PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing News Paper Advertisement and Photos

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Time Bound Action Plan for Issues Raised During the Public Hearing

S.No Questions by the Participants Response by Project proponent of IOCL

Fund Allocated if applicable

Time Bound

Action Plan

Mrs. Kalavathi, Athipattu Pudhunagar 1. The speaker welcomed the collector

and all others. She said that sir hadbeen saying so much about safety butten days back, there was a gas smelland they switched off the cylinder onthe assumption that smell is comingout from their houses. This has beenhappening twice or thrice in a month.Further, she asked IOCL as to whatthey have done for Athipattu Pudhunagar. This was the firstcompany to come here but they havenot done anything so far to hervillage.She explained to the District Collector that hardly any person isemployed by Athipattu Pudhunagar,and only 20 to 25 persons fromathipattu & athipattu Pudunagar wereworking here. She said that villagershad informed to the District Collectorlast time about the issuance of pattaand drainage cleaning in their villageand now something has been done.She said that only three persons areworking that day and requested theDistrict Collector to instruct the BDOto arrange for 10 more persons toclean the drainage so as to completethe work before the rainy seasonsince there is 18 street to clean.Further, she requested IOCL that inher village there are many literatesand some have finished engineering,diploma also., Hence, at least in thisexpansion, they have to provide jobsto the educated persons of theirvillage.Finally, she explained about thedamage during the Vardha Cyclone-roof tiles of the school in that villagewas severely damaged and it’s unsafefor those children studying in that

The project is envisaged to be operated with the existing manpower only post commissioning. Employment opportunity is available during the construction Phase. The construction is a technologically advanced activity. People from the Local Community will be encouraged to work with the contractors for the project in various mechanical and engineering works wherein they will gain valuable experience to help them in the job market.

During the 2 years of the construction period.

school. She asked IOCL to at least change the roof of that school to a concrete structure and that the school has to be renovated. Likewise, the building of Women’s Group was heavily damaged, it is better if that has to be renovated.

Mr. Ambalavanan, Athipattu 2. Greeted all. He stated that nearly, 18

years have gone and only now he hasheard about an expansion of the plant.Now he is happy to know about theplant expansion. Further, hecontinued that IOCL has mentionedthat 250 staffs are working at present,in that 40 persons are IOCLemployees and 130 persons arecontract workers. He raised aquestion to IOCL as to 250 staffs wasmentioned as working in the plant.He asked the organization to allocatethe remaining to his village people, infront of the collector. Further, he saidthat so far IOCL has not doneanything for the past 16 years foratthipattu puthunagar people thenwhat it was that they will be doing bygiving embroidery training in future.Further, he mentioned that IOCLstaff’s company jeep and otherpersonnel come to the plant bycrossing that drainage of their villageonly, but still now no steps have beentaken to clean that drainage by IOCLfrom the time of this the companycame to this area. Further, hequestioned IOCL he questioned IOCLthat they have mentioned that toiletsand other things were constructed aspart of CSR for the expansion withoutpointing out the name and placewhere those were constructed. Heasked them to show the toilets andother things in real.

Further, he mentioned that IOCL as saying that they will construct the water tank and provide water to village people in the future

The project is envisaged to be operated with the existing manpower only post commissioning. Employment opportunity is available during the construction Phase. The construction is a technologically advanced activity. People from the Local Community will be encouraged to work with the contractors for the project in various mechanical and engineering works wherein they will gain valuable experience to help them in the job market.

During the 2 years of the construction period.

plan. When will it be done? Further, he stated that for the

past 16 years, IOCL has not given even a minimum wages to their people working in the plant from Puthunagar and Vallur village. IOCL should provide employment to the people of that area by giving preference.

Further, he pointed out that their people are working in the plant on a contract basis and even engineering graduates are working on contract basis. He questioned about the correctness of a number of workers as 40 company staffs and contract labors of 130 numbers, and then how 250 people can work in view of the above figures. He said that they are not doing anything for their employees, and the families who are wholly dependent on them. But they are making promises for the village. He further added that they know how much crores of rupees the company was making a profit and that they selling a cylinder at a cost of above Rs. 400/-. They also know the cost of purchasing the gas by the company. IPPL had come there just five years back. They have constructed a water tank. He raised the question to IOCL “Have you constructed a toilet in Athipattu Pudhunagar or constructed a road, a school, at least a compound wall for the temple? Did you offer at least food at the time of the flood? Nothing even you have a canteen facility inside the plant. Have you made any arrangement to provide food for us at one time in those three days of the flood? Your company is on this road, have you opened this gate and invited at least 10 persons for providing food” he asked. He wanted IOCL to take up with the Local Administration to get the work

IOCL earmarks 2% of previous year’s Retained Profit as the Budget for various CSR activities in the country, and there is provision for taking up developmental facilities in the surrounding areas of the corporations unit. To prevent overlap and wastage, the corporation will identify and take up in consultation with the Local Administration various projects Like RO Plant for Drinking Water, Solar Lights additional facility to schools.

Within two years, of start of Construction

done in their villages. And IOCL having come first should lead by example in doing such work.

Further, he requested to the district collector about the patta for their land. If there is no patta, they cannot avail the housing loan. They were asking for patta only to construct their houses. Though Government jobs were given, patta was not issued. The persons at that time were illiterate. If they had been educated, they would have lived well. Now they are suffering a lot without drainage facility and mosquito menace. Further, he stated about the safety that a lot of garbage’s gathered before this company, they are not able to remove that which all are thrown by yourself. If it starts to burn their village is the first place gets affected. First, the company should remove the garbage gathered before the Company. That will be helpful to Pollution Control Board also. Further, he requested the district collector to depute at least 10 more persons to clean the drainage in around 18 streets in their village so as to finish the work earlier in the rainy days. He also informed the road which is called as Union road laid 10 years back was not yet laid again even patchwork was not done till now. “Please consider our request and do the needful”- he said. Finally, he requested the District collector to insist IOCL strongly and vehemently to provide the employment for the youngsters who have come here for this meet. He concluded by thanking IOCL and the District Collector for giving him an opportunity to voice her feedback and requests.

IOCL will extend necessary assistance in the time of Natural disasters. Other issues pertaining to Patta will be sorted out by District Administration.

Suggestions regarding drainage facilities will be considered with the support of District Administration.

Mr. M. Sridhar Athipattu

3. He welcoming the gathering. Hestated that issuance of patta, cleaningthe drainage works are going on goodafter the last visit of the districtcollector to their place.He said IOCL has mentioned thatenvironment was boosted to 40% byplanting all type of native trees likeneem etc in their plant but there is nouse for them by that. They can’t sayanything good which the companyhas done for athipattu puthunagar. Noworks have been done by them.He said “IOCL said R.O. Plant, aswell as other works, are in theproposal stage. When no work hasbeen done so far, what they will dowith the proposal. They are saying allthese things here before us. However,the district collector should give strictinstructions to them that this shouldbe done at any cost.IOCL has mentioned that they have apond to store rainwater and they areusing it for their purpose and alsothey procure water from CMWSSB.But for the villagers, there is no watersource what use it was for them whenthe company store water inside theirplant for their own purpose. Heinformed that there was a vacant landnear their village puthunagar andwhether IOCL will form a lake orpond type to store the rainwater forvillage purpose.He stated that his village was trappedlike an island surrounded byindustries. The entire village iscovered by dust. They have informedthe same to the Pollution ControlBoard. Coal is being spread theentire village. They cannot show thatto them. He further requested TNPCBto come and explain how they have toprotect themselves from coal anddust.He explained that there is a high mastlight in the plant but they don’t have

To prevent overlap, he corporation will identify and take up in consultation with the Local Administration various projects Like RO Plant for Drinking Water, Solar Lights and additional facility to schools.

Within two years, of start of Construction

street lights on the road. They have diesel generators for the emergency power supply but they don’t have power supply sometimes. Here only heavy vehicles are plying, they are afraid to drive two-wheelers and even for crossing roads. The road in their village is very narrow and an ambulance can’t pass that area quickly. So kindly extend the width of the road or kindly construct a subway so that people of the village can cross the road without an accident. Further, he requested to provide a proper drainage facility in Athipattu Puthunagar village for which we will be grateful to the government until their death. Ennore creek was 3.5 km away from their village as said by IOCL but there is no need to construct up to 3.5 Kms. It is enough if you provide them closed drainage up to just 1 KM. On behalf of Panchayat, they will do it within the village. He added that there is a vacant land opposite to IOC. Water is always there. There is no way to drain. It is the best place for aquatic animals because both the drainage water and the rainwater are stagnating there. That land is owned by a private person. This is a big problem please consider developing this too. He further stated that as far as that area was concerned, they have learned the existence of Pollution Control Board from the last few weeks. They do not know what actions they have taken so far. Then, the Government School had constructed 26 years back and it was constructed using roof tiles. Now because of Vardha Cyclone, the school was severely damaged so it has to be restored by a concrete structure.

IOCL will coordinate with the district administration for any welfare scheme.

Suggestions regarding drainage facilities will be considered with the support of District Administration.

As per their advice, we have already cleaned and deepened the Drainage channel over 300 Mtrs length for the drainage of Flood waters.

He concluded by requesting the district collector that issue of patta is going on for the past one week. The Patta to be issued should be a valuable one for taking a home loan for construction oh house and for education loan. He concluded by thanking IOCL and the district collector for giving him an opportunity to voice his feedback and requests.

Mrs. Tamilarasi, Athipattu Pudhunagar 4. She introduced herself as belonging

to Athipattu Pudhunagar and that herelder and younger brothers hadexplained all the grievances of thevillage. She requested that actionshould definitely be taken as they aresuffering a lot of children.She explained that the people in thevillage and children are suffering alot. Now, they are talking aboutPollution Control Board. They cameto know about the existence ofpollution control board for this area afew days before. Even they cannotstand outside for few minutes becauseof the coal dust get to settle all overthe body. Because of that, childrencannot play outside. They areinhaling all these dust daily. Sherequests PCB to take action to solvethis problem.She stated that the school in theirvillage was only upto VIII standard.It has to be upgraded as highersecondary school so that it will beconvenient for their children to studyhere within the village withoutmoving to nearby area schools forhigher standard studies. However,they are working on daily wage so areunable to arrange for higher studies inprivate schools. She requested thedistrict collector to upgrade theirvillage school to the higher secondarystandard.

The coal Dust problem is not on account of IOCL. Regarding other points, IOCL will extend necessary assistance in consultation with District Administration Under CSR activities.

Within 2 years from the date of start of Construction.

She further explained that two months before, a chain snatching happened to a lady in this village road. 50% of their village ladies were going for daily wage works. Here there are two wine shops in highway and ladies going to work by train have to cross this wine shop to reach the Athipattu Puthunagar railway station. There is absolutely no safety for them while on the way back to home because of the alcohol drinkers. So she requested the district collector to provide safety by changing the location of existing two wine shops away from the village. Further, she added that due to heavy movement of trucks and vehicles in their village road they are not able to cross the road safely and quickly. Almost for about 10 min, one has to stand on a side to cross the road. She requested to kindly arrange and install a traffic signal and crossing at the village road for quick and safe road crossing. Finally, she requested the district collector to arrange them a valid patta but not a free patta so that they are able to get home loans from the government for constructing concrete house since they were living in huts and tiled houses. Other than these the drainages and sewers in their village has to be cleaned so that their living standards will be improved.

Bullet Driver, Athipattu 5. He stated that drivers in this plant

were driving vehicles to Bombay,Mangalore & Kerala where they arefacing many public problems. In thisarea, their problem is only withpolicemen’s & traffic police. Withoutknowing the difficulty of driving thisheavy vehicle with LPG in it, they aregiving trouble to the drivers bystopping the vehicles suddenly

IOCL will extend assistance for smooth flow of traffic providing traffic signage in the vicinity of unit/habitation.

without any prior notice. It is the very risky situation and it may cause an accident when the speed of the fully loaded liquid vehicle is suddenly stopped. All this is for just getting 100 rupees from drivers. He said a practical example that they had experienced a situation like this in kannanore area where he saw an incident just 500 meters ahead of him that a bullet vehicle burst and 40 persons died on spot. Though they are following safety norms and instructions given to the drivers from IOCL, policemen and traffic police are not aware of that, this is the problem they were facing daily. Other than this, they are facing water quality problems in this plant facility for drinking and bathing purposes. He explained that he came here five days before and from then he faced problems like drinking water was not pure and floating materials in that water and the itches in his body due to the bad quality of bathing water. So he explained this to the district collector and request the IOCL to clear their problems.

Mr. Kubendran, Athipattu Pudhunagar 6. He stated that he is working as a

driver for the past 27 years and he isthe leader of Gas Lorry Drivers inIOCL. He said that when they made arequest for certain facilities, IOCLfulfilling it even though it takes a fewmonths.Further, he stated that their grievancewas that there will be a lorry tenderonce in three years in which thetrucks will be engaged throughtender. They had entered a wageagreement by entering negotiationthrough CITU for enhancement oftheir salaries and allowances. Theagreement expired two years back.Now IOCL has changed it to five

IOCL will address the issues as per the company policy.

Is a continuous process

years. Even after two years, when they discussed the matter with the Transport Association Owners and Dealer Association Owners, both of them are showing their hands to one another. He said the drivers are happy about the visit of Collector Amma. They had not been able to meet the Collector hence now they are representing their grievances to a collector because of her visit. Further, he reported that now when they talk about their salary and allowances, IOC says don’t talk about that. Even there is an association, IOC is not allowing the Association Leader to have a discussion. There is no permission for Leader of Drivers’ Association. He is not allowed inside to talk on behalf of the drivers. During this year tender, they have not represented their grievances to Indian Oil Corporation G.M. They believe that he will do the necessary if they represent the matter. The entire workforce has faith in him. They have not represented this grievance. However, they are talking with them through Owners’ Association and Transport Association. Though they don’t want to represent their grievances, the drivers are finding fault with the leader of the Association. This is unreasonable. He reported that the delay is on the part of Owner Association. He stated that, in the past, there was only Transport Association. So, they invited them at that time. They allowed them for discussion and requested the Association to run smoothly in a good manner. He stated that previously they had a G.M. named Thiru Sivakumar. He said: “Kubendran, do your duty without bringing to the level of IOCL. Don’t go for a strike. I will increase your salary and allowance by

discussing with the management without any problem. Now, he has been transferred. New Sir has come now. Finally, he requested the Collector madam to talk to the management and sort out their grievances.

Mr. Prakash, Athipattu Pudhunagar 7. He stated that there is no drainage in

their area. He also reported that Lastweek Collector has come here to thecompany at the downside of thebridge. Now she has also come here.In all the places, the demand put forthby all is one and the same. He alsosaid that there was a meeting twoyears back conducted by the nearbyHPCL Company. At that time, Mr.Veeraragava Rao was the Collector.He came here. They have placed thesame demand before him. When thecompany was under construction, itwas told that they will fulfill all thedemands. They were also under theimpression that they will do it. Now,they have completed 40% to 50% ofthe Company work. They have alsoraised compound around thecompany. Filling work completed.They started tank work. Everythinghas been done. However, one of thedemands of them i.e. drainage has notbeen fulfilled.Further, he stated that there was aheavy flood. Water had come up totheir shoulder. And then they rescuedtheir grandmothers from the floodand dropped them on the road byputting them on their shoulders. Hesaid everybody had helped them.He reported that there was a distanceof 2km between the river and theirvillage. In between, HPCL was thereand because of that company, theygot a flood in their village.Thereafter, another company comesat a distance of 1 km. The height ofthe basement of the building of that

IOCL can the local Administration as and when the need arises.

- Within 2 years from the date of commissioning of our expansion program.

company is 1 ft. higher than him. The distance between their village and the river is reduced to ½ km. The water storage area of 1/2 to 4 km was filled with buildings. In the present situation, if rain comes today, we cannot imagine the height of the flood. Because, if there is a drainage facility, water will be discharged. We may be satisfied. But there is no facility to discharge the water. No arrangement has been made so far. At that time, we had President, Councilor, Ward Members and because of their presence, HPCL dug the drainage road. In spite of that, they were not able to discharge the water. There was a situation to break the road to discharge the water stagnated in their houses. As the President, Councilor, Ward Members insisted and fought to break the road, the road was broken. Cases were filed against them because of that. He said that he doesn’t know whether it has been cleared by elders during the discussion. Now, nobody is here. Now they had only Collector and BDO. They had got a solution with great difficulty by representing the matter to their President, Councilor who treated them as brothers. Now, nobody was there to whom they can represent. He said he doesn’t know what this company was going to do. They will be satisfied if the collector gives proper instructions to the Company that the facility of draining the water should be done so that we can leave this place happily. Madam, this should not be stopped with talks like “Madam has come, we met Madam, Madam also promised to do all”. We are here for the past 25, 26 years. We have everything in our village. To satisfy us, you should do something for us, Madam. Otherwise, you mention the name of

the officer and told him that if the villagers come and represent any grievances, it should be done forthwith. If you do this, we will be satisfied. And he concluded by Thanking the Collector madam for giving him this opportunity.

Mr. Velkumar, Athipattu 8. He stated that as per the instructions

of Collector Amma, drainage work isgoing on well through BDO. But,during the rainy season, if watercomes from HPCL Company, there isno space here. He said the distancebetween their area and the companyis just 500 or 600 meter.Further, he stated that the companyhas built a compound between HPCLand their village. They haveconstructed the compound with steelbars in a strong manner. Now in caseif the water comes heavily, they willrequire breaker to demolish thecompound for which they will requiremachineries. Without that, theycannot protect themselves bydemolishing the compound. Theyhave built the compound verystrongly. In this situation, if theyprovide us a drainage at a depth of 10ft., as per the instructions of Amma,they will be happy.Further, he reported that IOC haddone nothing for them. Withoutdoing anything, they are saying thatthey have done so many things. Healso asked the company as to whatthey have done for the workers whoare working for them.He also stated that if any worker fromthe villages goes inside the company,they are saying like he was a localand that he will hit them-stab them.He asked the company if they haveprovided any facility to the localpeople so far they have not providedanything.He also stated that from Athipattu

The First point is related to M/s HPCL.

IOCL employ people as per the requirement. IOCL treats its employees equitably without any bias.

Continuous Process

Pudhunagar, only two persons are working. For that two persons, they are saying they are giving work to Athipattu Pudhunagar. Every day you are going and coming via Athipattu Pudhunagar. Further, he reported that there is only one drainage in that area. They haven’t done anything for people. They are doing everything for themselves only. Even when they are coming from outside and leaving for home after office hours. They are not inhaling LPG smell. The public is only suffering because of that smell. Further, he stated that this is their fate. Company people are coming and earning a salary of Rs. 50,000/- or Rs. 60,000/-. He stated that, in all, they are the affected persons. But Company people are living very well. They are giving their livelihood to the company. He concluded by saying thanks to Collector Madam.

Mrs. Kanchana, Athipattu 9. She reported that on Sunday, one

person came here with wine bottles ina white carry bag. Because of thatwine shop, they are facing manytroubles. They are finding it verydifficult to go to ration shops. Shestated that she is not asking thegovernment to remove the wine shop.But requesting to place the wine shopin an isolated area far from thevillage. She also stated that there isno need for her to place this requestbecause nobody is there in her family.But the nearby families are sufferinga lot because of this. Aged women areundergoing lots of sufferings. Andshe also apologized for placing thissubject. She said that she doesn'tknow any rules for talking about wineshop.

As these issues related to the relocation of a wine shop and nothing to do with IOCL.

- -

Mrs. Vaani, Athipattu Pudhunagar 10. She stated that in their village, boys

up to 10 years of age are playingIOCL will coordinate with administration

- Within 2 years from

inside the house. There are a lot of boys between the age group of 10 and 15 and they have no place to play. So they require a playground for them. Further, she reported that they are suffering from fever for a week or for 10 days due to mosquito bites. For blood checkup, they have to go to Minjur or Athipattu. Because there is no clinic in their area. So they need a Government hospital in their area. Further, she reported that public toilet was constructed. But the septic tank was full, it was not cleared. So it is in a closed stage for the past five years. These are the requests she placed before the Collector.

under CSR activities. the date of commissioning of our expansion program.

Mr. Ambalavanan, Athipattu Pudhunagar 11. He reported that the husband of the

lady who spoke there just then haddied in that drainage. He had fits andsuddenly fell in this drainage. Asnobody was seen, he died by drinkingthe drainage water. But she did nottalk about that. He said – “I don’tknow why? Why she has not saidabout her husband’s death, whoexpired by falling into this drainage.

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