Children Choking, Families Unable To Sleep: Ananthapuram Residents Raise Alarm Over Alleged Industrial Pollution
Kasaragod, Keralam: Residents of Ananthapuram village in Kasaragod have raised serious concerns over alleged industrial pollution, claiming that a persistent chemical odour, health issues and suspected water contamination have disrupted daily life in the area.
Several compatriots have approached the media and shared videos from the locality, alleging that people living near industrial units are being exposed to a strong and unbearable smell, particularly during night hours.
Residents claim that the odour has become so intense that many people wake up from sleep feeling choked and unable to breathe comfortably.
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“It is not just a smell. People are waking up in the middle of the night feeling suffocated,” residents alleged.
According to them, the issue has continued for the past 41 days, affecting families, elderly people and children in the locality.
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They allege that children in the area are experiencing health problems, including breathing difficulties, throat irritation, headaches and asthma-like symptoms.
Residents have also raised concerns about the possible long-term impact of exposure to pollutants.
The complaints have been directed towards industrial units operating in the area, including Komban Lubes, Sta Green Energy and Oxygenpro Max.
People allege that emissions and waste management practices from these units are causing pollution in the surrounding residential areas.
Residents say they have repeatedly approached authorities, including the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, seeking an investigation into the source of the smell and possible environmental violations.
An inspection was carried out following complaints, and they allege that issues related to the functioning of an industrial unit, air-scrubbing systems and waste storage were raised.
They further claim that authorities had assured them that necessary action would be taken and that the odour issue would be resolved.
However, residents allege that despite these assurances, the foul smell continues, especially after dark, and industrial operations have not stopped.
Along with air pollution concerns, residents have now raised alarm over the safety of drinking water in the area.
Ananthapuram ward member Sateeshan alleged that industrial wastewater is being discharged through borewells, raising concerns about groundwater contamination.
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He claimed that borewell water reaches the local water tank and that residents are now worried about using the water for drinking and household purposes.
Residents allege that they are experiencing symptoms such as a choking sensation, breathing difficulties, headaches and nerve-related pain, which they fear could be linked to pollution.
They also claim that complaints were submitted to higher authorities, including the Chief Minister’s office, but no permanent solution has been found so far.
People have also alleged that political representatives, including local MLA intervention, have not resulted in a satisfactory resolution.
The residents, however, clarified that they are not against industrial development and employment opportunities in Kasaragod.
Their demand is for industries to follow environmental regulations and ensure that local communities are not affected.
They are urging authorities to conduct a detailed scientific investigation, including air and water quality tests, identify the source of the odour, and take action if any violations are found.
