Wed Jul 23 18:29:31 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Residents of Ayyankuzhi, Kerala, are demanding land acquisition due to pollution from nearby industrial plants (HOCL and BPCL-KR). A recent fire at BPCL-KR forced temporary relocation. Studies confirm the area is unfit for habitation. The Chief Secretary urged BPCL-KR to consider the acquisition, citing precedents elsewhere. BPCL-KR is hesitant, citing land acquisition laws and lack of benefit to their project. Residents refuse to return, demanding a timeline for permanent acquisition and temporary rent. Concerns exist that the residents leaving the area may reduce the urgency to find a solution.

## News Article:

**Pollution-Plagued Kerala Residents Demand Land Acquisition from Oil Company**

**KOCHI, July 23, 2025** – Residents of Ayyankuzhi, a small community near Kochi, Kerala, are refusing to return to their homes, demanding that Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited–Kochi Refinery (BPCL-KR) acquire their land due to severe pollution rendering it uninhabitable. The situation escalated after a recent fire involving KSEB cables on the BPCL-KR campus forced temporary relocation of the residents.

The plight of the Ayyankuzhi residents, sandwiched between BPCL-KR and Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL), was discussed at a Chief Secretary-level meeting. Studies have corroborated residents’ claims that the area is unfit for habitation. The Chief Secretary urged BPCL-KR to consider the acquisition, drawing comparisons to similar situations in Ahmedabad and Jharkhand where land was acquired due to pollution from public sector units.

“Over the past two years, several studies and reports have confirmed the residents’ allegation that the area is unfit for habitation due to pollution,” stated P.V. Sreenijin, MLA, who attended the meeting.

BPCL-KR, however, expressed reservations, arguing that acquiring additional land would not benefit their projects and citing the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. The company maintains it doesn’t share a boundary with the residential area.

Residents remain steadfast in their demand. “There is no question of the residents returning to their houses,” said Saji Kumar, convener of the Ayyankuzhi Janakeeya Samiti. They are requesting BPCL-KR to set a 3-6 month timeframe for permanent land acquisition and provide temporary rent.

Concerns have been raised that the residents staying away from the affected neighbourhood may dilute the urgency in finding a sustainable solution. The Kerala High Court is expected to hear a petition filed by the residents, with the state government planning to submit a detailed report. The Pollution Control Board has also reaffirmed that the neighborhood is unfit for habitation

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