The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday sought a response from the Centre on the plea of an environment activist who has sought ban on use of all forms of petroleum coke, also called Petcoke, claiming it emitted harmful fine particulate matter..
The green court issued notices to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Ministry of Coal, Environment Ministry and Central Pollution Control Board while seeking their replies in two weeks.
The petition filed by activist Pritam Singh contended that demand and supply of Petcoke was increasing at a high rate due to its cheaper cost and better availability compared to coal.
Petcoke is a high calorific value solid fuel and is extensively used for power generation in various countries. The plea had 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.
The petition further noted that burning of Petcoke emits pollutants which impairs the functioning of upper respiratory system. It affects breathing, causes respiratory illness and lung cancer. Petcoke emits high level of PM2.5 and PM10 that are harmful to human health, the petition said, adding that “ban on Petcoke will reduce national smoke level and improve air quality.
Petcoke is being consumed by both the private and public sector with a massive growth rate. In 2013-14, 2.13 million tonnes were used in public sector and 9.662 million tons were used by the private sector. However in 2014-15, 2.381 million tonnes were used in public sector and 12.027 million tonnes were used in the private sector.