Green, white units at defunct LG Polymers site

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has cleared the proposal for removal of polystyrene-making units belonging to LG Chem here at Venkatapuram and allow establishment of green and white industrial units in the area.

LG Polymers, the Indian unit belonging to Korean LG Chem shut down its unit since styrene monomer vapour leakage on May 7, 2020 killing 11 people and injuring many. The industrial accident led to closure of the unit. Several petitions were filed in the National Green Tribunal and the AP High Court against the unit.

A high-power committee set up by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy under the chairmanship of senior IAS officer Neerabh Kumar Prasad had recommended setting up of non-hazardous units in the site classified as an industrial area.

LG Polymers produces polystyrene, co-polymer products and engineering plastic compounds. The unit is located in an area of about 215 acres. Hindustan Polymers set up its unit in the area in 1961, which was bought by UB Group in 1978.

The Cabinet, which met on Thursday, cleared a one-time settlement of house-sites mortgaged with AP Housing Corporation since 1983 on payment of a nominal amount. The decision will benefit 46 lakh people and the amount to be waived including interest and principal amount will amount to Rs 14,000-odd crore. The pattas will be registered in the names of the beneficiaries on December 15.