Petrochemical Project Halted: People Power Prevails

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-14 14:03:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 09:19:02

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 13

---

Andhra Pradesh's proposed BPCL petrochemical project took a blow this week after the state's Human Rights Forum (HRF) urged the government to halt the project due to the threat it posed to local communities and the environment.

The proposed BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, planned on 6,000 acres in the Gudluru and Kavali mandals of Nellore district, would result in the complete displacement of four villages and partial displacement of at least one. It would also threaten the livelihoods of farmers and fishing communities in a dozen nearby villages.

The HRF stated that the project would irreversibly damage agriculture, fisheries, and water sources, including the Elkeru river and Buckingham Canal. It highlighted that over 2,500 acres in Chevuru, acquired for a solar panel project, were being diverted to BPCL, calling the move illegal and unacceptable.

The Forum questioned the scale of land acquisition for the project, pointing out that comparable projects in Tamil Nadu and Visakhapatnam occupy a much smaller footprint. With a state subsidy of Rs 1 lakh crore, the project promises just 1,250 permanent jobs, with the social and environmental costs outweighing the benefits.

Local residents have voiced strong opposition to the project, reiterating fears of displacement, pollution, and loss of livelihoods. The HRF called for the Andhra Pradesh government to halt the project and protect the livelihoods and rights of its citizens and the environment.

Go!