Kochi : Air pollution and foul smell suspected to be from Edayar industrial area have become a major concern for residents of Kadungalloor panchayat. Complaints to Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) have failed to bring a lasting solution, local officials alleged.
Meanwhile, ward 23 member Abdul Riyas C A has sought the urgent intervention of chief minister V D Satheesan over the alleged pollution and foul smell. Riyas said the issue had become a serious public health concern and sought a scientific assessment of whether industrial emissions, including gases, smoke and other pollutants, were affecting air quality in ward 23 and neighbouring areas. Even children are affected by breathing issues due to environmental pollution, she said. In a letter to the chief minister, Riyas said residents of the ward, which borders Edayar industrial area, were facing severe discomfort due to an unbearable smell, suspected to originate from industrial establishments.
Kadungalloor panchayat president Geetha Salimkumar said several residents had complained of breathing difficulties and other chronic health issues and were finding it increasingly difficult to go about their daily lives. I receive several calls every day, saying they can’t breathe,” Salimkumar told TOI . “We need industries, but they should abide by the law and take necessary precautions. These industries have made life difficult for residents who can’t live peacefully. The panchayat had brought the issue to the attention of PCB officials, but the problem has persisted, she added. He urged the chief minister to direct PCB, industries and health departments to conduct an immediate joint inspection to identify the sources of pollution and foul smell. He sought scientific air-quality monitoring and making the findings public.