Archive · 14 Sep 2025
HRF Urges Andhra Pradesh to Halt BPCL Petrochemical Project
Imagine a company wants to build a big factory that makes chemicals near where people live.
Some people, like the Human Rights Forum (HRF), are worried.
They say this factory could make people lose their homes and jobs, because it needs a lot of land where farmers and fishermen live.
They are also worried the factory could hurt the environment, including the water they use.
HRF says the government is giving too much money to the project, which might not be fair to the people who live there.
They also point out that other similar factories use much less land, and wonder why this one needs so much.
HRF urges Andhra Pradesh to halt land acquisition for a BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex.
The project is planned for 6,000 acres in Nellore district.
HRF warns of devastated livelihoods and pollution from the complex.
Over 2,500 acres from a previous solar project are being diverted to BPCL.
HRF questions the scale of land required compared to similar projects.
- Who
- Human Rights Forum (HRF), local residents, and BPCL
- What
- HRF urges the Andhra Pradesh government to stop land acquisition for BPCL's proposed refinery-cum-petrochemical complex.
- When
- September 14 (fact-finding visit by HRF)
- Where
- Gudluru and Kavali mandals of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- HRF cites concerns over displacement, environmental damage, and insufficient benefits.
Human Rights Forum and Local Residents
BPCL and Andhra Pradesh Government
Land Acquisition
Human Rights Forum and Local Residents
Oppose land acquisition due to potential displacement and impact on livelihoods.
BPCL and Andhra Pradesh Government
Proponents are likely in favor of land acquisition for the project.
Environmental Impact
Human Rights Forum and Local Residents
Concerned about pollution of water sources and damage to agriculture and fisheries.
BPCL and Andhra Pradesh Government
Implied that proponents believe environmental impacts will be managed.
Project Benefits
Human Rights Forum and Local Residents
Argue the social and environmental costs outweigh the benefits, questioning the number of jobs.
BPCL and Andhra Pradesh Government
Implied that project proponents believe the benefits outweigh the costs.
- Project Proponent
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Project Location
- Gudluru and Kavali mandals, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
- Land Area
- Proposed: 6,000 acres
- Refinery Capacity
- 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA)
- HRF Concern
- Displacement, pollution, and loss of livelihoods
- Existing Land
- 2,500 acres in Chevuru earlier acquired for a solar panel project
- State Subsidy
- 75% of Rs 1 lakh crore investment
- Permanent Jobs
- 1,250