NGT order: Borrowed money to fight legal battle, hoped for compensation, say petitioners

It was their dogged fight that led the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ask four companies to pay Rs 286.2 crore for the damage they caused to the environment by emitting “volatile organic compounds” in Mahul, Ambapada and Chembur in Mumbai.

While residents of Mahul Koliwada are happy with the penalty imposed, the original petitioners in the case are a bit forlorn. They are straddled with a massive debt following their legal battle with the four corporate giants — Sea Lord Containers Limited, Aegis Logistics Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

“We were hoping that in addition to the environmental damage, the order will also include compensation for the petitioners. Petitioners have used up their savings, mortgaged properties and borrowed money to continue this fight.