Kerala Human Rights Commission Calls for Urgent Action to Relocate 44 Families in Kochi
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), under the leadership of Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, has issued a directive for immediate intervention to address a long-standing environmental and humanitarian crisis in Kochi. The commission has called upon the district collector to take swift action to relocate 44 families who have been residing for over 39 years on a nine-acre plot situated between the compounds of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL) in Ambalamugal.
Severe Environmental Pollution Cited as Primary Concern
Justice Alexander Thomas emphasized the urgent need for relocation, citing severe environmental pollution in the area as a critical threat to the health and well-being of the residents. The families have endured decades of exposure to potentially hazardous conditions, prompting the commission to step in and demand a resolution to this pressing issue.
Commission Directs Formation of Expert Team for Comprehensive Inspection
In a detailed order, the SHRC has directed the district collector to appoint an expert team to conduct a thorough site inspection. This team is to be led by the deputy collector in charge of disaster management and include an environmental engineer from the Pollution Control Board. The commission has granted the district collector the authority to include additional experts if deemed necessary to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
The scope of the inspection is broad and multifaceted:
- Examine not only the residences of the complainants but also the surrounding areas of BPCL and HOCL to gauge the full extent of environmental impact.
- Determine the exact number of residents affected and assess the extent of land that may need to be acquired for relocation purposes.
- Evaluate the necessity of acquiring the land, taking into account the long-term habitability of the current site.
- Investigate the level of environmental pollution reportedly experienced by the families, documenting any health risks or damages.
Exploring Resettlement Options and Legal Responsibilities
The commission has also mandated a review of resettlement possibilities. If it is found that the companies did not acquire the complainants' land, the expert team must explore the feasibility of either the companies or the government providing alternative resettlement options. This includes assessing legal responsibilities and potential compensation mechanisms to ensure a fair and just outcome for the affected families.
Strict Timelines and Comprehensive Reporting Required
To ensure accountability and prompt action, the SHRC has set strict timelines for the process. The expert team is required to record statements from all 44 families as well as representatives from BPCL and HOCL, ensuring that all voices are heard in the evaluation. The team must submit its detailed report to the district collector within six weeks of its formation.
Upon receiving the report, the district collector is tasked with conducting a thorough evaluation and submitting recommendations to the commission within one month. These recommendations should address key aspects such as land acquisition procedures and the resettlement of the families, providing a clear roadmap for resolving this decades-old issue.
A Step Towards Justice and Environmental Safety
This directive from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission marks a significant step towards addressing both human rights violations and environmental degradation in Kochi. By calling for urgent intervention at the district collector level, the commission aims to bring relief to the 44 families who have suffered for nearly four decades, while also setting a precedent for corporate and governmental accountability in pollution-affected areas.
The outcome of this process could have far-reaching implications for similar cases across the state, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
