavelu, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 12 He said that sometimes, gas smell is coming We submit to inform out. Most of the people in this area are not that our unit has aware whether it is coming from the house or adequate pollution from the organizations. Hence, they are control measures and doubtful whether it is coming from house and green belt to control afraid of it. When a Company established in the emissions. IPPL will year 1990, they had fixed street lights on both take measure to the sides up to Melur Road. Thereafter, so many regulate traffic flow companies came here but proper lighting of Tank Trucks. facility has not been provided. Because of this, several accidents took place. Traffic congestion is on the, higher side. The riders of two wheelers are finding it very difficult because of the lights in heavy vehicles. Hence, one of the organizations has to provide street light facility. Earlier, they took their children to hospital in two wheelers. But now, because of heavy traffic, it is not possible to go in two wheeler. Further as already pointed out, cremation facility has to be made. It is very near to this organization, it has to be developed. Thiru Vinayagam, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 13 He said that he can see the Collector Amma as Related to District the incarnation of God. He had never seen the administration. Collectors in his life, He expressed his happiness to see Amma. He had studied up to IX Std and he lost his parents at his young age and he had no facility to study further. They have evacuated us saying that a company will be coming in North Chennai. It has been stated that no house should be constructed using stone and cement, Accepting the decision, they are living here for the past 20 years. Till date, patta has not been issued. When this is on the one side, there is no basic drainage facility. Because of this, when the inmates of one house take bath or pass urine, there will be fight in the next house. Hence, drainage facility is a must. Further they had placed the request of issuing patta. We are not interested to take the sweets given here. Amma should say consoling words. The sufferings that have been undergoing by him should not be experienced by his son and daughter. Thiru. Ambalavanan, Athipattu, Pudhu Nagar 14 He said that most of the persons living in this Related to District area are Government Servants and they could administration. know the procedures to get loan etc. If they submit a petition for housing loan, the immediate answer is that they are not eligible for housing loan because of non-issuance of patta. Further he pointed out please come to the village and see only one street. Then the Collector will know how the entire village is. They are willing to present the petitions there from their streets. District Collector, Thiruvallur District 15 The District collector greets the gathering and Noted stated the following, You have put forth all your demands. Your demand starts from issuance of patta. I have now discussed this with our officers. In that place, the lands were classified as Poramboke and Anaatheenam. It means, there is no patta for Athipattu-Pudhu Nagar. RDO, Tahsildar, BDO have come here. I will now inform you that what action they are going to take on your demands, Further, our main intention is to issue patta. My assumption is, already they have made two to three attempts to issue patta to at least 600 persons. I have given instructions to the officers to measure each street and issue patta street-wise. Please tell us from where we can start first. Your cooperation is very essential. Thereafter only, necessary steps will be taken to issue patta. Secondly, you are demanding drainage facility. BDO has come here, Already estimates were prepared and it is under implementation. This demand will be fulfilled very soon. I have noted this point. I will follow it up with the BDO. The second important demand will be definitely fulfilled. Next is hospital. This is in Athipattu. I will consult with the Deputy Director to construct a Sub-Centre in Athipattu-Pudhu Nagar through this organization and appoint a Doctor. I will give an assurance after discussing with them. In the past, each Village Panchayat is asking the companies located in its locality to fulfill the requirements. Every organization is having CSR Fund. Every year we are collecting the same to fulfill the requirements of neighboring villages. With regard to your demands, a meeting will be conducted in the collector with that organization. Action will be taken to fulfill such as issuance of patta and drainage facility. As the cremation facility is not in proper, I have given instruction to the BDO to see it immediately and take necessary action. Regarding issuance of patta and providing drainage there for taking necessary steps. your co-operation please nominate a person amongst you and through him you can furnish the details to them. You have also mentioned above mosquito menace. This is rainy season. Diseases will be spread during this season. l have instructed BDO to make necessary arrangements for deputation of a Medical Team in Athipattu and Athipattu-Pudhu Nagar areas. They will create sufficient awareness. On the five important demands of yours, preliminary steps for issuance of patta will commence in a day or two. We will record your other demands and send it thanks. Finally the District Environmental Engineer thanked the participants for their cooperation and announced that the comments/suggestions raised by the public have been recorded in both video and written format and the same will be sent to MoEF&CC for further process. Further, details of the persons participated in the public hearing written submission and compact disc containing audio and video public hearing are enclosed herewith.