I am posting some news which I missed as it happened.
TN got most thermal plant nods - Express News Service
Gokul Chandrasekar
Last Updated : 23 Sep 2011 09:22:41 AM IST
CHENNAI: Pointing out that about 50,000 acres of forest land was allotted for mining and power projects, the study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment revealed that Tamil Nadu was granted the most clearances for thermal power plants-37.
“In the mad rush to improve power availability in the state, the government is actually forgetting the lessons that the tsunami taught us,” says environmental activist Shweta Narayanan. “The entire state coastline is dotted by power plant proposals, a recipe for disaster,” says Narayanan. As if this wasn’t enough, a present proposal for a Chemical SEZ and allied power plants in coastal Tamil Nadu has been formulated in a manner that the park engulfs entire Pichavaram— the second largest mangrove forest in the world.
“The 11th and 12th Five Year Plans together target a capacity addition of 150,000 MW of power. However, in the past five years, the environment ministry has granted clearance for an astounding 210,000 MW of thermal power capacity, in other words, 60,000 MW more than what has been proposed till 2017,” said Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Directorof CSE.
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Cos to pay for pollution study - The Times of India
TNN Jan 1, 2011, 03.06am IST
CHENNAI: At least 13 paint, pharma and chemical units at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Cuddalore have been directed by the Madras high court to pay Rs 1 lakh each for a survey on pollution levels in the locality.
A division bench, comprising Justices Elipe Dharma Rao and D Hariparanthaman, passing interim orders on a public interest writ petition, asked the companies to deposit the amount to the credit of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) within a week.
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Residents turn their ire against oil firm - The Hindu
Special Correspondent
About 200 residents squatted on Cuddalore-Chidambaram road
They demanded due compensation to families of the deceased and injured
CUDDALORE: Residents of Thiruchopuram and Nanjalingampettai on Tuesday turned their ire against a private oil company by holding it responsible for the death of four girl students in the road accident that occurred at Semmanguppam near here on Monday.
About 200 residents squatted on Cuddalore-Chidambaram road at Semmanguppam, blocking the traffic for about an hour in the morning. They urged the oil company to give due compensation to the families of the deceased and injured students.
They also impounded three vehicles carrying employees of the company and refused to let go until the company apologised to the villagers for the accident and come out with due compensation package.
Meanwhile, a section of them went to Periakuppam (where the oil company is located) to voice their protest.
When the security personnel did not allow them inside, they pelted stones and damaged glass panes.
They also broke the windscreen of an ambulance parked on the company premises. A spokesperson of the residents said that it was due to the recklessness of the driver of the vehicle contracted by the company that the accident took place, killing the four and injuring 31 others.
The spokesperson alleged that even though the company knew fully well that it was one of the vehicles engaged by the company that caused the accident, the company did not take any efforts to arrange for ambulances to take the injured to the hospital.
It was the local people and the passers-by who took the injured in a private bus to the hospital. The company management remained indifferent to the tragedy and never expressed condolence to the bereaved families nor did it send any of its representatives to the government hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured, the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Revenue Divisional Officer Murugesan and Deputy Superintendent of Police Pandian reached the spot and held talks with the protestors to assuage their feelings.
The company sources said that none of the vehicles owned by the company was involved in the accident.
It was the vehicle hired by a sub-contractor of the company that met with the accident while transporting the employees of the former to the company premises.
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Coastal community hit by sea erosion - The Hindu
A.V. Ragunathan
Capital dredging, redesigning of harbour among suggestions put forth
CUDDALORE: A significant part of the coastal area at Chinnamudaliarchavadi in Villupuram has been lost to the sea. According to a conservative estimate, at least 200 acres of land along the 10-km coastal stretch, off East Coast Road, has been gobbled up owing to sea incursion or sea erosion.
According to a study by Pondicherry Citizens Action Network (PCAC) in coordination with Federation for People's Rights, the 80-m-wide beach at Chinnamudaliarchavadi and two rows of fishermen tenements have vanished.
President of the PCAC Probir Banerjee told The Hindu that the study attributed this factor to two reasons: inconsistent dredging at the Puducherry harbour and construction of groynes. These structures had caused devastations along the Puducherry and Villupuram coast.
Sea incursion had become almost a common phenomenon, uprooting trees and pulling down the habitations of the fishermen, particularly on the Villupuram side.
The water aquifer had become saline thus spoiling the groundwater for a stretch of four km inland.
Mr. Banerjee said that the territorial government had spent Rs.20 crore on putting up these structures to safeguard the welfare of 150 fishermen.
But wittingly or unwittingly it had caused permanent loss of livelihood to 7,000 other families.
Social, economic costs
Had the harbour been properly dredged at an estimated cost of Rs.3 crore a year, things would not have come to such a pass. The environment, social and economic costs of this lapse were quite enormous and irreparable.
Mr. Banerjee said that the natural resources were the assets of the country but the way these were plundered was a cause for concern. If the trend was not reversed, over a period, the GDP (gross domestic product) would register a negative growth.
He noted that though the governments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were said to have reached an understanding to tackle the issue jointly, no progress was yet achieved on this front.
Therefore, the PCAC and the Federation for People's Rights, had appealed to the Union Ministry for Environment to find a permanent solution to the issue in coordination with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments.
They had also suggested the following measures: sand bypass system (a form of dredging) must be activated, capital dredging should be done and the harbour ought to be re-designed.
Fishermen apprised
Mr. Banerjee on Saturday apprised the fishermen, social organisations and consumer activists on the impending threat posed by the proposal to set up a clutch of private ports along the Cuddalore coast.
M. Nizamudeen of the Consumer Federation-Tamil Nadu said representatives of the SIPCOT Local Community Monitoring, Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, Meenavar Viduthalai Vengaigal, Tamil Nadu Meenavar Padhukappu Iyakkam, Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) attended the session in which satellite pictures were presented to demonstrate the gravity of the problem.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Activists urge government to abandon Kudankulam project - The Hindu
Activists urge government to abandon Kudankulam project
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE, November 8, 2011
Environmentalists and consumer activists staged a demonstration in front of the Collectorate here on Monday clamouring for abandonment of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
Members of the Consumer Federation-Tamil Nadu, SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors and the People Movement Against Nuclear Power participated in it.
Executive secretary of the Consumer Federation M. Nizamudeen said that India should draw a lesson from the nuclear power plant disasters occurred elsewhere in the world and the recent being the Fukushima plant in Japan that was devastated by the tsunami and caused untold misery to the people there.
Demand
There was no second opinion over the fact that electricity generation ought to be augmented to meet the increasing demand. But considering the fact that nuclear power plants had the potential to wreak long-term havoc on humanity, marine life and on the living beings on the earth the best option available was to jettison such projects and to tap safe and clean sources of energy.
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE, November 8, 2011
Environmentalists and consumer activists staged a demonstration in front of the Collectorate here on Monday clamouring for abandonment of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
Members of the Consumer Federation-Tamil Nadu, SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors and the People Movement Against Nuclear Power participated in it.
Executive secretary of the Consumer Federation M. Nizamudeen said that India should draw a lesson from the nuclear power plant disasters occurred elsewhere in the world and the recent being the Fukushima plant in Japan that was devastated by the tsunami and caused untold misery to the people there.
Demand
There was no second opinion over the fact that electricity generation ought to be augmented to meet the increasing demand. But considering the fact that nuclear power plants had the potential to wreak long-term havoc on humanity, marine life and on the living beings on the earth the best option available was to jettison such projects and to tap safe and clean sources of energy.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
People's charter lists demands to candidates
People's charter lists demands to candidates - THE HINDU
Cuddalore, 16 OCTOBER 2011
The Federation of All Residents' Welfare Associations-Cuddalore has brought out a “People's charter” listing out demands for improving living conditions in urban and rural areas.
Copies of the charter are being handed over to candidates contesting local body elections, political parties, district administration and the public. The Association, which met under the presidentship of R. Aranganathan here, identified at least 29 issues to be resolved.
Federation general secretary M. Maruthavanan told The Hindu the charter noted that Cuddalore, besides facing lack of civic amenities, was also engulfed in pollution problems that severely affected air and water quality. It had been scientifically established that toxic elements that were present in excess quantity in water sources and ambient air were posing health hazards. The aspiring candidates should focus attention on these issues during and after the elections.
It pointed out that groundwater in Cuddalore was increasingly turning brackish and in another five years the town would be in the grip of serious water crisis. Therefore, the proposed Kollidam water project should be executed expeditiously.
The Federation observed that the shoddy execution of the underground drainage project had caused immense problems to commuters and the stretch of East Coast Road from the Manjakuppam clock tower to the Cuddalore Old Town was in shambles.
Cuddalore, 16 OCTOBER 2011
The Federation of All Residents' Welfare Associations-Cuddalore has brought out a “People's charter” listing out demands for improving living conditions in urban and rural areas.
Copies of the charter are being handed over to candidates contesting local body elections, political parties, district administration and the public. The Association, which met under the presidentship of R. Aranganathan here, identified at least 29 issues to be resolved.
Federation general secretary M. Maruthavanan told The Hindu the charter noted that Cuddalore, besides facing lack of civic amenities, was also engulfed in pollution problems that severely affected air and water quality. It had been scientifically established that toxic elements that were present in excess quantity in water sources and ambient air were posing health hazards. The aspiring candidates should focus attention on these issues during and after the elections.
It pointed out that groundwater in Cuddalore was increasingly turning brackish and in another five years the town would be in the grip of serious water crisis. Therefore, the proposed Kollidam water project should be executed expeditiously.
The Federation observed that the shoddy execution of the underground drainage project had caused immense problems to commuters and the stretch of East Coast Road from the Manjakuppam clock tower to the Cuddalore Old Town was in shambles.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Pollution update from SipcotCuddalore.com
Mettur Residents Petition Collector Against Pollution - SipcotCuddalore.com
25 JULY, 2011. SALEM -- Twenty seven people from different parts of Mettur submitted complaints of pollution and damage to health and livelihood to the District Collector of Salem at the Grievance day meeting at the Collectorate. Residents from Ramamoorthy Nagar, a residential area behind Vedanta-owned Malco's thermal power plant wrote to the Collector complaining of incessant dust from the mountain-like dump of toxic Red Mud, and demanded its speedy removal read more>>
Show-cause notice issued to Nagarjuna Oil Corporation - The Hindu
29 July 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued a show-cause notice to the Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd, located at Kayalpattu in Thiruchopuram near here, asking the company why penal action should not be taken against it for violating the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and raising a structure without obtaining the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance read more>>
Effluent Discharge at Greenpark Odai through an Illegal Pipeline - SipcotCuddalore.com
28 JULY, 2011 Greenpark, Mettur - Villagers in the Thangamapuripatnam area reported a discharge of stong medicine smelling effluents in the stream alongiside the residential area in Greenpark at around 6 a.m. today. Residents alleged that an old pipeline belonging to Chemplast Sanmar runs in the vicinity of the pipeline, and that this may have been the source for the effluents. Ganesan of the Mettur Padhukaappu Iyakkam complained to Mr. Pandian, Assistant Environmental Engineer (AEE), TNPCB at 10 a.m., who visited the area in the evening read more>>
Concern over chemical storage in shut down unit - The Hindu
4 August 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
Workers, social activists and environmentalists have voiced concern over the safety of the “idle storage of ammonium and chloroform in two tanks” in the recently shut down SPIC Pharma unit located on the SIPCOT Industrial Estate here.
The workers claim that the chemicals are flammable and would even cause explosion when leak occurs in the tanks. In such a case, they fear, it would pose a severe health hazard to the people living in the surrounding areas read more>>
GAS LEAK IN CHEMPLAST SANMAR PLANT I - SipcotCuddalore.com
METTUR, 06.08.2011 About twenty people suffered from breathing difficulty, stomach swelling and burning of the eyes following a gas leak from Plant I of Chemplast Sanmar in Mettur R.S. on 06.08.2011 at 7.00 P.M. The gas leak which was seen as a white cloud of smoke lasted till 8.30 P.M. and the shops around the factory shut at 8.00 P.M. as panic set in among shop keepers. Nearly ten shop keepers approached the Security of Chemplast Sanmar who is then said to have contacted a Senior Officer in Chemplast Sanmar Plant I read more>>
For up to date news about pollution in Cuddalore visit www.sipcotcuddalore.com
25 JULY, 2011. SALEM -- Twenty seven people from different parts of Mettur submitted complaints of pollution and damage to health and livelihood to the District Collector of Salem at the Grievance day meeting at the Collectorate. Residents from Ramamoorthy Nagar, a residential area behind Vedanta-owned Malco's thermal power plant wrote to the Collector complaining of incessant dust from the mountain-like dump of toxic Red Mud, and demanded its speedy removal read more>>
Show-cause notice issued to Nagarjuna Oil Corporation - The Hindu
29 July 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued a show-cause notice to the Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd, located at Kayalpattu in Thiruchopuram near here, asking the company why penal action should not be taken against it for violating the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and raising a structure without obtaining the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance read more>>
Effluent Discharge at Greenpark Odai through an Illegal Pipeline - SipcotCuddalore.com
28 JULY, 2011 Greenpark, Mettur - Villagers in the Thangamapuripatnam area reported a discharge of stong medicine smelling effluents in the stream alongiside the residential area in Greenpark at around 6 a.m. today. Residents alleged that an old pipeline belonging to Chemplast Sanmar runs in the vicinity of the pipeline, and that this may have been the source for the effluents. Ganesan of the Mettur Padhukaappu Iyakkam complained to Mr. Pandian, Assistant Environmental Engineer (AEE), TNPCB at 10 a.m., who visited the area in the evening read more>>
Concern over chemical storage in shut down unit - The Hindu
4 August 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
Workers, social activists and environmentalists have voiced concern over the safety of the “idle storage of ammonium and chloroform in two tanks” in the recently shut down SPIC Pharma unit located on the SIPCOT Industrial Estate here.
The workers claim that the chemicals are flammable and would even cause explosion when leak occurs in the tanks. In such a case, they fear, it would pose a severe health hazard to the people living in the surrounding areas read more>>
GAS LEAK IN CHEMPLAST SANMAR PLANT I - SipcotCuddalore.com
METTUR, 06.08.2011 About twenty people suffered from breathing difficulty, stomach swelling and burning of the eyes following a gas leak from Plant I of Chemplast Sanmar in Mettur R.S. on 06.08.2011 at 7.00 P.M. The gas leak which was seen as a white cloud of smoke lasted till 8.30 P.M. and the shops around the factory shut at 8.00 P.M. as panic set in among shop keepers. Nearly ten shop keepers approached the Security of Chemplast Sanmar who is then said to have contacted a Senior Officer in Chemplast Sanmar Plant I read more>>
For up to date news about pollution in Cuddalore visit www.sipcotcuddalore.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Show-cause notice issued to Nagarjuna Oil Corporation - The Hindu
Show-cause notice issued to Nagarjuna Oil Corporation
For raising a structure without obtaining CRZ clearance
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued a show-cause notice to the Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd, located at Kayalpattu in Thiruchopuram near here, asking the company why penal action should not be taken against it for violating the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and raising a structure without obtaining the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
In the notice the TNPCB has stated that the unit has started establishment of the marine terminal facility by providing a temporary bridge measuring 450-metre long, 6-metre wide and 6-metre above mean sea level, starting from the shoreline into the sea.
It has also noted that the unit has started providing pilings to a length of 261 metre in the sea for construction of an approach trestle. The unit has constructed four sheds in the CRZ area to carry out the construction activity and has also revived the jetty, without getting CRZ clearance, to facilitate the barge services to bring heavy equipment for the refinery.
When contacted, District Environmental Engineer (TNPCB-Cuddalore) A.Raja said that following the show-cause notice, the company had stopped the works on the construction of the temporary bridge. It could revive the works only after getting due clearance.
Meanwhile, executive secretary of the Consumer Federation Tamil Nadu M.Nizamudeen told presspersons that the construction of the temporary bridge by the company had caused sea erosion in the nearby coastal villages and affected the fishing community.
For raising a structure without obtaining CRZ clearance
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued a show-cause notice to the Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd, located at Kayalpattu in Thiruchopuram near here, asking the company why penal action should not be taken against it for violating the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and raising a structure without obtaining the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
In the notice the TNPCB has stated that the unit has started establishment of the marine terminal facility by providing a temporary bridge measuring 450-metre long, 6-metre wide and 6-metre above mean sea level, starting from the shoreline into the sea.
It has also noted that the unit has started providing pilings to a length of 261 metre in the sea for construction of an approach trestle. The unit has constructed four sheds in the CRZ area to carry out the construction activity and has also revived the jetty, without getting CRZ clearance, to facilitate the barge services to bring heavy equipment for the refinery.
When contacted, District Environmental Engineer (TNPCB-Cuddalore) A.Raja said that following the show-cause notice, the company had stopped the works on the construction of the temporary bridge. It could revive the works only after getting due clearance.
Meanwhile, executive secretary of the Consumer Federation Tamil Nadu M.Nizamudeen told presspersons that the construction of the temporary bridge by the company had caused sea erosion in the nearby coastal villages and affected the fishing community.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Call for comprehensive cancer screening camp in SIPCOT Industrial Estate area - The Hindu
The SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitoring (an outfit comprising local residents) and the Consumer Federation of Tamil Nadu have appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to order a comprehensive cancer screening camp in the villages surrounding the SIPCOT Industrial Estate here. The Cuddalore district administration along with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had organised a “cancer screening camp” on last June 29 at Kudigadu near the industrial estate in which three women doctors and two men doctors screened a total of 255 patients.
According to M.Nizamudeen, executive secretary of the Federation, even while the camp was going on, Joint Director of Health Services B. Kamalakannan had come over there and instructed the doctors on duty to file a “nil” report on the people's health status.
In this regard the organisations screened a short footage, which was shot in a hand-held camera and recorded on a compact disc, the Joint Director's action to the presspersons here on Monday.
The organisations stated that the camp was organised on a working day without proper intimation. It looked as if an attempt was made to give a clean chit to the industrial units that they were not discharging any carcinogenic pollutants.
Dr Kamalakannan told this correspondent that all doctors had taken the Hippocratic oath not to swerve from ethical medical practices. What he had told the doctors was that if they did not come across any cancer symptoms they could file the “nil” report, but it was misinterpreted in certain quarters and used as a tool for a motivated campaign.
Source
According to M.Nizamudeen, executive secretary of the Federation, even while the camp was going on, Joint Director of Health Services B. Kamalakannan had come over there and instructed the doctors on duty to file a “nil” report on the people's health status.
In this regard the organisations screened a short footage, which was shot in a hand-held camera and recorded on a compact disc, the Joint Director's action to the presspersons here on Monday.
The organisations stated that the camp was organised on a working day without proper intimation. It looked as if an attempt was made to give a clean chit to the industrial units that they were not discharging any carcinogenic pollutants.
Dr Kamalakannan told this correspondent that all doctors had taken the Hippocratic oath not to swerve from ethical medical practices. What he had told the doctors was that if they did not come across any cancer symptoms they could file the “nil” report, but it was misinterpreted in certain quarters and used as a tool for a motivated campaign.
Source
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Gagandeep Singh Bedi now Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department
More IAS officers shuffled; 47 get new postings - The Hindu
Saturday, May 21, 2011
...
Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been posted as Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department in the place of M.P. Nirmala.
...
full article>>
Saturday, May 21, 2011
...
Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been posted as Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department in the place of M.P. Nirmala.
...
full article>>
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
'TNPCB fudged data to push for moratorium lift'
'TNPCB fudged data to push for moratorium lift' - The New Indian Express
Gokul Chandrasekar
Apr 2011 02:39:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: In a bid to accelerate the lifting of moratorium imposed on new industries in Cuddalore by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) presented fraudulent data to the Centre, according to a report.
The report, brought out by the SIPCOT area community environmental monitors (SACEM) and prepared using data obtained from official records accessed through the Right to Information (RTI) Act and from international environmental law experts, said that the TNPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had fudged data to keep the figures artificially low and push Cuddalore out of the list of "critically-polluted areas".
For instance, the TNPCB action plan claimed that there had been no industrial discharges into Uppanar river or land or SIPCOT drains and that treated effluents were discharged into the Bay of Bengal through CUSECS a common effluent treatment and disposal system.
But, SACEM's documentation in the region had recorded 15 incidents of effluent discharge into the land or village canal or Uppanar river last year.
"At least four fishermen fell sick due to water contamination," said S Pugazendi of Cuddalore and an SACEM member.
Shweta Narayan of SACEM cited an example of massive discharge of effluents into SIPCOT drains soon after heavy rains in August last year. This contaminated the village canal.
"The TNPCB was forced by the residents to conduct a study and its results obtained through the RTI revealed that the water was contaminated with several parameters being above the prescribed limits. Following this, the TNPCB issued a showcause notice to the company in question. Despite this, the CPCB incorrectly reported that there were no discharges," she added.
Narayan also questioned the functioning of the CUSECS, terming it an 'illegal setup' for effluent control in the industrial estate.
She claimed that it did not have a valid consent to operate, a fact revealed by the TNPCB's official records.
On how CUSECS controlled pollution, the TNPCB data mentioned just one sample taken on October 25. It stated that only total residue chlorine was above the prescribed limits.
But SACEM documentation countered this. "The RTI data shows that totally 62 samples were taken. All of them violated one or more standards. But the TNPCB chose to present only one sample having the least pollution level," said T Arulselvam of SACEM.
"Total Suspended Solids, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrogen, Sulfide, Chlorine and Ammonia in most cases were above the CPCB prescribed limits," he added.
In submissions made on air pollution, the TNPCB recognised Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as a major public health problem in the region and even quoted the results provided by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. At the same time, it did not provide any data for the period during the preparation of its report.
But, three air samplings by SACEM during the same period tested positive for VOCs.
"Sample results revealed the presence of at least 20 toxic chemicals. Of this, at least 13 were beyond prescribed levels and seven were known carcinogens," Narayan said.
The TNPCB, while compiling this report, not only ignored its own data, but also did not take into account the complaints of violation of environment norms from the community, alleged Cuddalore residents.
"During the oneyear moratorium period alone, at least 130 violations from SIPCOT were reported to TNPCB," Narayan said.
Responding to the report, TNPCB member secretary R Ramachandran told Express that the board was taking steps to bring down pollution in Cuddalore. "I do not want to comment on the NGO's report,'' he said.
Gokul Chandrasekar
Apr 2011 02:39:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: In a bid to accelerate the lifting of moratorium imposed on new industries in Cuddalore by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) presented fraudulent data to the Centre, according to a report.
The report, brought out by the SIPCOT area community environmental monitors (SACEM) and prepared using data obtained from official records accessed through the Right to Information (RTI) Act and from international environmental law experts, said that the TNPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had fudged data to keep the figures artificially low and push Cuddalore out of the list of "critically-polluted areas".
For instance, the TNPCB action plan claimed that there had been no industrial discharges into Uppanar river or land or SIPCOT drains and that treated effluents were discharged into the Bay of Bengal through CUSECS a common effluent treatment and disposal system.
But, SACEM's documentation in the region had recorded 15 incidents of effluent discharge into the land or village canal or Uppanar river last year.
"At least four fishermen fell sick due to water contamination," said S Pugazendi of Cuddalore and an SACEM member.
Shweta Narayan of SACEM cited an example of massive discharge of effluents into SIPCOT drains soon after heavy rains in August last year. This contaminated the village canal.
"The TNPCB was forced by the residents to conduct a study and its results obtained through the RTI revealed that the water was contaminated with several parameters being above the prescribed limits. Following this, the TNPCB issued a showcause notice to the company in question. Despite this, the CPCB incorrectly reported that there were no discharges," she added.
Narayan also questioned the functioning of the CUSECS, terming it an 'illegal setup' for effluent control in the industrial estate.
She claimed that it did not have a valid consent to operate, a fact revealed by the TNPCB's official records.
On how CUSECS controlled pollution, the TNPCB data mentioned just one sample taken on October 25. It stated that only total residue chlorine was above the prescribed limits.
But SACEM documentation countered this. "The RTI data shows that totally 62 samples were taken. All of them violated one or more standards. But the TNPCB chose to present only one sample having the least pollution level," said T Arulselvam of SACEM.
"Total Suspended Solids, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrogen, Sulfide, Chlorine and Ammonia in most cases were above the CPCB prescribed limits," he added.
In submissions made on air pollution, the TNPCB recognised Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as a major public health problem in the region and even quoted the results provided by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. At the same time, it did not provide any data for the period during the preparation of its report.
But, three air samplings by SACEM during the same period tested positive for VOCs.
"Sample results revealed the presence of at least 20 toxic chemicals. Of this, at least 13 were beyond prescribed levels and seven were known carcinogens," Narayan said.
The TNPCB, while compiling this report, not only ignored its own data, but also did not take into account the complaints of violation of environment norms from the community, alleged Cuddalore residents.
"During the oneyear moratorium period alone, at least 130 violations from SIPCOT were reported to TNPCB," Narayan said.
Responding to the report, TNPCB member secretary R Ramachandran told Express that the board was taking steps to bring down pollution in Cuddalore. "I do not want to comment on the NGO's report,'' he said.
Activists protest lifing of indl moratorium in Cuddalore Sipcot
Activists protest lifing of indl moratorium in Cuddalore Sipcot - Times Of India Chennai;
Apr 30, 2011;
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai: Environmental activists are protesting against the lifting of the moratorium on setting up of new industrial units in Cuddalore, rated as one of the most polluted industrial clusters in India. Claiming that violations were still taking place, the SIPCOT Community Environmental Monitoring (SACEM), an NGO, on Friday asked Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh to reconsider the decision to lift the moratorium and criticized the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for giving a clean chit to the SIPCOT industrial cluster.
A temporary moratorium was imposed in January 2010 by the ministry after the comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI) released by it showed Cuddalore to be the 16th most polluted in the country. The moratorium banned setting up of new industries and expansion of the existing units. In October 2010, the ministry extended the moratorium till March 2011, though such moratoriums were lifted from other industrial clusters in the country. However, on February 15, 2011, the ministry lifted the moratorium in Cuddalore too following a report from TNPCB.
Speaking at a media briefing in Chennai, SACEM member T Arulthangam said, “The real situation in Cuddalore can be assessed from the fact that barely two weeks after the lifting of the moratorium, there was a major gas leak from a chemical factory that left more than 300 people injured.”
Arulthangam said TNPCB had served a notice to the same chemical company after a massive discharge of industrial effluents into the town’s stormwater drain in August 2010. “The latest incident has not been taken into cognizance by TNPCB in the action plan report for Cuddalore,” he said.
Shweta Narayanan, another SACEM member, alleged that TNPCB had ignored its own data and findings while submitting the report. “The report says that there are no industrial discharges into Uppanar river or SIPCOT drains,” she said. “But attached to the same report are annexures providing data on the water samples taken by the board which show high levels of contaminants.”
A TNPCB official, who did not wish to be named, refuted the allegation and said the annexures were notices mandating changes and improvements. “What is being called as show-cause notices were really notices sent to companies mandating specific changes in their systems to reduce pollution,” he said.
He said the board had thoroughly inspected the cluster and taken all factors into consideration before submitting the report. “In the case of effluent discharge, all companies on the site are now treating their effluents which is let only into the sea and not any other local water bodies or drains.”
Apr 30, 2011;
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai: Environmental activists are protesting against the lifting of the moratorium on setting up of new industrial units in Cuddalore, rated as one of the most polluted industrial clusters in India. Claiming that violations were still taking place, the SIPCOT Community Environmental Monitoring (SACEM), an NGO, on Friday asked Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh to reconsider the decision to lift the moratorium and criticized the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for giving a clean chit to the SIPCOT industrial cluster.
A temporary moratorium was imposed in January 2010 by the ministry after the comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI) released by it showed Cuddalore to be the 16th most polluted in the country. The moratorium banned setting up of new industries and expansion of the existing units. In October 2010, the ministry extended the moratorium till March 2011, though such moratoriums were lifted from other industrial clusters in the country. However, on February 15, 2011, the ministry lifted the moratorium in Cuddalore too following a report from TNPCB.
Speaking at a media briefing in Chennai, SACEM member T Arulthangam said, “The real situation in Cuddalore can be assessed from the fact that barely two weeks after the lifting of the moratorium, there was a major gas leak from a chemical factory that left more than 300 people injured.”
Arulthangam said TNPCB had served a notice to the same chemical company after a massive discharge of industrial effluents into the town’s stormwater drain in August 2010. “The latest incident has not been taken into cognizance by TNPCB in the action plan report for Cuddalore,” he said.
Shweta Narayanan, another SACEM member, alleged that TNPCB had ignored its own data and findings while submitting the report. “The report says that there are no industrial discharges into Uppanar river or SIPCOT drains,” she said. “But attached to the same report are annexures providing data on the water samples taken by the board which show high levels of contaminants.”
A TNPCB official, who did not wish to be named, refuted the allegation and said the annexures were notices mandating changes and improvements. “What is being called as show-cause notices were really notices sent to companies mandating specific changes in their systems to reduce pollution,” he said.
He said the board had thoroughly inspected the cluster and taken all factors into consideration before submitting the report. “In the case of effluent discharge, all companies on the site are now treating their effluents which is let only into the sea and not any other local water bodies or drains.”
Report Exposes TNPCB Fraud to Exonerate SIPCOT Cuddalore - SipcotCuddalore.com
Report Exposes TNPCB Fraud to Exonerate SIPCOT Cuddalore
Chennai, 29 April 2011:
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has fraudulently calculated the pollution index of SIPCOT Cuddalore to lift the moratorium on new industries imposed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in January 2010, according to a report titled “A Critique of the TNPCB/ CPCB Action Plan for Cuddalore” by SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors and The Other Media.“ The report established that TNPCB and CPCB have cooked up data to keep pollution index figures artificially low and help SIPCOT Cuddalore move from being classified as “critically polluted.” The report charges the CPCB and TNPCB of preparing the action plan based on lies, half-truths and omissions.
As per CPCB's original Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index study of January 2010, Cuddalore was classified as critically polluted because its pollution index score exceeded 70 percent. The new figure of 54.5 was arrived at unscientifically through fraudulent means, and does not reveal the true state of environment in SIPCOT Cuddalore, SACEM charged. The Community group which furnished its own data to establish that pollution continues unabated in SIPCOT said the TNPCB has ignored its own data while calculating the index scores. “Had the TNPCB considered its own data, including those that establish the presence of carcinogens in air, water and land, the CEPI score would have been around 80, even higher than what was assigned to the region in January 2010,” the report's authors said.
The organisations said their report provides the basis for re-imposing the moratorium on industrial expansion in the SIPCOT region, and highlights the collusive and unscientific functioning of the state and central regulatory agencies.
TNPCB’s calculations come almost 11 months after the first CEPI study released by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) declared Cuddalore 16th most polluted in the country with a score of 77.5. After the release of the first scores in January 2010, the MoEF had imposed a temporary moratorium on setting up of new industries and expansion of existing units until the environment was remediated and pollution brought under control. Based on the latest scores of TNPCB, the MoEF lifted the moratorium on 15 February 2011.
SACEM report indicates that the Board has not only ignored its own data it also did not take into cognizance community complaints of environmental violations from SIPCOT units. SACEM reveals that in the period between January and November 2010, at least 130 violations from the SIPCOT were reported to the Board. They included illegal discharge of effluent on land, canals, river, gas leaks, illegal expansions of units, dumping of hazardous wastes, fish kills, industrial accidents and injury to residents and workers. “None of these have been mentioned in the report. On the contrary in many places the report claims that there were no violations reported from the region,” said SACEM. “The real state of Cuddalore’s environment can be assessed from the fact that barely two weeks after the moratorium was lifted form SIPCOT based on the predicted scores of TNPCB there was a major gas leak from Shasun Chemicals that injured more than 300 residents. The unit was storing chemicals and operating without a valid consent,” added SACEM.
The TNPCB’s Action Plan also fails to mention that 20 out of 31 units in SIPCOT area are illegal and do not have valid Consent to Operate even though violations of Air and Water Acts are prosecutable offences under Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts.
For more details please contact:
Shweta Narayan -- 8056024315
T. Arulselvam – 9443737134
Community Environmental Monitoring, H 31/39, Asthalakshmi Gardens, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090; www.sipcotcuddalore.com
Background of CEPI study:
Released in January 2010, first of its kind, the CEPI study aimed to assess and rank the environmental pollution in 88 industrial clusters across the country. Based on the extent of water, land and air pollution in these hubs the study formulated a CEPI. It took into account available data on land, water and air pollution, biodiversity, ecological damage and waste management to make this assessment. The clusters were ranked on a scale of 0-100, where a high score indicates high levels of pollution and environmental degradation. Ten out of 88 of these clusters scored above 80 indicating extremely high levels of air, water and land pollution in these regions. Thirty-three clusters have scored between 70 and 80 and are classified as "critically" polluted while at least 32 others scored between 60 and 70 and are considered as "seriously" polluted clusters. Clusters that scored between 50-60 are classified as in the "warning" zones. The top polluters from Tamil Nadu included Vellore, Cuddalore, Manali, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Mettur and Erode. While Vellore ranked 8th in the list of most polluted among the 88 hubs, Cuddalore was ranked 16th, Manali 20th, Coimbatore 34th, Tirupur 51st, Mettur 56th and Erode 78th. The MoEF imposed a moratorium on new units or expansion of existing units in all critically polluted areas including Vellore, Cuddalore, Manali and Coimbatore from Tamilnadu in January 2010. Based on subsequent submissions of action plans by the TNPCB the moratorium has been lifted from Cuddalore and Coimbatore.
Chennai, 29 April 2011:
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has fraudulently calculated the pollution index of SIPCOT Cuddalore to lift the moratorium on new industries imposed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in January 2010, according to a report titled “A Critique of the TNPCB/ CPCB Action Plan for Cuddalore” by SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors and The Other Media.“ The report established that TNPCB and CPCB have cooked up data to keep pollution index figures artificially low and help SIPCOT Cuddalore move from being classified as “critically polluted.” The report charges the CPCB and TNPCB of preparing the action plan based on lies, half-truths and omissions.
As per CPCB's original Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index study of January 2010, Cuddalore was classified as critically polluted because its pollution index score exceeded 70 percent. The new figure of 54.5 was arrived at unscientifically through fraudulent means, and does not reveal the true state of environment in SIPCOT Cuddalore, SACEM charged. The Community group which furnished its own data to establish that pollution continues unabated in SIPCOT said the TNPCB has ignored its own data while calculating the index scores. “Had the TNPCB considered its own data, including those that establish the presence of carcinogens in air, water and land, the CEPI score would have been around 80, even higher than what was assigned to the region in January 2010,” the report's authors said.
The organisations said their report provides the basis for re-imposing the moratorium on industrial expansion in the SIPCOT region, and highlights the collusive and unscientific functioning of the state and central regulatory agencies.
TNPCB’s calculations come almost 11 months after the first CEPI study released by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) declared Cuddalore 16th most polluted in the country with a score of 77.5. After the release of the first scores in January 2010, the MoEF had imposed a temporary moratorium on setting up of new industries and expansion of existing units until the environment was remediated and pollution brought under control. Based on the latest scores of TNPCB, the MoEF lifted the moratorium on 15 February 2011.
SACEM report indicates that the Board has not only ignored its own data it also did not take into cognizance community complaints of environmental violations from SIPCOT units. SACEM reveals that in the period between January and November 2010, at least 130 violations from the SIPCOT were reported to the Board. They included illegal discharge of effluent on land, canals, river, gas leaks, illegal expansions of units, dumping of hazardous wastes, fish kills, industrial accidents and injury to residents and workers. “None of these have been mentioned in the report. On the contrary in many places the report claims that there were no violations reported from the region,” said SACEM. “The real state of Cuddalore’s environment can be assessed from the fact that barely two weeks after the moratorium was lifted form SIPCOT based on the predicted scores of TNPCB there was a major gas leak from Shasun Chemicals that injured more than 300 residents. The unit was storing chemicals and operating without a valid consent,” added SACEM.
The TNPCB’s Action Plan also fails to mention that 20 out of 31 units in SIPCOT area are illegal and do not have valid Consent to Operate even though violations of Air and Water Acts are prosecutable offences under Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts.
For more details please contact:
Shweta Narayan -- 8056024315
T. Arulselvam – 9443737134
Community Environmental Monitoring, H 31/39, Asthalakshmi Gardens, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090; www.sipcotcuddalore.com
Background of CEPI study:
Released in January 2010, first of its kind, the CEPI study aimed to assess and rank the environmental pollution in 88 industrial clusters across the country. Based on the extent of water, land and air pollution in these hubs the study formulated a CEPI. It took into account available data on land, water and air pollution, biodiversity, ecological damage and waste management to make this assessment. The clusters were ranked on a scale of 0-100, where a high score indicates high levels of pollution and environmental degradation. Ten out of 88 of these clusters scored above 80 indicating extremely high levels of air, water and land pollution in these regions. Thirty-three clusters have scored between 70 and 80 and are classified as "critically" polluted while at least 32 others scored between 60 and 70 and are considered as "seriously" polluted clusters. Clusters that scored between 50-60 are classified as in the "warning" zones. The top polluters from Tamil Nadu included Vellore, Cuddalore, Manali, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Mettur and Erode. While Vellore ranked 8th in the list of most polluted among the 88 hubs, Cuddalore was ranked 16th, Manali 20th, Coimbatore 34th, Tirupur 51st, Mettur 56th and Erode 78th. The MoEF imposed a moratorium on new units or expansion of existing units in all critically polluted areas including Vellore, Cuddalore, Manali and Coimbatore from Tamilnadu in January 2010. Based on subsequent submissions of action plans by the TNPCB the moratorium has been lifted from Cuddalore and Coimbatore.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Plea to shift polluting units from SIPCOT Industrial Estate - The Hindu
Plea to shift polluting units from SIPCOT Industrial Estate
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Residents of Eachankadu and Kudikadu on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the Collectorate here urging the authorities to shift polluting units elsewhere from SIPCOT Industrial Estate.
They were led by Senthil Kumar, district secretary of Manitha Urimai Padhukappu Maiyam. The protestors said that unmindful of health hazards posed by the polluting units, the officialdom was permitting these units to continue operation.
For instance, a drug and chemical company was sealed when a bromine leak a month ago led to hospitalisation of 71 people. It had resumed operation without any assurance to the people that similar incidents would not recur, the protestors alleged.
According to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board sources, the company had obtained court permission to operate its units except an unauthorised research and development wing, where the leak occurred.
The protestors further said that untreated effluents being discharged from chemical, drug and dyeing units in the industrial estate had polluted the environment and soil, besides affecting marine life.
They alleged that through enticement of offering jobs, the companies were trying to create a rift among local people and diverting their attention from pollution problem.
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Residents of Eachankadu and Kudikadu on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the Collectorate here urging the authorities to shift polluting units elsewhere from SIPCOT Industrial Estate.
They were led by Senthil Kumar, district secretary of Manitha Urimai Padhukappu Maiyam. The protestors said that unmindful of health hazards posed by the polluting units, the officialdom was permitting these units to continue operation.
For instance, a drug and chemical company was sealed when a bromine leak a month ago led to hospitalisation of 71 people. It had resumed operation without any assurance to the people that similar incidents would not recur, the protestors alleged.
According to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board sources, the company had obtained court permission to operate its units except an unauthorised research and development wing, where the leak occurred.
The protestors further said that untreated effluents being discharged from chemical, drug and dyeing units in the industrial estate had polluted the environment and soil, besides affecting marine life.
They alleged that through enticement of offering jobs, the companies were trying to create a rift among local people and diverting their attention from pollution problem.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Villagers stall the reopening of Shasun Chemicals - SipcotCuddalore.com
Cuddalore, 25 April 2011: Attempts to reopen Shasun Chemicals were stopped by the protests of angry villagers in Kudikadu panchayat in SIPCOT Cuddalore. Noticing activities in the factory in the night of 22 April about fifty villagers blocked the gates of the factory on the morning of 23 April. The villagers demanded stop work at the factory pending investigations into the last month’s Bromine gas leak. They also demanded action on the top management of the unit for illegally operating the unit. According to the sources, company called the local police to intervene and the police mediated between the unit and the villagers. Upon assurances that the concerns of the residents would be addressed in a few days by the management and the factory will not reopen until then the crowd dispersed.
The residents of Kudikadu panchayat are currently holding a village meeting to discuss the next steps in their campaign against Shasun Chemicals.
Last month about 300 people from the Kudikadu panchayat were affected when Bromine gas leaked from the unit.
Read previous story here:
Gas leak at Shasun Chemicals injures more than 65 persons; Angry residents block road, demand closure of the Unit
The residents of Kudikadu panchayat are currently holding a village meeting to discuss the next steps in their campaign against Shasun Chemicals.
Last month about 300 people from the Kudikadu panchayat were affected when Bromine gas leaked from the unit.
Read previous story here:
Gas leak at Shasun Chemicals injures more than 65 persons; Angry residents block road, demand closure of the Unit
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Pollution monitoring infrastructure inadequate - The Hindu
Pollution monitoring infrastructure inadequate
The Hindu, 21 April 2011
The India Pollution Map, a website project at the Centre for Development Finance (CDF), has tracked the government pollution monitoring regime and has mapped aspects of air and water quality through an online mapping tool. Data and information directly received from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have raised some insightful questions about the depth and quality of information available on pollution in the country. Findings from a pilot level mapping exercise undertaken as part of this project for the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu indicate that the information architecture necessary to make targeted responses for action falls well short of expectations of civil society.
To take a specific case, the project mapped the data from the industrial air quality monitoring carried out by the TNPCB during the year 2009. The data has shown that most industries seem to be compliant with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) standard. However, civil society experience in places like Cuddalore and Mettur seems to suggest that disturbing levels of pollution are still being witnessed.
A recent news report of an acid leak in the Cuddalore SIPCOT industrial estate provides credence to this argument. So issues about accuracy and asymmetry of pollution data and quality of information about how much is in excess (in quantities that are above standards) and how much of it needs to be controlled are still unresolved.
The primary reason for this situation is that data from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is largely based on conventional air quality monitors which monitor only criteria pollutants, while infrastructure for monitoring of specific industries and industrial clusters is still to take off in a substantive manner.
A Parliamentary report in 2008 highlighted the poor pollution monitoring infrastructure and the lack of sufficient online monitoring to track emissions more systematically. This translates into a lack of capacity for understanding the distribution of newer and more toxic pollutants in turn creating a fundamental lacuna in generating comprehensive air quality information.
In this background the proposal by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to introduce an air pollutants trading system seems inappropriate and premature. The MoEF through a discussion paper “Towards an Emission Trading Scheme for Air Pollutants in India” has mooted the introduction of a permit and trading system for air pollutants from industrial sources on the lines of the cap-and-trade mechanism used for greenhouse gas emissions. The system is an attempt to secure better compliance by leveraging technology and harnessing markets.
The MoEF's paper cites recent improvements in Tamil Nadu's monitoring systems symbolised by the Care Air Centre for online monitoring of pollution from industries, and initiatives of a few other states like Maharashtra and Gujarat but this does not justify initiating a national level scheme as many other concerns still remain.
One such is the poor implementation of standards. The revised NAAQS has only recently been introduced and industry and government are yet to monitor the new pollutants under the upgraded standards. At the very least, the new set of standards has to be fully implemented and the monitoring of all pollutants has to be operationalised before consideration of trading excess pollutants.
A further aspect that needs a critical review is whether or not market-based means of pollution control be effective in India? In the U.S., the air pollutants trading scheme was introduced in 1995 to mitigate the problem of acid rain by trading in sulphur dioxide. How much success have other countries had with such schemes? The MoEF needs to provide a more robust paper addressing the effectiveness of this system in tackling compliance.
Without doubt securing environmental compliance has been a challenge and India's approach to pollution monitoring and prevention requires fresh thinking. But India can ill-afford stand-alone expeditiously pushed schemes that presuppose that the house will be put in order. Unless the more fundamental questions of accuracy and depth of information are addressed, the introduction of a trading system is likely to get mired in controversy.
It is imperative therefore, that the proposed scheme is carefully considered and made widely consultative if the MoEF truly aims to gain the support and consensus of various stakeholders particularly those affected by environmental pollution and its impacts.
RAJESH RANGARAJAN &
SIVAPRADHA C.R.
(Rajesh Rangarajan is a Senior Researcher and Project Lead of www.indiapollutionmap.org at the Centre for Development Finance. Sivapradha C.R. is a Researcher with the same organisation. The views expressed are their own.)
The Hindu, 21 April 2011
The India Pollution Map, a website project at the Centre for Development Finance (CDF), has tracked the government pollution monitoring regime and has mapped aspects of air and water quality through an online mapping tool. Data and information directly received from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have raised some insightful questions about the depth and quality of information available on pollution in the country. Findings from a pilot level mapping exercise undertaken as part of this project for the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu indicate that the information architecture necessary to make targeted responses for action falls well short of expectations of civil society.
To take a specific case, the project mapped the data from the industrial air quality monitoring carried out by the TNPCB during the year 2009. The data has shown that most industries seem to be compliant with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) standard. However, civil society experience in places like Cuddalore and Mettur seems to suggest that disturbing levels of pollution are still being witnessed.
A recent news report of an acid leak in the Cuddalore SIPCOT industrial estate provides credence to this argument. So issues about accuracy and asymmetry of pollution data and quality of information about how much is in excess (in quantities that are above standards) and how much of it needs to be controlled are still unresolved.
The primary reason for this situation is that data from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is largely based on conventional air quality monitors which monitor only criteria pollutants, while infrastructure for monitoring of specific industries and industrial clusters is still to take off in a substantive manner.
A Parliamentary report in 2008 highlighted the poor pollution monitoring infrastructure and the lack of sufficient online monitoring to track emissions more systematically. This translates into a lack of capacity for understanding the distribution of newer and more toxic pollutants in turn creating a fundamental lacuna in generating comprehensive air quality information.
In this background the proposal by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to introduce an air pollutants trading system seems inappropriate and premature. The MoEF through a discussion paper “Towards an Emission Trading Scheme for Air Pollutants in India” has mooted the introduction of a permit and trading system for air pollutants from industrial sources on the lines of the cap-and-trade mechanism used for greenhouse gas emissions. The system is an attempt to secure better compliance by leveraging technology and harnessing markets.
The MoEF's paper cites recent improvements in Tamil Nadu's monitoring systems symbolised by the Care Air Centre for online monitoring of pollution from industries, and initiatives of a few other states like Maharashtra and Gujarat but this does not justify initiating a national level scheme as many other concerns still remain.
One such is the poor implementation of standards. The revised NAAQS has only recently been introduced and industry and government are yet to monitor the new pollutants under the upgraded standards. At the very least, the new set of standards has to be fully implemented and the monitoring of all pollutants has to be operationalised before consideration of trading excess pollutants.
A further aspect that needs a critical review is whether or not market-based means of pollution control be effective in India? In the U.S., the air pollutants trading scheme was introduced in 1995 to mitigate the problem of acid rain by trading in sulphur dioxide. How much success have other countries had with such schemes? The MoEF needs to provide a more robust paper addressing the effectiveness of this system in tackling compliance.
Without doubt securing environmental compliance has been a challenge and India's approach to pollution monitoring and prevention requires fresh thinking. But India can ill-afford stand-alone expeditiously pushed schemes that presuppose that the house will be put in order. Unless the more fundamental questions of accuracy and depth of information are addressed, the introduction of a trading system is likely to get mired in controversy.
It is imperative therefore, that the proposed scheme is carefully considered and made widely consultative if the MoEF truly aims to gain the support and consensus of various stakeholders particularly those affected by environmental pollution and its impacts.
RAJESH RANGARAJAN &
SIVAPRADHA C.R.
(Rajesh Rangarajan is a Senior Researcher and Project Lead of www.indiapollutionmap.org at the Centre for Development Finance. Sivapradha C.R. is a Researcher with the same organisation. The views expressed are their own.)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Panel to probe acid leak at SIPCOT unit - The Hindu
Panel to probe acid leak at SIPCOT unit
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: The State government has constituted a four-member enquiry committee to go into the causes of the acid leak incident that occurred at Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd (formerly known as Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd) located in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate here that caused health hazards to the local community on Monday night.
The fumes arising out of the acid leak caused health complications such as irritation in the eyes, skin allergy, vomiting sensation and so on, requiring hospitalisation of 71 people, including 11 children. It is stated that some of the bottles carrying bromine stored in the company godown spilled and reacted with hydrochloric acid, resulting in thick fumes.
The panel has been directed to complete the probe and submit its report within a month to the government, according to a statement released here by District Collector P.Seetharaman.
The panel comprises the following experts: V.Selvaraj, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Tiruchy; S.Rathinam, Additional Chief Inspector of Factories (Retd), Tiruchi; R.K.Elangovan, Incharge Director, Regional Labour Institute, Adayar, Chennai; and R.Varadarajulu, Chief Manager, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Whites Road, Chennai.
The terms of reference are as follows: the panel should find out the reasons for the bromine leak and the resultant fumes, and recommend technical measures to avert such a hazardous happening in future. The panel has also been given the task of scrutinising the production technology and chemical handling practices adopted by the government, and, to detect any shortcomings in these aspects. It should also recommend the ways and means of improving the health and safety aspects in the manufacturing process adopted by the company management.
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: The State government has constituted a four-member enquiry committee to go into the causes of the acid leak incident that occurred at Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd (formerly known as Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd) located in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate here that caused health hazards to the local community on Monday night.
The fumes arising out of the acid leak caused health complications such as irritation in the eyes, skin allergy, vomiting sensation and so on, requiring hospitalisation of 71 people, including 11 children. It is stated that some of the bottles carrying bromine stored in the company godown spilled and reacted with hydrochloric acid, resulting in thick fumes.
The panel has been directed to complete the probe and submit its report within a month to the government, according to a statement released here by District Collector P.Seetharaman.
The panel comprises the following experts: V.Selvaraj, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Tiruchy; S.Rathinam, Additional Chief Inspector of Factories (Retd), Tiruchi; R.K.Elangovan, Incharge Director, Regional Labour Institute, Adayar, Chennai; and R.Varadarajulu, Chief Manager, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Whites Road, Chennai.
The terms of reference are as follows: the panel should find out the reasons for the bromine leak and the resultant fumes, and recommend technical measures to avert such a hazardous happening in future. The panel has also been given the task of scrutinising the production technology and chemical handling practices adopted by the government, and, to detect any shortcomings in these aspects. It should also recommend the ways and means of improving the health and safety aspects in the manufacturing process adopted by the company management.
Acid leak: CPI calls for insurance scheme to local residents - The Hindu
Acid leak: CPI calls for insurance scheme to local residents
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Deriving a lesson from the acid-leak-induced fumes in the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd. on the SIPCOT Industrial Estate near here that harmed several local residents on Monday night, the authorities should take appropriate safety measures, according to M. Sekar, in-charge district secretary of the Communist Party of India.
In a statement released here today, Mr. Sekar stated that it was ironical that though mock drills on disaster management measures were conducted on the industrial estate last year, with a view to improve the reaction time to exigencies, the official machinery took about three hours to bring a semblance of control in the unit.
Mr. Sekar observed that due to mishandling of the bottles containing bromine, the acid leaked, spewing out dense fumes.
Moreover, the official machinery did not seem to have the right technology to deal with such chemical hazards.
The CPI leader appealed to the District Collector P. Seetharaman to launch the People's Liability Insurance Scheme, as was in vogue in certain States, so as to provide adequate relief to the affected people.
He also called for stringent action against the unit whose alleged lapses in the handling of chemicals had caused a life threatening situation.
General Secretary of the Consumer Federation-Tamil Nadu M. Nizamudeen also called for the implementation of the liability insurance scheme, besides taking appropriate safety measures. Quoting the local residents he said that the alarm meant for alerting the people during emergency was not sounded, and the officials took a long time to react.
As in the case of the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd. that kept the idle storage of bromine, there were also stocks of chemical wastes on the campuses of other units in the industrial estate.
These uncleared stocks would pose imminent threat to the safety and security of the people. Mr. Nizamudeen pointed out that there were occasions when the chemical wastes were transported and dumped near habitations in an unscientific manner. He called upon the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials to keep a tab on the unused and unnecessary stocks of chemicals in the industrial estate and make arrangement for their safe clearance.
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Deriving a lesson from the acid-leak-induced fumes in the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd. on the SIPCOT Industrial Estate near here that harmed several local residents on Monday night, the authorities should take appropriate safety measures, according to M. Sekar, in-charge district secretary of the Communist Party of India.
In a statement released here today, Mr. Sekar stated that it was ironical that though mock drills on disaster management measures were conducted on the industrial estate last year, with a view to improve the reaction time to exigencies, the official machinery took about three hours to bring a semblance of control in the unit.
Mr. Sekar observed that due to mishandling of the bottles containing bromine, the acid leaked, spewing out dense fumes.
Moreover, the official machinery did not seem to have the right technology to deal with such chemical hazards.
The CPI leader appealed to the District Collector P. Seetharaman to launch the People's Liability Insurance Scheme, as was in vogue in certain States, so as to provide adequate relief to the affected people.
He also called for stringent action against the unit whose alleged lapses in the handling of chemicals had caused a life threatening situation.
General Secretary of the Consumer Federation-Tamil Nadu M. Nizamudeen also called for the implementation of the liability insurance scheme, besides taking appropriate safety measures. Quoting the local residents he said that the alarm meant for alerting the people during emergency was not sounded, and the officials took a long time to react.
As in the case of the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd. that kept the idle storage of bromine, there were also stocks of chemical wastes on the campuses of other units in the industrial estate.
These uncleared stocks would pose imminent threat to the safety and security of the people. Mr. Nizamudeen pointed out that there were occasions when the chemical wastes were transported and dumped near habitations in an unscientific manner. He called upon the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials to keep a tab on the unused and unnecessary stocks of chemicals in the industrial estate and make arrangement for their safe clearance.
Over 100 people hospitalised as poisonous gas leaks from factory
Over 100 people hospitalised as poisonous gas leaks from factory
United News of India
Cuddalore, Mar 8 (UNI)
More than 100 people, including women and children, were hospitalised and about 2,000 were evacuated as gas leaked from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here last night and engulfed about fivehamlets located near the estate.
People ran out of their houses in panic as the gas from Shasun Chemicals Factory, located in the estate, about 12 km from here, descended on Kudikadu, Eechangadu and three other hamlets.
While those living close to the estate suffered giddiness and fainted, others suffered irritation in eyes and vomiting. They were all admitted to the Government Hospital and were being given emergency treatment.
As the situation threatened to worsen, District Collector P Seetharaman, with police officials, reached the spot and advised people to leave the villages. He told the people through a public address system that, while there was no threat to their lives, the gas, said to be bromine, would cause irritation in skin and eyes.
Later, about 2,000 villagers were accommodated in schools and marriage halls. The Collector, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, also visited the factory and directed the officials to immediately remove the bromine stocks.
The factory was keeping the unused gas in bottles and cylinders in its godown, inside the factory complex.
The workers, however, were not affected as they wore masks and followed other precautionary measures soon after the leak broke out, police said. Tension prevailed the whole of last night as people remained restless. At one stage, they ransacked the security office of the factory and staged a road block around midnight, bringing to halt traffic on the busy Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road and East Coast Road.
They dispersed only after the police and district administration assured action against the factory.
Meanwhile, officials from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board visited the factory this morning to take stock of the situation as the affected villagers continued to stay in the schools and marriage halls.
United News of India
Cuddalore, Mar 8 (UNI)
More than 100 people, including women and children, were hospitalised and about 2,000 were evacuated as gas leaked from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here last night and engulfed about fivehamlets located near the estate.
People ran out of their houses in panic as the gas from Shasun Chemicals Factory, located in the estate, about 12 km from here, descended on Kudikadu, Eechangadu and three other hamlets.
While those living close to the estate suffered giddiness and fainted, others suffered irritation in eyes and vomiting. They were all admitted to the Government Hospital and were being given emergency treatment.
As the situation threatened to worsen, District Collector P Seetharaman, with police officials, reached the spot and advised people to leave the villages. He told the people through a public address system that, while there was no threat to their lives, the gas, said to be bromine, would cause irritation in skin and eyes.
Later, about 2,000 villagers were accommodated in schools and marriage halls. The Collector, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, also visited the factory and directed the officials to immediately remove the bromine stocks.
The factory was keeping the unused gas in bottles and cylinders in its godown, inside the factory complex.
The workers, however, were not affected as they wore masks and followed other precautionary measures soon after the leak broke out, police said. Tension prevailed the whole of last night as people remained restless. At one stage, they ransacked the security office of the factory and staged a road block around midnight, bringing to halt traffic on the busy Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road and East Coast Road.
They dispersed only after the police and district administration assured action against the factory.
Meanwhile, officials from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board visited the factory this morning to take stock of the situation as the affected villagers continued to stay in the schools and marriage halls.
Acid leak fumes affect 71, SIPCOT unit closed - The Hindu
Acid leak fumes affect 71, SIPCOT unit closed
A.V. Ragunathan
Idle stock of bromine kept in bottles cause of fumes: Cuddalore Collector
CUDDALORE: Residents of at least three villages were affected by fumes, following an acid leak in unit II of Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd located on SIPCOT Industrial Estate here on Monday night.
As many as 71 persons, including 11 children in the age group of two to 10 years, and 24 women, suffered health complications such as irritation in the eyes, trachea and stomach, coughing, nausea, skin allergy and sudden sapping of energy.
The affected villages include Kudigadu, Eachangadu and Karaikadu.
Following the incident, District Collector P. Seetharaman ordered the unit's closure.
Eyewitness accounts had it that fumes densely enveloped the area and severely affected visibility, spreading panic among residents.
Five of the affected women, namely Meena (30), Kalavathi (36), Lakshmi (6), Malliga (52) and Mazhai Amma (50), who had developed serious respiratory problem, were admitted to the intensive care unit, and others have been admitted as inpatients.
Hospital sources said their condition was stable and they would be kept under observation for a day. Following the incident, people in the neighbourhood blocked traffic on the Cuddalore-Chidambaram road for about two hours urging the authorities to take stern measures against the company management.
The Collector, accompanied by Superintendent of Police Ashwin Kotnis, District Environmental Engineer D.Sekar, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories V.Thangaraj and a medical team visited the spot and arranged for relief measures.
The Collector told The Hindu that three transport corporation buses were deployed to shift the villagers to a marriage hall at Kurinjipadi and the government school at Old Town for safe accommodation.
However, two of the buses were diverted straight to the Cuddalore Headquarters Government Hospital where the residents got themselves admitted.
The Collector said adequate number of doctors and para-medical staff were posted at the hospital to take care of them.
He said the idle stock of bromine kept in bottles of various sizes in the chemical unit was the cause of the fumes. It seemed that some of the bottles might have broken, letting out heavy fumes.
Mr. Seetharman said it was a “localised incident.” However, the residents panicked and ran helter-skelter. Had a siren been sounded it would have created further alarm.
The Collector suggested imparting of training on disaster management among the local residents besides forming a “chemical guild,” consisting of experts, by the SIPCOT units for exchanging ideas on how best an emergency situation could be tackled.
A.V. Ragunathan
Idle stock of bromine kept in bottles cause of fumes: Cuddalore Collector
CUDDALORE: Residents of at least three villages were affected by fumes, following an acid leak in unit II of Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Ltd located on SIPCOT Industrial Estate here on Monday night.
As many as 71 persons, including 11 children in the age group of two to 10 years, and 24 women, suffered health complications such as irritation in the eyes, trachea and stomach, coughing, nausea, skin allergy and sudden sapping of energy.
The affected villages include Kudigadu, Eachangadu and Karaikadu.
Following the incident, District Collector P. Seetharaman ordered the unit's closure.
Eyewitness accounts had it that fumes densely enveloped the area and severely affected visibility, spreading panic among residents.
Five of the affected women, namely Meena (30), Kalavathi (36), Lakshmi (6), Malliga (52) and Mazhai Amma (50), who had developed serious respiratory problem, were admitted to the intensive care unit, and others have been admitted as inpatients.
Hospital sources said their condition was stable and they would be kept under observation for a day. Following the incident, people in the neighbourhood blocked traffic on the Cuddalore-Chidambaram road for about two hours urging the authorities to take stern measures against the company management.
The Collector, accompanied by Superintendent of Police Ashwin Kotnis, District Environmental Engineer D.Sekar, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories V.Thangaraj and a medical team visited the spot and arranged for relief measures.
The Collector told The Hindu that three transport corporation buses were deployed to shift the villagers to a marriage hall at Kurinjipadi and the government school at Old Town for safe accommodation.
However, two of the buses were diverted straight to the Cuddalore Headquarters Government Hospital where the residents got themselves admitted.
The Collector said adequate number of doctors and para-medical staff were posted at the hospital to take care of them.
He said the idle stock of bromine kept in bottles of various sizes in the chemical unit was the cause of the fumes. It seemed that some of the bottles might have broken, letting out heavy fumes.
Mr. Seetharman said it was a “localised incident.” However, the residents panicked and ran helter-skelter. Had a siren been sounded it would have created further alarm.
The Collector suggested imparting of training on disaster management among the local residents besides forming a “chemical guild,” consisting of experts, by the SIPCOT units for exchanging ideas on how best an emergency situation could be tackled.
Gas leak in Cuddalore factory: 120 fall sick - The New Indian Express
Gas leak in Cuddalore factory: 120 fall sick
First Published : 09 Mar 2011 02:16:38 AM IST
CUDDALORE: More than 120 people, including women and children, were hospitalised following a Bromine gas leakage from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here late on Monday night.
Residents of Kudikadu, Eechangadu and Nochikadu villages developed vomiting, irritation in eyes, skin and some even fainted as Bromine gas stored in the premises of the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs limited factory leaked after 9 pm. According to witnesses, people poured into the roads and started running in panic. Collector P Seetharaman, accompanied by officials and top police officials rushed to the area.
Those affected were then rushed to the nearby Cuddalore Government Hospital. Three buses were pressed into service to shift them to the hospital.
As a precautionary measure, the Collector decided to evacuate nearly 1,500 people in the villages to marriage halls and schools away from the factory. He also spoke to them using a public address system. A medical camp was also set up under Dr Kamalakannan, joint director of the health services.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed in the area and local people stoned the security office of the company and resorted to a road block at midnight. The traffic on the Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road was disrupted for a brief period, but the collector and the police pacified the crowd. Nearly 56 people were still undergoing treatment at the GH on Tuesday while 70 were discharged. More than 30 persons approached the hospital for treatment on Tuesday morning also.
Collector Seetharaman, who visited the factory along with the Superintendent of Police, told Express that Bromine kept in containers leaked as it was stored for a long time and it got mixed with the humid atmosphere.
He said that fire brigade personnel were pressed into service and they neutralised the gas using carbonated water. The fire fighters were then asked to remain in the premises. The Collector ordered the factory officials to remove the bromine gas from the premises. However, sources said none of the factory workers were affected as they used masks inside the factory. The Collector, who said that the situation in the area is normal, directed the Divisional Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to inquire into the incident.
The TNPCB officials visited the factory on Tuesday to assess the situation.
VICTIM: I FELT GIDDINESS, ITCHING\
Most of the people exposed to the Bromine gas leak on Monday, felt irritation in the eyes and all over the body. N Mani, a native of Kudikadu, who was recuperating at the GH, said he felt severe itching all over the body and in the eyes around 9.30 pm. “I could not breath properly also. But I did not know what was happening. I rushed out,” Mani, a daily wager, recalled. Govindaraj, a driver, was admitted to the GH only onTuesday morning after feeling giddiness and nausea. Seventeen women were also admitted to the GH with similar symptoms.Meanwhile, health minister M R K Pannerselvam, who represents Kurinjipadi constituency and MLA G Iyyappan visited the GH
First Published : 09 Mar 2011 02:16:38 AM IST
CUDDALORE: More than 120 people, including women and children, were hospitalised following a Bromine gas leakage from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here late on Monday night.
Residents of Kudikadu, Eechangadu and Nochikadu villages developed vomiting, irritation in eyes, skin and some even fainted as Bromine gas stored in the premises of the Shasun Chemicals and Drugs limited factory leaked after 9 pm. According to witnesses, people poured into the roads and started running in panic. Collector P Seetharaman, accompanied by officials and top police officials rushed to the area.
Those affected were then rushed to the nearby Cuddalore Government Hospital. Three buses were pressed into service to shift them to the hospital.
As a precautionary measure, the Collector decided to evacuate nearly 1,500 people in the villages to marriage halls and schools away from the factory. He also spoke to them using a public address system. A medical camp was also set up under Dr Kamalakannan, joint director of the health services.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed in the area and local people stoned the security office of the company and resorted to a road block at midnight. The traffic on the Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road was disrupted for a brief period, but the collector and the police pacified the crowd. Nearly 56 people were still undergoing treatment at the GH on Tuesday while 70 were discharged. More than 30 persons approached the hospital for treatment on Tuesday morning also.
Collector Seetharaman, who visited the factory along with the Superintendent of Police, told Express that Bromine kept in containers leaked as it was stored for a long time and it got mixed with the humid atmosphere.
He said that fire brigade personnel were pressed into service and they neutralised the gas using carbonated water. The fire fighters were then asked to remain in the premises. The Collector ordered the factory officials to remove the bromine gas from the premises. However, sources said none of the factory workers were affected as they used masks inside the factory. The Collector, who said that the situation in the area is normal, directed the Divisional Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to inquire into the incident.
The TNPCB officials visited the factory on Tuesday to assess the situation.
VICTIM: I FELT GIDDINESS, ITCHING\
Most of the people exposed to the Bromine gas leak on Monday, felt irritation in the eyes and all over the body. N Mani, a native of Kudikadu, who was recuperating at the GH, said he felt severe itching all over the body and in the eyes around 9.30 pm. “I could not breath properly also. But I did not know what was happening. I rushed out,” Mani, a daily wager, recalled. Govindaraj, a driver, was admitted to the GH only onTuesday morning after feeling giddiness and nausea. Seventeen women were also admitted to the GH with similar symptoms.Meanwhile, health minister M R K Pannerselvam, who represents Kurinjipadi constituency and MLA G Iyyappan visited the GH
Gas leak hits over 100 in Cuddalore - The Times of India
Gas leak hits over 100 in Cuddalore
TNN,Mar 9, 2011, 06.42am IST
CUDDALORE: More than 100 persons complained of irritation in the eyes, nausea and vomiting after a gas leak from a chemical unit in SIPCOT industrial estate in Cuddalore district on Monday night. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) additional chief environmental engineer S Balaji told TOI that fire broke out at the stores where chemical bromine and hydrochloric acid were stocked in the industrial unit of Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd, leading to poisonous fumes emanating from the unit on Monday night. Scores of residents of nearby hamlets, Kudikadu and Eechangadu, complained of irritation in their eyes, nausea and vomiting and were admitted to the Cuddalore government general hospital.
TNN,Mar 9, 2011, 06.42am IST
CUDDALORE: More than 100 persons complained of irritation in the eyes, nausea and vomiting after a gas leak from a chemical unit in SIPCOT industrial estate in Cuddalore district on Monday night. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) additional chief environmental engineer S Balaji told TOI that fire broke out at the stores where chemical bromine and hydrochloric acid were stocked in the industrial unit of Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd, leading to poisonous fumes emanating from the unit on Monday night. Scores of residents of nearby hamlets, Kudikadu and Eechangadu, complained of irritation in their eyes, nausea and vomiting and were admitted to the Cuddalore government general hospital.
Over 100 people hospitalised as poisonous gas leaks from factory - SiptcotCuddalore.com
Over 100 people hospitalised as poisonous gas leaks from factory
United News of India
Cuddalore, Mar 8 (UNI)
More than 100 people, including women and children, were hospitalised and about 2,000 were evacuated as gas leaked from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here last night and engulfed about fivehamlets located near the estate.
People ran out of their houses in panic as the gas from Shasun Chemicals Factory, located in the estate, about 12 km from here, descended on Kudikadu, Eechangadu and three other hamlets.
While those living close to the estate suffered giddiness and fainted, others suffered irritation in eyes and vomiting. They were all admitted to the Government Hospital and were being given emergency treatment.
As the situation threatened to worsen, District Collector P Seetharaman, with police officials, reached the spot and advised people to leave the villages. He told the people through a public address system that, while there was no threat to their lives, the gas, said to be bromine, would cause irritation in skin and eyes.
Later, about 2,000 villagers were accommodated in schools and marriage halls. The Collector, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, also visited the factory and directed the officials to immediately remove the bromine stocks.
The factory was keeping the unused gas in bottles and cylinders in its godown, inside the factory complex.
The workers, however, were not affected as they wore masks and followed other precautionary measures soon after the leak broke out, police said. Tension prevailed the whole of last night as people remained restless. At one stage, they ransacked the security office of the factory and staged a road block around midnight, bringing to halt traffic on the busy Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road and East Coast Road.
They dispersed only after the police and district administration assured action against the factory.
Meanwhile, officials from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board visited the factory this morning to take stock of the situation as the affected villagers continued to stay in the schools and marriage halls.
United News of India
Cuddalore, Mar 8 (UNI)
More than 100 people, including women and children, were hospitalised and about 2,000 were evacuated as gas leaked from a chemical factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate here last night and engulfed about fivehamlets located near the estate.
People ran out of their houses in panic as the gas from Shasun Chemicals Factory, located in the estate, about 12 km from here, descended on Kudikadu, Eechangadu and three other hamlets.
While those living close to the estate suffered giddiness and fainted, others suffered irritation in eyes and vomiting. They were all admitted to the Government Hospital and were being given emergency treatment.
As the situation threatened to worsen, District Collector P Seetharaman, with police officials, reached the spot and advised people to leave the villages. He told the people through a public address system that, while there was no threat to their lives, the gas, said to be bromine, would cause irritation in skin and eyes.
Later, about 2,000 villagers were accommodated in schools and marriage halls. The Collector, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, also visited the factory and directed the officials to immediately remove the bromine stocks.
The factory was keeping the unused gas in bottles and cylinders in its godown, inside the factory complex.
The workers, however, were not affected as they wore masks and followed other precautionary measures soon after the leak broke out, police said. Tension prevailed the whole of last night as people remained restless. At one stage, they ransacked the security office of the factory and staged a road block around midnight, bringing to halt traffic on the busy Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road and East Coast Road.
They dispersed only after the police and district administration assured action against the factory.
Meanwhile, officials from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board visited the factory this morning to take stock of the situation as the affected villagers continued to stay in the schools and marriage halls.
Chemical leak in Tamil Nadu plant, over 350 affected -SifyNews
Chemical leak in Tamil Nadu plant, over 350 affected
2011-03-08 18:40:00
Chennai, March 8 (IANS) At least 350 people, including women and children, received medical treatment in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu Monday night after liquid bromine leaked in a factory and, reacting with the husk kept around it, produced noxious fumes, officials said.
'All of them are in stable condition with their vital organs functioning well. The patients were complaining of nausea, eye irritation, heart burn and cough,' a doctor at the Government Head Quarters Hospital told IANS on phone Tuesday from Cuddalore, around 160 km from here.
He said a total of 122 persons have been hospitalised, including 14 children and 70 women. The hospital also treated around 100 outpatients.
Medical camps have also been set up in the villages near the factory of Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd and around 150 people were being treated there.
Located inside the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (SIPCOT) industrial estate in Cuddalore, the Rs.530 crore-turnover company manufactures formulations for finished dosage products for some global drug companies.
The plant makes anti-ulcerant drugs like Ranitidine, Nizatidine and Gabapentin.
The gas leak occurred around 9 p.m. Monday night, affecting people in Kudikadu Colony, Kudikadu and Eechankadu villages.
The villagers complained of a burning sensation in their eyes and throat and were forced to flee their homes.
According to Cuddalore district officials, around 300 villagers have also been shifted to a government school outside the affected area.
'The factory had stored bromine liquid in bottles. It seems that one of the bottles had cracked. The chemical touched the dry husk kept around the bottle which in turn resulted in the smoke,' District Collector P. Seetharaman told IANS.
According to him, the factory has been shut down immediately pending completion of an enquiry.
'It seems the factory was not using the chemical for production... we will look into the issue of the quantities stored and whether they were within safe limits,' Seetharaman said.
According to him, the bromine chemical was stored in two- and five-litre bottles.
In 2009, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had ordered closure of the factory under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 on complaints that the plant was emitting dangerous fumes.
Shasun officials were not available for comments despite several attempts.
2011-03-08 18:40:00
Chennai, March 8 (IANS) At least 350 people, including women and children, received medical treatment in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu Monday night after liquid bromine leaked in a factory and, reacting with the husk kept around it, produced noxious fumes, officials said.
'All of them are in stable condition with their vital organs functioning well. The patients were complaining of nausea, eye irritation, heart burn and cough,' a doctor at the Government Head Quarters Hospital told IANS on phone Tuesday from Cuddalore, around 160 km from here.
He said a total of 122 persons have been hospitalised, including 14 children and 70 women. The hospital also treated around 100 outpatients.
Medical camps have also been set up in the villages near the factory of Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd and around 150 people were being treated there.
Located inside the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (SIPCOT) industrial estate in Cuddalore, the Rs.530 crore-turnover company manufactures formulations for finished dosage products for some global drug companies.
The plant makes anti-ulcerant drugs like Ranitidine, Nizatidine and Gabapentin.
The gas leak occurred around 9 p.m. Monday night, affecting people in Kudikadu Colony, Kudikadu and Eechankadu villages.
The villagers complained of a burning sensation in their eyes and throat and were forced to flee their homes.
According to Cuddalore district officials, around 300 villagers have also been shifted to a government school outside the affected area.
'The factory had stored bromine liquid in bottles. It seems that one of the bottles had cracked. The chemical touched the dry husk kept around the bottle which in turn resulted in the smoke,' District Collector P. Seetharaman told IANS.
According to him, the factory has been shut down immediately pending completion of an enquiry.
'It seems the factory was not using the chemical for production... we will look into the issue of the quantities stored and whether they were within safe limits,' Seetharaman said.
According to him, the bromine chemical was stored in two- and five-litre bottles.
In 2009, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had ordered closure of the factory under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 on complaints that the plant was emitting dangerous fumes.
Shasun officials were not available for comments despite several attempts.
Gas leak at Shasun Chemicals injures more than 65 persons; Angry residents block road, demand closure of the Unit - SipcotCuddalore.com
Cuddalore, 7/8 March 2011: More than 65 residents of Kudikadu Colony were hospitalized after a massive gas leak from Shasun Chemicals today. According to the SACEM monitors, the incident took place at about 10 pm inside the Shasun Drugs and Chemicals unit in SIPCOT Cudddalore. The source of the leak is attributed to the Bromine storage near the HEP-MC plant in the southern side of the factory premises. It was about 11 pm when the residents from Kudikadu village, Kudikadu Colony and Eachangadu village started reporting severe health complaints such as giddiness, vomiting, respiratory problems, eyes and throat burning. According to the monitors who rushed to the spot after receiving the news around 11.30 pm, the entire unit and the Kudikadu village was engulfed with thick white smoke. There were no alarms or safety announcement made by the unit which caused more panic and confusion as people were at loss on how to protect themselves. Monitors report that it has been more than 3 hours since the leak had started and it has still not been plugged.
According to the local residents, police were the first ones to respond to the situation, more than 20 police personnel rushed to the villages at around midnight. The District Environment Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Factories Inspector reached the spot at about 12.30 am (an hour and half after the locals alerted about the leak). More than 3 fire engines have been called inside the unit to control the situations. At about 1 am, the District Administration brought in 3 buses from the transport department to evacuate the residents from the villages to Cuddalore Municipal School in Cuddalore New Town.
Road Blockade:
More than 1000 angry residents from the Kudikadu village, Kudikadu colony and Eachagadu villages have blocked the East Coast Road and the entrance to the Shasun Chemicals. Residents are demanding an immediate closure of the unit and prosecution of all members responsible for today’s disaster. Responding to the demands of the residents, the District Revenue Officer has temporarily sealed one gate of the unit and has called for a meeting later in the day.
More updates soon.
According to the local residents, police were the first ones to respond to the situation, more than 20 police personnel rushed to the villages at around midnight. The District Environment Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Factories Inspector reached the spot at about 12.30 am (an hour and half after the locals alerted about the leak). More than 3 fire engines have been called inside the unit to control the situations. At about 1 am, the District Administration brought in 3 buses from the transport department to evacuate the residents from the villages to Cuddalore Municipal School in Cuddalore New Town.
Road Blockade:
More than 1000 angry residents from the Kudikadu village, Kudikadu colony and Eachagadu villages have blocked the East Coast Road and the entrance to the Shasun Chemicals. Residents are demanding an immediate closure of the unit and prosecution of all members responsible for today’s disaster. Responding to the demands of the residents, the District Revenue Officer has temporarily sealed one gate of the unit and has called for a meeting later in the day.
More updates soon.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
New medical college coming up in Cuddalore
3 new medical colleges to be set up in State - The Hindu
Three new medical colleges, an agriculture college, a separate university for horticulture, a university for Indian medicine and Homoeopathy and five arts and science college will be set up in the State.
In his address to the Assembly, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said new medical colleges would be opened at Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore and Dindigul to fulfil the objective of having a medical college in each district.
The agricultural college will be established at Kivelur in Nagapattinam to benefit students in predominant agrarian districts such as Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam. A separate university for horticulture will come up at Krishnagiri this year.
The government said a university of Indian medicine and Homoeopathy would be established in Kanyakumari district this year.
It would cover six existing government colleges of Indian medicines and Homoeopathy along with 26 similar private colleges.
Arts and Science Colleges will come up at Nemmeli in Kancheepuram district, Nagalapuram in Thoothukudi district, Harur in Dharmapuri district, Kallakurichi in Villupuram district, and Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district.
Mr. Barnala, citing a report of the National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in 2008-09, said Tamil Nadu ranked fifth in the country when it came to educational development index, which measured the quality of school education.
Similarly, a survey by NCERT in 2008, had said that schoolchildren in the State stood first in terms of competency in mathematics and language skills.
He said a total of 80,450 student had been benefited under the scheme to bear the government approved tuition fee for students from families with no graduates who have secured admission in professional colleges.
Three new medical colleges, an agriculture college, a separate university for horticulture, a university for Indian medicine and Homoeopathy and five arts and science college will be set up in the State.
In his address to the Assembly, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said new medical colleges would be opened at Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore and Dindigul to fulfil the objective of having a medical college in each district.
The agricultural college will be established at Kivelur in Nagapattinam to benefit students in predominant agrarian districts such as Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam. A separate university for horticulture will come up at Krishnagiri this year.
The government said a university of Indian medicine and Homoeopathy would be established in Kanyakumari district this year.
It would cover six existing government colleges of Indian medicines and Homoeopathy along with 26 similar private colleges.
Arts and Science Colleges will come up at Nemmeli in Kancheepuram district, Nagalapuram in Thoothukudi district, Harur in Dharmapuri district, Kallakurichi in Villupuram district, and Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district.
Mr. Barnala, citing a report of the National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in 2008-09, said Tamil Nadu ranked fifth in the country when it came to educational development index, which measured the quality of school education.
Similarly, a survey by NCERT in 2008, had said that schoolchildren in the State stood first in terms of competency in mathematics and language skills.
He said a total of 80,450 student had been benefited under the scheme to bear the government approved tuition fee for students from families with no graduates who have secured admission in professional colleges.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Sorry state of Silver Beach.
The Silver Beach is one of the solace for the residents of Cuddalore to get a breathe of fresh air. It had a scenic beauty to enthral the visitors. Many people enjoy their morning walk on the sands of this beach.But, those are going to be a history. Now, the reality is different.
The beach is full of rubbish. It is difficult to find an area of sand free from rubbish. Its highly nauseating. Though the beach is prohibited of plastic, one can see much of plastic generated out of the hawkers doing business here.
This beach is generating good income in terms of vehicle parking fees (Rs.5 per two wheeler). On a weekend, more than 400 two wheelers find their way to this parking area. Moreover, not less than 20 cars get to be parked here. A part of the income generated from this, if spent on cleaning this beach, will surely pave way to prevent rape of this sand duned beach.
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