Erode villagers petition against polluting plastic recycling unit

In the petition, Sinthanai Selvan, district secretary of Tamil Puligal Katchi, alleged that the plastic recycling unit located at Ondikaranpalayam near Villarasampatty has been involved in burning of plastic items.

 

“Old plastic items were burnt during night hours. The poisonous smoke emanating from the unit is causing breathing problems for the villagers in the neighbourhood. Many are complaining of irritation in their eyes, vomiting and feeling dizzy,” he said.

 

The villagers also alleged that the plastic recycling firm doesn’t adhere to zero effluent norms and instead discharges the liquid waste underground through a deep bore. Continuous release of chemical waste into the ground has polluted the groundwater, which has become unfit for use.

 

Though the villagers have raised the issue several times with the management of the plastic recycling firm, they have reportedly failed to initiate steps to stop pollution. The petitioners also alleged that more than 100 north Indians working in the unit also disturb the peaceful ambience of the neighbourhood by consuming liquor near the unit and involve in frequent quarrels.

The residents of KK Nagar have approached the Tiruchy district Collector K Rajamani on Monday and charged the poor maintenance of the central government-owned warehouse has resulted in insects swarming out in the locality causing trouble to the residents. 

The residents said, there are more than 20,000 families residing close to the central warehouse that stocks food grains and that it has been poorly maintained that has result into the decaying of food grains. The warehouse also provided a place for the insects to breed, charged the locals. 

They further claimed that the insects swarm into the residential areas and even damage the food they cook prompting a health hazard. Also, these insects bite the residents and mostly the children are affected due to this. They said it also poses a threat to two-wheeler riders. 

Therefore, the residents demanded the district Collector to either shift the warehouse away from the residential areas or to instruct the officials to maintain the warehouse properly. The district Collector who received the petition promised to forward it to the concerned department.