Kochi BPCL Fire: 23 Families Endangered by Nearby Industrial Units

Rapid Summary:

• Incident Details: On July 8, 2025, a fire broke out in underground cables owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) at the BPCL Kochi refinery campus in Ambalamugal, Ernakulam. This led to heavy smoke and pungent fumes affecting nearby residents.
• Impacted Community: Twenty-three families living between Hindustan Organic Chemicals limited (HOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) were severely affected by pollution, noise, and limited infrastructure over decades.
• Historical Context: the area was first acquired for industrial use in the 1980s for HOCL growth. By the 1990s, expansion of BPCL left these families “sandwiched” between major industrial units with reduced facilities like schools and drinking water access.
• Protests and studies: Residents staged protests last year against pollution threats. Thay also approached Kerala High Court regarding environmental hazards. A subsequent study by Kerala State Pollution Control Board found excessive levels of PM2.5 particulate matter and noise pollution at Ayyankuzhi.
• Designation as ‘Red Zone’: The Pollution Control Board earlier classified this region unfit for habitation due to environmental risks.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The recurring fire incidents highlight systemic issues surrounding industrial zones like Ambalamugal where communities face compounded health hazards while lacking basic infrastructure or options to relocate effectively. Despite prolonged protests and legal efforts by residents of Ayyankuzhi, actionable measures remain insufficient to mitigate risks or improve living conditions.

The current incident underscores an urgent need for authorities to reevaluate regulations concerning industrial proximity to residential areas-a national priority as urban areas increasingly overlap with hazardous zones due to expanding industries. Ensuring citizen safety alongside economic development remains critical; robust enforcement based on findings such as those from the Pollution control Board could prevent further neglect of vulnerable populations. Long-term solutions may involve clear zoning policies or facilitating relocation assistance for affected communities.

Read More: Full article on The Hindu