TNPCB holds survey at SIPCOT and surrounding areas to measure pollution level

Following complaints from Thuraiyoor villagers against an ethanol manufacturing unit at Gangaikondan SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board began field inspection at SIPCOT complex and surrounding areas, including Thuraiyoor, on Tuesday night.

The villagers of Thuraiyoor had submitted petition to Collector R. Sukumar on Monday, saying pollutants emanating from the recently commissioned ethanol manufacturing unit were causing health issues, including breathing problems and digestive disorders, particularly in children, senior citizens, pregnant women and patients undergoing treatment for ailments.

On instruction from the Collector, TNPCB officials installed gadgets in and around Thuraiyoor and near the factory to record the quantum of pollution being caused by the grain-based ethanol manufacturing unit.

“Usually, thick black smoke billows out from the ethanol manufacturing unit throughout the day during the production of ethyl alcohol from maize and rice. Since the TNPCB officials have camped in our village and near the factory to measure pollution, the production has been purposely scaled down to hide the pollution level,” alleged the villagers, who said their protest against the plant would continue.

Sources in the TNPCB said their survey findings would be submitted to the officials concerned for appropriate action.