Stench crisis in Pottalurani triggers continuous protests; government initiates control measures

People entering the Pottalurani village, located in Srivaikuntam taluk, can instantly sense the foul smell in the air, making it easily uncomfortable. However, around 1,200 individuals, including children and senior citizens in the village, have been struggling with this stench for the past few years.

Residents of Pottalurani, which comes under Ellainaickenpatti village panchayat, have been protesting for over 500 days, demanding the closure of three fish processing units operating in close proximity to their village. Demanding its immediate closure due to rising health and sanitation concerns among the villagers, they even boycotted the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the boycott did not lead to any action from authorities, forcing villagers to continue their protest.

Currently the villagers are in the state of mind that they are even prepared to boycott the upcoming assembly election as well, if the authorities fail to shut down these units. It is noted that the village has over 900 voters.

Shanmugavel, a resident of the village, said, “Anyone entering the village can easily sense the foul smell that we are forced to cope with everyday, due to these fish processing units. This is not a minor issue, and during every breath, we inhale air contaminated with putrid odour.”

He added that the fish transported to the processing units often spills wastewater in the village, worsening the situation. Although the spillage issue has reduced slightly due to continuous pressure from villagers, the stench continues.

Radhakrishnan, another resident, said, workers and students waiting for the bus at Pottalurani junction can barely endure the smell. “Whenever we report this to authorities, before their arrival, the foul smell suddenly disappears for a few hours before it returns,” he noted.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, he noted that the village has created a permanent spot near the village tank, where residents meet every evening to combat pollution.

Meanwhile, E. Sankaranarayanan from the village observed that the fumes from these processing units have caused various health problems among the villagers, including respiratory issues, nausea and other ailments, affecting the farmers ability to work in their agricultural lands.

He added that villagers have submitted numerous petitions and staged demonstrations through various forms and none of them have helped in closure of these units.

The villagers also allege that these units have been discharging wastewater into village tanks through drains, “After causing such severe pollution in the residential area, we wonder what prevents the authorities and political party representatives from shutting these units down,” they questioned.

Speaking on the actions being taken from government M. Prabhu, Revenue Divisional Officer, Thoothukudi explained that the foul smell is primarily due to amines-organic compounds naturally produced when fish begins to decay.

He clarified that many assume that stench arises from processing units while steaming fish, but the authorities have instructed the units to install bio-filters to control fumes, “We have strictly ordered them to install bio filters for emission control,” he said.

He further noted, “We have also assessed the water quality of the village tank and tested cattle fodder for contamination through respective departments, which has a negative result on contamination.”

He added that transport rules have also been strengthened to ensure fish carrying vehicles prevent spillage on roads.

Mr. Prabhu further noted that there are currently no specific regulatory norms for odour pollution caused by fish processing units.

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has submitted a memorandum to Central Pollution Control Board, requesting a comprehensive study on odour pollution caused by fish processing units, as a significant number of fish processing units operational in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and their impact on environment and public health requires through investigation and appropriate action.

It has also requested to consider the odour pollution caused by fish processing units while framing rules for odour pollution.

He added that the district administration is taking all possible measures to control the odour pollution in Pottalurani village and is working toward long-term solution in coordination with pollution control authorities.

Published – December 07, 2025 07:57 pm IST