Question : Utilisation of Land Owned by HPCL

(a) whether the Government proposes to utilize the land owned by the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), if so, the details of the action taken thereon;
(b) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that the land owned by the HPCL adjacent to the NH is kept unutilised for a long period of time, if so, the action taken thereon;
(c) whether the Government or HPCL conducted inspection/study for the proper utilisation of HPCL land at Edappallycotta, Chavara, Kollam in Kerala, if so, the details of the study/inspection report;
(d) whether the Government proposes to utilise the land for the purpose of HPCL;
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, whether the HPCL proposes to hand over the land for any Government project; and
(f) whether the HPCL has taken any action to protect the land by ensuring the safety of the local people, if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (e) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has stated that the land at Edapallycotta, Kerala was acquired in 1992 to develop water fed Petroleum Depot. HPCL operated the Depot at this location between 1994 to 2000. The product was brought from Cochin in Barges along the waterway to the Depot and loaded and dispatched in Tank Trucks to HPCL retail outlets via nearby National Highway. However, due to local labour unrest and unviable operations, the depot had to be decommissioned and all facilities removed in 2000

Further, the land was inspected for suitability for use by HPCL and it was found that the project was not economically viable and was not proceeded with. Projects are decided on techno commercial basis as per prevailing policy.
(f) Yes, the plot has boundary wall on all sides and security personnel has been continuously deployed at the site for protection.
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