The issue of clandestine discharge of harmful effluents into the Uppaar stream that turned pink recently and consequently polluted the Gulf of Mannar was raised in the fishermen’s grievance redressal meet at the Collectorate here on Friday.
Thommai Rayappan of Vellaipatti said the stream that passed through salt pans north of Gomezpuram turned pink recently owing to discharge of pollutants by a few companies. “Since the highly-polluted Uppaar drains into the Gulf of Mannar and affected marine wealth, stringent action should be taken against those companies,” he said,
Sub-Collector Deepak Jacob said the stream was inspected recently and water sample had been sent for analysis. “Since we suspect that the effluents discharged from three companies had polluted the stream, notices have been issued to them. If the factories are found guilty, stern action will be taken against them,” he said.
Coordinator of Federation of Unorganised Workers’ Unions M. Krishnamurthy wanted to know if the district had a baseline data on pollution level, especially for Thoothukudi. “Since factories emitting or discharging harmful pollutants in air and water are situated around the town, I want to know if Thoothukudi has the right environment for a healthy living. If not, the district administration should come out with a comprehensive data on pollution level and precautionary measures to be taken. Moreover, the residents should be trained in disaster management as hazardous factories are situated in close proximity,” Mr. Krishnamurthy said.
Environmental Engineer of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Kannan said public hearings were being conducted for giving permissions for expansion based on the pollution level data being provided by factories. His reply did not seem to satisfy the fishermen.
Collector N. Venkatesh assured that steps would be taken for giving disaster management drill to the public.
Mr. Krishnamurthy’s plea for desilting Buckle Channel, clogged with non-degradable waste, elicited a positive reply from the Collector who promised to expedite the exercise after discussing it with the Corporation Commissioner.
After MDMK functionaries Nakeeran and Maharajan pointed out that only 19 of the 70 officials who should participate in the fishermen’s grievance redressal meet without fail were present, District Revenue Officer Veerappan assured that he would instruct the officials appropriately.
Mr. Veerappan also promised to conduct special camps for issuing ‘no objection certificate’ to fishermen, which is necessary for getting the identity cards.
