Environmentalists allege discharge of toxic waste into stormwater drain in Cuddalore SIPCOT
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The discharge of untreated effluents may influence and threaten the livelihood of native fisherfolk who rely on the Uppanar and Paravanar Rivers for fishing, an environmentalist mentioned
The direct discharge of untreated toxic sludge into a stormwater drain in Echangadu positioned in the Cuddalore SIPCOT industrial property that empties into the Uppanar River, has kicked up an argument with native residents and environmentalists expressing severe concern over the persevering with air pollution ranges and water high quality.
Residents of Echangadu mentioned that they observed the discharge of untreated waste into the stormwater drain a number of days in the past. Constructed for the aim of discharging extra rain water run off in the course of the monsoon, the drain has, for the previous few years, been carrying untreated effluents and toxic sludge discharged immediately by pharmaceutical and chemical industries in SIPCOT, mentioned G.K. Amirthalingam, a resident of Echangadu.
He alleged that the air pollution had now reached alarming ranges and the waste was flowing by way of each side of the drain. The water in the drain has turned inexperienced and black in a number of locations. A foul odor has been emanating from the world, he mentioned.
Members of the atmosphere watchdog SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors (SACEM) have additionally lodged a grievance with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) searching for motion towards the models.
SACEM charged that effluents from three different industrial models that drained by way of one other canal flowing in the north to south route additionally joined the Echangadu canal earlier than draining into the Uppanar.
“For the most part, the Echangadu canal is located close to the compound wall of a pharmaceutical unit that has remained closed for years now. This has triggered suspicion that untreated and hazardous waste buried within the premises of the closed industry could have been illegally discharged into the Echangadu canal,” SACEM mentioned in a grievance to the District Environmental Engineer of TNPCB.
Though repeated representations have been made to authorities involved there appears to be no finish to the menace, SACEM mentioned.
According to S. Pugazhenthi, former member of the Local Area Environment Committee, “The discharge of untreated effluents could impact and threaten the livelihood of local fisherfolk who depend on the Uppanar and Paravanar Rivers for fishing. An intensive drive should be held to track those recklessly discharging effluents or covertly engaging in activities resulting in water contamination.” Apart from slapping hefty fines, motion needs to be initiated towards the polluters below the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act), 1981, he mentioned.
A senior official in the TNPCB mentioned that the Board had taken cognisance of the complaints and water samples had been lifted from the location.
Most of the industries in SIPCOT have Zero Liquid Discharge therapy services. The sludge from a closed pharmaceutical business is suspected to have been launched into the canal. A probe is underway, the official mentioned.
According to T. Arul Selvam of SACEM, a report of the Comprehensive Pollution Control Index (CEPI) submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) reveals that no tangible measures have been taken to convey down air pollution ranges in Cuddalore SIPCOT. While there was a slight enchancment in the air pollution ranges of land and air through the years, there was no enchancment in the water high quality, he added.
