Fri Feb 28 03:45:21 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Locals Protest Planned BPCL Petrochemical Complex**
VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh – February 28, 2025 – The Human Rights Forum (HRF) is demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government halt plans for a massive Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) oil refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Nellore district. The proposed project, with an estimated capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa), requires 6,000 acres of land, with an additional 10,000 acres slated for future expansion.
HRF members, along with representatives from Rashtra Chenatha Jana Samakhya (RCJS) and Matsyakara Sangam, conducted a fact-finding mission on February 24th, speaking with residents of eight villages in Ulavapadu mandal. Villagers, primarily farmers, fishers, and members of the Yanadi Scheduled Tribe, expressed strong opposition to the project. They fear it will irrevocably damage their livelihoods and displace them from their homes. Concerns were also raised regarding the secrecy surrounding the project and the unsettling presence of government surveyors and drones.
The HRF highlighted the disproportionate land acquisition compared to similar projects in other states. They point to the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) Manali project (10 mmtpa) requiring only 800 acres and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) Visakhapatnam unit (15 mmtpa) occupying approximately 900 acres. The IOC Paradip refinery (15 mmtpa) in Odisha uses 3,350 acres. The HRF questions the necessity of such extensive land acquisition at the expense of local communities. The organization is urging the government to reconsider the project’s location and engage in transparent discussions with affected residents.
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