This article might be a shock to you if you believe that the ill effects of toxics chemicals released in SIPCOT Cuddalore is confined to people living in SIPCOT area alone. When it can affect people in US and UK consuming fish from Cuddalore, will it spare you living in Cuddalore town ??
Toxic Chemicals Are Maiming Thousands Around the World - AlterNet
By Aquene Freechild, Environmental Health Fund. Posted May 16, 2008
Over time, our bodies lose their ability to cope with toxic chemicals, and each exposure has a more severe effect.
I don't know how anyone survives there.
My first visit to the SIPCOT Chemicals Hub in Cuddalore, India could have appeared deceptively pleasant to outside eyes. It's a beautiful day and there's a good breeze as we drive past the welcome sign for SIPCOT. The air in some places seems far cleaner than the air in nearby Chennai. In some spots it smells sweet, in others, like opening a bottle of ibuprofen -- an antiseptic, medicinal smell.
That is until my throat gets sore, I feel a bit nauseated and my guide starts retching. My guide, a local community environmental monitor finally recovers with bloodshot eyes. A headache follows and I begin to wonder how anyone manages to work in these facilities. SIPCOT Chemical Hub sandwiches its picturesque fishing villages in between rusting hulks of chemical factories. The court ordered waste channels are overflowing with an eerily pale blue green liquid, cattle graze not far away.
I visited the Cuddalore chemical hub, 2.5 hours south of Chennai on my most recent trip to India this January. I was in India to meet with the survivors of the world's worst industrial disaster, in which more than 8,000 people were gassed to death nearly overnight in 1984 by a Union Carbide chemical leak. Water contamination and long term effects of the toxic gas have killed 15,000 more since that December night. Cuddalore is a case study of how growing chemicals manufacture in the Global South for western and local markets is setting the stage for future Bhopals. While major consumer markets from New Delhi to New York rely on chemical manufacturing from impoverished communities in the Global South, toxics come back concentrated in products and food produced in the same impoverished communities.
The SIPCOT Chemicals Hub is currently an 8km stretch of pharmaceutical, explosive, dye and pesticide manufacturers. If it is completed as planned, it will stretch more than 38 kilometers, possibly trapping thousands of people on a strip of land between the Kaveri River and the sea that is less than 1km wide. One of my guides, Center for Environmental Monitoring organizer Shweta Narayan, works to keep this already toxic hotspot from reaching the boiling point and to help protect the local population from further egregious harm.
What might be a one-time chemical exposure for a healthy visitor, is a daily sensitization to highly toxic pollutants for the people living nearby. The villagers fish the polluted waters, and breathe belches of black and yellow smoke that smell like pickled cabbage, rotting carcass, sulfur gas or pesticides depending on the factory.
Victory Chemicals is making its toxic and likely radioactive sludge into bricks to give to villagers. But they doesn't find many takers. The bricks now lie dumped near the riverbank, crumbling into the water and from there into the body of a plant, a fish, a human being. Factory workers come out and stand close to the car, arms crossed, hoping harsh stares will generate enough force to push our concern out of the way. The District Environmental Engineer is called. He tries to blow off the claim that the waste is toxic. When that fails, he shrilly professes total impotence to address contamination complaints, before issuing a command for clean up; which all present know is destined to be ignored.
Over time, the body loses its ability to cope with these chemicals designed to confound our natural systems, and each exposure gives a more and more severe effect.
A chemical that will have no visible effect on an adult, can have catastrophic effects on the developing fetus and the young child -- dulling the mind, triggering birth defects, and setting the stage for autism, asthma, allergies and cancer. What may only make an adult nauseated, will cripple the dreams of a child and of a family for a healthy future; a whole and better life.
In the U.S., epidemics of cancer, autism, asthma, and reproductive birth defects in baby boys are sky high. Yet the air quality is far better in the U.S. than in most Indian cities. In India garbage piles are burnt spewing whole incinerator's worth of dioxin into the common air. Americans benefit from better environmental standards and enforcement for vehicle and factory emissions. Both India and U.S. have addressed the air quality problems of their cities -- particularly the places where the well-to-do live -- by exporting the sources of pollution -- Texas; Louisiana; Gary, Indiana; and the Port of Los Angeles are cases in point. The urban poor in either country would recognize these lit up refineries, chemical factories and power plants through the stinging fog.
Childhood cancer increased .6% a year from 1975-2002 according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. One in almost 7 women will suffer from breast cancer in their lifetimes; hormonally active toxins may be determining cancer outcomes for our children before they are even born.
We are just starting to see public discussion of the science of how certain chemicals attach to our DNA and are passed down from generation to generation. No longer is our chemical inheritance limited to in utero exposure and breast milk -- fathers are now known to contribute the effects of their chemical exposures as well. This widespread low level toxic contamination has been building its biological trap for more than four generations. In the U.S. and U.K., one in 250 boys is born with a malformed penis; one in 200 with autism.
In a U.K. city the size of Chennai, that would be 208 little boys that will need corrective surgery shortly after birth. But in Chennai, many would never be able to afford it. It would be about 250 little autistic boys who will appear normal at birth, but may never learn to speak, to read, or to use the toilet.
SIPCOT's pollution could well affect your children and grandchildren. Who eats this fish caught in Cuddalore? I would guess that Chennai is one of the markets, and the best fish likely end up in markets in Delhi and London. The chemicals SIPCOT is choking on, or the chemicals from hubs just like it around the world, find their way to you -- though your food, settling on crops and concentrating in the dark tissue in fish.
This horror of low-level maiming is the cause for my wonderment, "How will my friends in the villages surrounding SIPCOT survive?" An enthusiastic community activist Arul Selvam informed us that SIPCOT was founded in 1984. Only 2 generations have been exposed to this growing stench so far. The teachers report that the children are far slower than in other schools; many chemicals used here are known to stunt mental growth, including those emited from a factory adjacent to the school. How can the grassroots organize when their very minds are being altered? There is no other option.
We, those who consume the products from the chemical hubs, must fight the polluters in solidarity with those most affected. We can change our own habits to cut off the market for toxic products at the ankles. But even after undertaking this, we cannot simply abandon the children in chemical hubs like SIPCOT -- our future leaders -- to the excruciating pain of cancer death, the stabbing humiliation from learning disabilities and the resulting teasing, the grief of being deprived the opportunity to become a mother or father.
The idea of detox medicine and facilities for SIPCOT's poisoned residents could be called a pipe dream. Industrial poisoning is an abandoned step child of modern medicine. Those who strive to treat poisoning with environmental medicine, ayurveda, Chinese traditional medicine, yoga, nutritional changes and support are scorned by the medical establishment. Treatment for basic poisoning is denied in this way to the wealthiest clients of the American medical system. Those who are poisoned are too frequently sacrificed at the altar of medical ego. Worse, basic medical care is beyond the reach of so many around SIPCOT, and around the world. Access to medical care declines along with income for the poisoned fisherfolk. What can we hope to offer?
The Sambhanva Clinic in Bhopal, India has found yoga positions and organic herb growing at home, offer relief to Bhopal gas and water poisoning victims. One of the reasons these techniques are threatening to conventional physicians is their very accessibility for all, their inexpensive and therefore unprofitable nature. Integrated medical treatment of industrial poisoning? There are many such good ideas, many shoulds, woulds and coulds that can turn one poisoned person's hell into a renewed hope for life. Those who chose to take the first step and act in support of the SIPCOT communities -- like the members of Youth for Social Change in Madras, are working an invisible magic, setting the stage for larger changes.
I dream not only of stopping the expansion of SIPCOT and its current polluters, but also of seeing effective treatment for those already poisoned there. Like any other daunting challenge, it can be simplified to the happiness you are creating in one other person's life and also your own. The beneficiary of this work I imagine, is a child who can smile without a cleft lip, a mother who can breathe enough to complete her daily work, a father who is proudly able to conceive. When I speak about other Bhopals and the ongoing chemical experiment we are all part of, I will describe this perfectly normal child -- a dream, a vision, and decreasing probability.
Currently exposure to extremely common chemicals, like 2,4 D -- found in Scott's Weed n' Feed, has no long term treatment protocol in the U.S. Those suffering from long term effects of toxic exposure must plow through a revolving door of specialists and disparate alternative medical practicioners spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours chasing relief. If environmental physicians coordinated with integrative medicine practitioners to share knowledge and treatment protocols internationally perhaps simple detox practices could be made available in SIPCOT and hundreds of communities like it.
It may take 20 years for such a vision to materialize. I hope it will take less time to see real pollution control implemented in Cuddalore. In standing up against toxic trespass, the imposition of unwanted chemicals unto our bodies, local organizers are working for the fundamental right to health and for the smile of a perfectly normal, healthy child.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Bus stops without shelter
Post Office bus stop on the south side Barathi Road is without shelter for almost two years. The old bus stop shelter was demolished when sidewalk was laid here. But a shelter not constructed even two years after the completion of the sidewalk work. People wait for buses in hot sun and rain.
Similarly GH bus stop on the north side of Hospital Road is also without a shelter. Though the actual stopping is some 50 meters towards west, people wait for buses straight opposite to west gate of the hospital. So buses stop here. Unlike the Post Office stopping cases, I never seen a shelter in this bus stop.
Similarly GH bus stop on the north side of Hospital Road is also without a shelter. Though the actual stopping is some 50 meters towards west, people wait for buses straight opposite to west gate of the hospital. So buses stop here. Unlike the Post Office stopping cases, I never seen a shelter in this bus stop.
Sand heaped up
Even after broadening the Hospital Road vehicles are not able make use of the full width of the road as sand heaped up either side of the road. Two wheelers are the most affected as buses and other large vehicles rushes in the available space.
Encroachments reappear
Encroachments reappear in all parts of the town after they were removed few weeks back. Encroachment eviction is greatly influenced by political powers. They is no surprise that encroachments by ruling party members are never cleared.
The photo above was taken in Padali theater road, a couple of days after the eviction drive. The first thatch roof is put on after the eviction, while the second in the picture was not even cleared. As I have written an year back trucks find it difficult to enter Padali theater road to unload goods at Panpari market because of these encroachments. This quiet often leads to traffic congestion in Lawrence Road.
It is said that the eviction drive is generally conducted once in a year. But this time it is said to have been conducted after a two years gap. Why should not we appoint an authority to keep a continuous check on the encroachments (in roads and in other public places - esp. lakes and river beds) and clear it immediately. Understanding the amount of trouble it creates in towns and cities, complaints relating to encroachment should be processed and proceeded on by this authority. The authority should be made liable if the complaints are not verified and if eviction is not carried out within a given time frame.
The photo above was taken in Padali theater road, a couple of days after the eviction drive. The first thatch roof is put on after the eviction, while the second in the picture was not even cleared. As I have written an year back trucks find it difficult to enter Padali theater road to unload goods at Panpari market because of these encroachments. This quiet often leads to traffic congestion in Lawrence Road.It is said that the eviction drive is generally conducted once in a year. But this time it is said to have been conducted after a two years gap. Why should not we appoint an authority to keep a continuous check on the encroachments (in roads and in other public places - esp. lakes and river beds) and clear it immediately. Understanding the amount of trouble it creates in towns and cities, complaints relating to encroachment should be processed and proceeded on by this authority. The authority should be made liable if the complaints are not verified and if eviction is not carried out within a given time frame.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
“Have a re-look at coastal projects”
“Have a re-look at coastal projects” - The Hindu
A.V.Ragunathan
Environmentalists flay “single window clearance” concept
Industrial proposals are being cleared within 30 days under the system
Chemical units on the coast, in the event of floods and tsunami, will cause havoc
CUDDALORE: Environmental activists, ecologists and consumer organisations have raised their voice against the “single window clearance” concept for sanctioning industries, particularly in the coastal areas.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, it has become imperative on the part of the policy-makers and the government to spare thoughts for protecting the fragile coastal eco-system. Hence, they demand scrapping of the single window system and reverting to the earlier practice of scrutinising the entire gamut of issues involved, according to Rajesh Rangarajan of the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) that has taken up the post-tsunami environmental restoration projects in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
These issues were discussed at the meeting of the representatives of the coastal community and self-help groups, convened here recently by the CAG and the Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation.
Mr. Rangarajan told The Hindu earlier that any new project was vetted by at least a dozen departments but under the single window system the industrial proposals were being cleared within 30 days.
In the first place the government should decide whether the industries should be located in the coastal areas, thereby turning the sea into a pollution sink for discharging untreated effluents.
It was a matter of concern that even the Coastal Zone Regulation Act was amended to facilitate the location of industries on the coast.
When the Cheyyur power project ran into problem owing to public outcry the planners were targeting the ecologically sensitive Marakkanam area for shifting the project.
In such an eventuality, the sand dunes at Marakkanam that were the natural safeguard against tidal waves would be the first casualty. The CAG was advocating sector-specific environment impact assessment to evolve a set of templates to be applied all over, he said.
The meeting took stock of the government move to concentrate a whole lot of industries - chemical, textile, oil refinery, etc. - along the Cuddalore coast.
It sought to empower the coastal community with information on such ventures and on how to protect the ecology as well as their livelihood.
Executive secretary of the consumer forum M. Nizamudeen said that the chemical units on the coast, in the event of floods and tsunami, would cause havoc to humanity and ecology. None of the projects in the pipeline seemed to have taken cognizance of the threat, he said.
A.V.Ragunathan
Environmentalists flay “single window clearance” concept
Industrial proposals are being cleared within 30 days under the system
Chemical units on the coast, in the event of floods and tsunami, will cause havoc
CUDDALORE: Environmental activists, ecologists and consumer organisations have raised their voice against the “single window clearance” concept for sanctioning industries, particularly in the coastal areas.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, it has become imperative on the part of the policy-makers and the government to spare thoughts for protecting the fragile coastal eco-system. Hence, they demand scrapping of the single window system and reverting to the earlier practice of scrutinising the entire gamut of issues involved, according to Rajesh Rangarajan of the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) that has taken up the post-tsunami environmental restoration projects in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
These issues were discussed at the meeting of the representatives of the coastal community and self-help groups, convened here recently by the CAG and the Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation.
Mr. Rangarajan told The Hindu earlier that any new project was vetted by at least a dozen departments but under the single window system the industrial proposals were being cleared within 30 days.
In the first place the government should decide whether the industries should be located in the coastal areas, thereby turning the sea into a pollution sink for discharging untreated effluents.
It was a matter of concern that even the Coastal Zone Regulation Act was amended to facilitate the location of industries on the coast.
When the Cheyyur power project ran into problem owing to public outcry the planners were targeting the ecologically sensitive Marakkanam area for shifting the project.
In such an eventuality, the sand dunes at Marakkanam that were the natural safeguard against tidal waves would be the first casualty. The CAG was advocating sector-specific environment impact assessment to evolve a set of templates to be applied all over, he said.
The meeting took stock of the government move to concentrate a whole lot of industries - chemical, textile, oil refinery, etc. - along the Cuddalore coast.
It sought to empower the coastal community with information on such ventures and on how to protect the ecology as well as their livelihood.
Executive secretary of the consumer forum M. Nizamudeen said that the chemical units on the coast, in the event of floods and tsunami, would cause havoc to humanity and ecology. None of the projects in the pipeline seemed to have taken cognizance of the threat, he said.
Floating objects create a flutter in Silver Beach
Floating objects create a flutter - The Hindu
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Three tubular plastic objects found floating in the sea at Silver Beach here caused flutter among the visitors on Monday. The bomb disposal squad reached the spot and seized the objects. After scrutiny the personnel declared the objects non-explosives. On opening the objects, they found thin copper sheets (with certain geometrical patterns and letters inscribed on them) tucked in.
Special Correspondent
CUDDALORE: Three tubular plastic objects found floating in the sea at Silver Beach here caused flutter among the visitors on Monday. The bomb disposal squad reached the spot and seized the objects. After scrutiny the personnel declared the objects non-explosives. On opening the objects, they found thin copper sheets (with certain geometrical patterns and letters inscribed on them) tucked in.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sea erodes pristine Tamil Nadu beach
Sea erodes pristine Tamil Nadu beach - Thaindian
Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu), May 11 (IANS) Even as deliberations to finalise the draft of a coastal zone management (CZM) are underway, one of its vital issues - seafront erosion - has hit this quiet town, officials said Sunday. Badly mauled by the 2004 Asian tsunami, Cuddalore’s 57 km-long beach, second only to the Marina beach in state capital Chennai, 180 km to the north, is in danger of losing long stretches to the brackish waters, officials told IANS.
Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, presently on holiday in Rajasthan said by phone that he was aware of the problem and “it worried him”.
“Though the relevant files are not in my possession at this point in time, I am worried by this issue. The administration is looking at various options to stop the ’sea’s landward invasion’,” said Ratnoo.
Locals said that sea water had gobbled up Cuddalore’s scenic “Silver Beach” in some places up to 40 metres.
“The water level has increased so much that almost the entire cement-concrete benches lining the beach and the electric lamp-posts are standing in almost two feet of water. In some places water has come inland up to 40 metres. If this goes on, one day our children may be left with no beach to play on,” said K. Rajeshwari, 29, watching her toddlers playing in the sand close to the water.
“The real culprits to be blamed are certain departments of the state and central governments which allowed land reclamation in certain parts here. When man invades the sea, nature always retaliates unpredictably,” said V. Pasupathi, a retired government official pointing to the greenish expanse of the Bay of Bengal.
Acting collector and district revenue officer S. Natarajan said that while the cause for erosion were under investigation, “there is no immediate cause for alarm”.
“This phenomenon probably began during the Nargis weather system that threatened us briefly. As a matter of precaution, we have posted more policemen to prevent bathing during tides. Further, discussions are being held to assess the problem and the methodology to tackle it will be finalised when the collector returns as there is no immediate cause for alarm,” said Natarajan.
Over nine hamlets in the northern suburbs of capital Chennai have already been lost to the sea following reclamation to augment port facilities during the last decade, according to state government’s statistics.
“One solution could be increasing coastal vegetation to protect the seafront. Our study shows very clearly that areas with trees suffered less destruction than areas without trees,” Finn Danielsen, a Denmark based director of the Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology had said in a report co-authored by 13 international scientists drawn from various countries including India and Sri Lanka following the tsunami.
Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu), May 11 (IANS) Even as deliberations to finalise the draft of a coastal zone management (CZM) are underway, one of its vital issues - seafront erosion - has hit this quiet town, officials said Sunday. Badly mauled by the 2004 Asian tsunami, Cuddalore’s 57 km-long beach, second only to the Marina beach in state capital Chennai, 180 km to the north, is in danger of losing long stretches to the brackish waters, officials told IANS.
Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, presently on holiday in Rajasthan said by phone that he was aware of the problem and “it worried him”.
“Though the relevant files are not in my possession at this point in time, I am worried by this issue. The administration is looking at various options to stop the ’sea’s landward invasion’,” said Ratnoo.
Locals said that sea water had gobbled up Cuddalore’s scenic “Silver Beach” in some places up to 40 metres.
“The water level has increased so much that almost the entire cement-concrete benches lining the beach and the electric lamp-posts are standing in almost two feet of water. In some places water has come inland up to 40 metres. If this goes on, one day our children may be left with no beach to play on,” said K. Rajeshwari, 29, watching her toddlers playing in the sand close to the water.
“The real culprits to be blamed are certain departments of the state and central governments which allowed land reclamation in certain parts here. When man invades the sea, nature always retaliates unpredictably,” said V. Pasupathi, a retired government official pointing to the greenish expanse of the Bay of Bengal.
Acting collector and district revenue officer S. Natarajan said that while the cause for erosion were under investigation, “there is no immediate cause for alarm”.
“This phenomenon probably began during the Nargis weather system that threatened us briefly. As a matter of precaution, we have posted more policemen to prevent bathing during tides. Further, discussions are being held to assess the problem and the methodology to tackle it will be finalised when the collector returns as there is no immediate cause for alarm,” said Natarajan.
Over nine hamlets in the northern suburbs of capital Chennai have already been lost to the sea following reclamation to augment port facilities during the last decade, according to state government’s statistics.
“One solution could be increasing coastal vegetation to protect the seafront. Our study shows very clearly that areas with trees suffered less destruction than areas without trees,” Finn Danielsen, a Denmark based director of the Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology had said in a report co-authored by 13 international scientists drawn from various countries including India and Sri Lanka following the tsunami.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Sea water surges in
Sea water surges in many of the coastal villages in Cuddalore. This has been happening for over a month. As a result, many of the palm and coconut trees in coastal hamlets like Devanampattinam are uprooted and washed away by waves.
Uprooted coconut trees
As sand in Silver Beach is being eroded away, the cement floor which was laid before tsunami is now visible. Huge crowd gather in beach to see this concrete floor appearing again.
The erosion is more pronounced at the north end of the beach than at the south end. Water has reached till the rows of lamp posts. In a few days time these lamp posts will be washed away by waves. However, local fishermen say this is usual during this time of the year and express hope that the water will recede in a couple of weeks.
Video:
Uprooted coconut treesDuring the recent new moon day, waves were strong enough to cover half of the sand scape in beach.
As sand in Silver Beach is being eroded away, the cement floor which was laid before tsunami is now visible. Huge crowd gather in beach to see this concrete floor appearing again.
The erosion is more pronounced at the north end of the beach than at the south end. Water has reached till the rows of lamp posts. In a few days time these lamp posts will be washed away by waves. However, local fishermen say this is usual during this time of the year and express hope that the water will recede in a couple of weeks.
Video:Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Dawn Fest 2008
To know more about Dawn Fest and about mangrove forest in Pichavaram, visit the following link to district administration's official website.
A DAWN FEST AT PICHAVARAM
A DAWN FEST AT PICHAVARAM
Showcasing Pichavaram
Showcasing Pichavaram - The Hindu
KALYANI CANDADE
The Dawn Fest seeks to place the vast lake and its mangroves on the global eco-tourism map.
An exercise in harmony: At the Dawn Fest 2008 at Chinnavaikkal.
Rajendra Ratnoo, the Collector of Cuddalore, is a man with a mission: to put Pichavaram on the global eco-tourism map.
Ratnoo’s strategy is simple — and brilliant. “The aim is to showcase the potential of Pichavaram to relevant and concerned stakeholders — the administration, policy makers, the tourism industry, media, and the locals,” he says. The Dawn Fest was a conference with a difference: a weekend of thoughtful, passionate and creative showcasing of the tourism potential of Chidambaram and Pichavaram; bringing together the history, the cultural heritage and the ecology of the place.
Leitmotif
Fittingly, the highlight of the event was a visit to the island of Chinnavaikkal, flanked by the backwaters on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. This was the leitmotif of the Dawn Fest: to watch the sun paint the sky at dawn — to strains of mellifluous music and to the salute of suryanamaskar on the beach… This was eco-tourism, bringing together the students of Annamalai University with their music and their yoga and knowledge of marine biology, the people of Killai Panchayat, with their boats and their knowledge of the island and the mangroves and the water, and us, the practice-run tourists…
Later, as we drifted past the mangroves in boats, students of marine biology briefed us on the mangroves and answered questions. Considered one of the healthiest occurrences in the world, the Pichavaram mangroves cover an area of over 400 hectares in the Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex. An intricate system of canals, channels and creeks create myriad islands, and a unique ecosystem that spans three mangrove wetland Reserve Forests : Killai, Pichavaram and Pichavaram Extension area. We floated past vast stretches of brilliant green rooted firmly in shallow water, with their strange aerial roots growing down from high above us, and their unique reproduction system that enables the fruit to float away to colonise new areas — and, when the time is right, put down roots and send out shoots…
Increased awareness
The water was clean and bright, much cleaner than the mangroves we had seen in Goa or in the Andamans. Ratnoo is happy that we noticed. Yes, we had a cleaning drive and we are educating the local people, he beams. There is still much to be done, but the beginning is encouraging.
Led by the dynamic and forward-thinking Ravichandran and inspired by Ratnoo, the people of Killai Panchayat are extremely enthusiastic and hopeful about the concept of eco-tourism in the area. The cultural evening they hosted for us was an eye-opener, showcasing the wealth of talent and skill in native dance and martial art forms, as well as the effort that went into making the show memorable. Karagam, Kolattam, Kalari, all seem well and alive among the people of Killai. The accompanying commentary was also telling. “You can bind our feet and chain our hands and burden us with a load on our head, but we will master the load and dance with it, that is the nature of Woman,” proclaims the voice on the mike with vehemence as the girls dance the Karagam without a care in the world.
Hope ahead
Only the tsunami boats are a grim reminder of their struggle to remake their lives. But they are hopeful: Ratnoo is confident that eco tourism can supplement their income substantially through revenue from serving as guides, taking tourists boating and other allied opportunities, without taking them away from being fishermen.
Dawn Fest comes to an end, but the wheels have been set in motion. And if Ratnoo has his way, Pichavaram will soon be one more place where everybody understands the meaning of low-volume, minimum impact, responsible travel.
KALYANI CANDADE
The Dawn Fest seeks to place the vast lake and its mangroves on the global eco-tourism map.
PHOTO: C. VENKATACHALAPATHY
An exercise in harmony: At the Dawn Fest 2008 at Chinnavaikkal.Rajendra Ratnoo, the Collector of Cuddalore, is a man with a mission: to put Pichavaram on the global eco-tourism map.
Ratnoo’s strategy is simple — and brilliant. “The aim is to showcase the potential of Pichavaram to relevant and concerned stakeholders — the administration, policy makers, the tourism industry, media, and the locals,” he says. The Dawn Fest was a conference with a difference: a weekend of thoughtful, passionate and creative showcasing of the tourism potential of Chidambaram and Pichavaram; bringing together the history, the cultural heritage and the ecology of the place.
Leitmotif
Fittingly, the highlight of the event was a visit to the island of Chinnavaikkal, flanked by the backwaters on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. This was the leitmotif of the Dawn Fest: to watch the sun paint the sky at dawn — to strains of mellifluous music and to the salute of suryanamaskar on the beach… This was eco-tourism, bringing together the students of Annamalai University with their music and their yoga and knowledge of marine biology, the people of Killai Panchayat, with their boats and their knowledge of the island and the mangroves and the water, and us, the practice-run tourists…
Later, as we drifted past the mangroves in boats, students of marine biology briefed us on the mangroves and answered questions. Considered one of the healthiest occurrences in the world, the Pichavaram mangroves cover an area of over 400 hectares in the Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex. An intricate system of canals, channels and creeks create myriad islands, and a unique ecosystem that spans three mangrove wetland Reserve Forests : Killai, Pichavaram and Pichavaram Extension area. We floated past vast stretches of brilliant green rooted firmly in shallow water, with their strange aerial roots growing down from high above us, and their unique reproduction system that enables the fruit to float away to colonise new areas — and, when the time is right, put down roots and send out shoots…
Increased awareness
The water was clean and bright, much cleaner than the mangroves we had seen in Goa or in the Andamans. Ratnoo is happy that we noticed. Yes, we had a cleaning drive and we are educating the local people, he beams. There is still much to be done, but the beginning is encouraging.
Led by the dynamic and forward-thinking Ravichandran and inspired by Ratnoo, the people of Killai Panchayat are extremely enthusiastic and hopeful about the concept of eco-tourism in the area. The cultural evening they hosted for us was an eye-opener, showcasing the wealth of talent and skill in native dance and martial art forms, as well as the effort that went into making the show memorable. Karagam, Kolattam, Kalari, all seem well and alive among the people of Killai. The accompanying commentary was also telling. “You can bind our feet and chain our hands and burden us with a load on our head, but we will master the load and dance with it, that is the nature of Woman,” proclaims the voice on the mike with vehemence as the girls dance the Karagam without a care in the world.
Hope ahead
Only the tsunami boats are a grim reminder of their struggle to remake their lives. But they are hopeful: Ratnoo is confident that eco tourism can supplement their income substantially through revenue from serving as guides, taking tourists boating and other allied opportunities, without taking them away from being fishermen.
Dawn Fest comes to an end, but the wheels have been set in motion. And if Ratnoo has his way, Pichavaram will soon be one more place where everybody understands the meaning of low-volume, minimum impact, responsible travel.
Shoring up Pichavaram as tourist centre
Shoring up Pichavaram as tourist centre - The Hindu
A.V.Ragunathan
“Dawn Fest 2008” kicks off to a colourful start
PROMOTING TOURISM: “Dawn Fest 2008” being celebrated at Chinnavaikkal at Pichavaram in Cuddalore district on Sunday.
CUDDALORE: The two-day “Dawn Fest 2008” got off to a colourful start in the backwaters of Pichavaram near Chidambaram on Saturday. District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, who inaugurated the fete, said the myriad hues of the sky before sunrise in the backdrop of the mangroves were a sight to behold.
Mr. Ratnoo told reporters that the aim of the event, conceptualised by him and funded by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, was to showcase Pichavaram as an eco-tourism destination to the stakeholders of the tourism industry such as tour operators, tourism consultants and hoteliers.
He said Cuddalore district held out rich tourism potential of various nature including heritage and pilgrimage tourism (as it housed renowned temples such as Padaleeswarar temple, Natarajar temple and Hayagrivar temple), classical art forms (being promoted through the famed Natyanjali festival and Annamalai University), and beach tourism along the 54-km coastal line, including Chinnavaikkal, Thazhanguda and Silver beach.
The sunrise could be viewed from the Chinnavaikkal islet replete with lush coconut groves that could be easily accessed by boat ride in the backwaters. The islet was illuminated for the occasion and filled with strains of classical music presented by the students of the Music Department of Annamalai University.
While the guests were sailing the boats in the early hours on Sunday the students of the Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, who accompanied them explained the ecological importance of the mangroves that were home to large number of migratory birds, sources of livelihood to thousands of fishermen and Iruals, and bioshield at the time of natural disasters such as cyclone and the tsunami.
Pichavaram used to attract migratory birds such as seagull from Mongolia in April and after a brief sojourn the winged visitors would return to their native place. The Pichavaram area is now awash with dense colonies of seagulls.
As the sun was rising, the students of the Centre for Yoga Studies, Annamalai University, struck various postures or asanas, signifying paying obeisance to the mighty nature.
The evening was filled with cultural events, mostly in folk forms such as thappattam, karagattm, silambattam, fire show and Irulas’ kolattam.
A handful of foreign tourists too enjoyed the occasion.
A.V.Ragunathan
“Dawn Fest 2008” kicks off to a colourful start
— Photo:C. Venkatachalapathy
PROMOTING TOURISM: “Dawn Fest 2008” being celebrated at Chinnavaikkal at Pichavaram in Cuddalore district on Sunday.CUDDALORE: The two-day “Dawn Fest 2008” got off to a colourful start in the backwaters of Pichavaram near Chidambaram on Saturday. District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, who inaugurated the fete, said the myriad hues of the sky before sunrise in the backdrop of the mangroves were a sight to behold.
Mr. Ratnoo told reporters that the aim of the event, conceptualised by him and funded by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, was to showcase Pichavaram as an eco-tourism destination to the stakeholders of the tourism industry such as tour operators, tourism consultants and hoteliers.
He said Cuddalore district held out rich tourism potential of various nature including heritage and pilgrimage tourism (as it housed renowned temples such as Padaleeswarar temple, Natarajar temple and Hayagrivar temple), classical art forms (being promoted through the famed Natyanjali festival and Annamalai University), and beach tourism along the 54-km coastal line, including Chinnavaikkal, Thazhanguda and Silver beach.
The sunrise could be viewed from the Chinnavaikkal islet replete with lush coconut groves that could be easily accessed by boat ride in the backwaters. The islet was illuminated for the occasion and filled with strains of classical music presented by the students of the Music Department of Annamalai University.
While the guests were sailing the boats in the early hours on Sunday the students of the Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, who accompanied them explained the ecological importance of the mangroves that were home to large number of migratory birds, sources of livelihood to thousands of fishermen and Iruals, and bioshield at the time of natural disasters such as cyclone and the tsunami.
Pichavaram used to attract migratory birds such as seagull from Mongolia in April and after a brief sojourn the winged visitors would return to their native place. The Pichavaram area is now awash with dense colonies of seagulls.
As the sun was rising, the students of the Centre for Yoga Studies, Annamalai University, struck various postures or asanas, signifying paying obeisance to the mighty nature.
The evening was filled with cultural events, mostly in folk forms such as thappattam, karagattm, silambattam, fire show and Irulas’ kolattam.
A handful of foreign tourists too enjoyed the occasion.
Discussion about underground drainage construction
Currently there is discussion about underground drainage construction work at Cuddalore in Cuddalore Online group. Please take an active part in this discussion.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Underground drainage construction - Part 2
In some parts of the town like in Govindasamy Nagar, new road was laid just before the starting the underground drainage work. Like many, I believe this is not just a lack of coordination between the departments, but done intentionally to loot away the fund allocated by doing a poor quality work, which anyhow will be covered up once the drainage works begins.
In some streets like in Periyanayagi Amman Kovil Street, the road laying work has started before the pipe laying work for the underground drainage is complete. As a result the new road is damaged as the drainage work progresses. It has been more than five years since road was laid last time in this street. Can't they wait for a couple of months ? Isn't this intentional ??
Road laying work in Periyanayagi amman kovil street in Thirupadhiripuliyur
In some streets like in Periyanayagi Amman Kovil Street, the road laying work has started before the pipe laying work for the underground drainage is complete. As a result the new road is damaged as the drainage work progresses. It has been more than five years since road was laid last time in this street. Can't they wait for a couple of months ? Isn't this intentional ??
Road laying work in Periyanayagi amman kovil street in ThirupadhiripuliyurUnderground drainage construction - Part 1
Most of the roads in Cuddalore are in bad shape owing to the underground drainage construction work progressing at snail's pace. Workers dug out pits and leave them uncovered for several weeks together before the next stage of work starts. They never bother to spread out the dug out sand after laying the pipes and construction man holes. As a result huge heaps of sand is accumulated on roads hindering the free flow of traffic.
Underground drainage work at Chinna Vaaniar street
Underground drainage work at Chinna Vaaniar streetUnderground drainage construction series
I feel that it is impossible to capture everything that is going around in Cuddalore in the name of 'underground drainage construction' in a single article. So I will be writing a series of articles about the work in Cuddalore.
To my knowledge, irregularities and corruption behind this drainage work is not reported by other medias. So input from other sources are minimal.
It would be of great help if you can share about the irregularities and the politics behind the work in your locality. You can write your views as a comment or send a mail to cuddaloreonline [at] gmail [dot] com.
To my knowledge, irregularities and corruption behind this drainage work is not reported by other medias. So input from other sources are minimal.
It would be of great help if you can share about the irregularities and the politics behind the work in your locality. You can write your views as a comment or send a mail to cuddaloreonline [at] gmail [dot] com.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Pollution update
Permission to Chemplast for VCM Pipeline across Uppanar Cancelled -SACEM
The Public Works Department (PWD) has cancelled the permission granted to Chemplast Sanmar's PVC Plant at SIPCOT Cuddalore for laying a pipeline to convey Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) across Uppanar River. The permission was cancelled in March 2008 after the department learnt that VCM was a toxic chemical capable of causing environmental pollution and health hazards to the people in the vicinity full story>>
The Public Works Department (PWD) has cancelled the permission granted to Chemplast Sanmar's PVC Plant at SIPCOT Cuddalore for laying a pipeline to convey Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) across Uppanar River. The permission was cancelled in March 2008 after the department learnt that VCM was a toxic chemical capable of causing environmental pollution and health hazards to the people in the vicinity full story>>
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Cuddalore Online template changed
Dear viewers,
Cuddalore Online template has been changed for the first time since the blog was created. We hope you like the new look. We like hear your suggestions for continuous improvement.
Some of the functionalities like subscription, hits counter are unavailable for the moment. We hope to bring back these functionalities in a couple of days.
Thanks,
Jean-Claude
Cuddalore Online template has been changed for the first time since the blog was created. We hope you like the new look. We like hear your suggestions for continuous improvement.
Some of the functionalities like subscription, hits counter are unavailable for the moment. We hope to bring back these functionalities in a couple of days.
Thanks,
Jean-Claude
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cuddalore in the news
Ban on sea fishing - The Hindu
CUDDALORE: The annual ban on fishing in the sea will be enforced from April 15 to May 29, according to Rajendra Ratnoo, District Collector. In a statement here, Mr. Ratnoo said that during the 45-day period the mechanised boats and trawlers were prohibited from indulging in fishing operation. Since, it happened to be breeding time for fishes, fishing holiday had become necessary. — Special Correspondent
Cuddalore fishermen seek Puducherry model - The Hindu
A.V.Ragunathan
Financial aid and free rice demanded for “fishing holiday”
FISHING HOLIDAY: A mechanised boat remaining idle as repair works are undertaken.
CUDDALORE: With the 45-day “fishing holiday” coming into force from Tuesday, the fishermen in Cuddalore district have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to provide them some sort of compensation for the period.
They have urged the State government to emulate the Puducherry model in which the territorial government is said to be extending a financial assistance of Rs. 750 and 100 kg of free rice for every mechanised boat thus stranded.
As far as Cuddalore district is concerned, there are about 1,500 mechanised boats and launches/trawlers with the inboard engine capacity of 15 hp and above. All these boats have been grounded for the period. The average annual fish catch in the district is in the order of 27,000 tonnes. Ever since the government imposed the restrictions on fishing for the specified period from 2001, the fishermen have been clamouring for suitable compensation.
Assistant Director of Fisheries Department V. Tamilmani told The Hindu that the fishing holiday should not be viewed as a measure to inflict loss on the fishing community. As it happened to be the major breeding season for fishes in the mid-sea, where there was no turbidity, and at the end of the season the fishermen would reap rich harvest.
Because the landings would be quite substantial that would easily compensate the assumed losses. Moreover, the government was giving priority to the safety of fishermen and hence, the period could be profitably utilised for repairing the boats and mending the fishing nets.
On the compliance level of fishermen with regard to the restrictions, Mr. Tamilmani said that even well ahead of the “fishing holiday,” the Fisheries Department was creating awareness among the community through the media and sending letters to their associations.
The department was also deploying field staff periodically to the coastal villages to ensure that no violations took place. Mr. Tamilmani also said that the awareness level among the fishermen was quite good and above all the association’s hold was firm that no fisherman would dare any deviations.
However, the fish arrivals would be in dribs and drabs because catamarans and small mechanised boats would continue to make their forays. Because of the presumed low fish arrivals, the demand for chicken and meat was likely to go up.
As for the demand for compensation, Mr. Tamilmani said that it was for the government to decide.
CUDDALORE: The annual ban on fishing in the sea will be enforced from April 15 to May 29, according to Rajendra Ratnoo, District Collector. In a statement here, Mr. Ratnoo said that during the 45-day period the mechanised boats and trawlers were prohibited from indulging in fishing operation. Since, it happened to be breeding time for fishes, fishing holiday had become necessary. — Special Correspondent
Cuddalore fishermen seek Puducherry model - The Hindu
A.V.Ragunathan
Financial aid and free rice demanded for “fishing holiday”
FISHING HOLIDAY: A mechanised boat remaining idle as repair works are undertaken.
CUDDALORE: With the 45-day “fishing holiday” coming into force from Tuesday, the fishermen in Cuddalore district have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to provide them some sort of compensation for the period.
They have urged the State government to emulate the Puducherry model in which the territorial government is said to be extending a financial assistance of Rs. 750 and 100 kg of free rice for every mechanised boat thus stranded.
As far as Cuddalore district is concerned, there are about 1,500 mechanised boats and launches/trawlers with the inboard engine capacity of 15 hp and above. All these boats have been grounded for the period. The average annual fish catch in the district is in the order of 27,000 tonnes. Ever since the government imposed the restrictions on fishing for the specified period from 2001, the fishermen have been clamouring for suitable compensation.
Assistant Director of Fisheries Department V. Tamilmani told The Hindu that the fishing holiday should not be viewed as a measure to inflict loss on the fishing community. As it happened to be the major breeding season for fishes in the mid-sea, where there was no turbidity, and at the end of the season the fishermen would reap rich harvest.
Because the landings would be quite substantial that would easily compensate the assumed losses. Moreover, the government was giving priority to the safety of fishermen and hence, the period could be profitably utilised for repairing the boats and mending the fishing nets.
On the compliance level of fishermen with regard to the restrictions, Mr. Tamilmani said that even well ahead of the “fishing holiday,” the Fisheries Department was creating awareness among the community through the media and sending letters to their associations.
The department was also deploying field staff periodically to the coastal villages to ensure that no violations took place. Mr. Tamilmani also said that the awareness level among the fishermen was quite good and above all the association’s hold was firm that no fisherman would dare any deviations.
However, the fish arrivals would be in dribs and drabs because catamarans and small mechanised boats would continue to make their forays. Because of the presumed low fish arrivals, the demand for chicken and meat was likely to go up.
As for the demand for compensation, Mr. Tamilmani said that it was for the government to decide.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Kanimozhi makes surprise visit to industrial units
Kanimozhi makes surprise visit to industrial units - The Hindu
Special Correspondent
She supervised the arrangements for DMK women’s wing conference
Kanimozhi,M.P. inspecting the venue for DMK women wing’s conference scheduled for next month, in Cuddalore on Monday.
CUDDALORE: Kanimozhi, MP, made a surprise visit to the SIPCOT Industrial Estate on Monday, following complaints of pollution hazards posed by certain chemical units there.
Health Minister M.R.K.Panneerselvam, District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, Superintendent of Police Pradip Kumar, District Environmental Engineer Ramasubbu, and D.Ravikumar,G.Aiyappan and Saba.Rajendran, MLAs, accompanied her.
She arrived here in the morning to discuss the arrangements to be made for the women’s wing conference of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam scheduled at the Manjakuppam grounds next month. Mr. Ravikumar met her and informed her of the gravity of the pollution problem posed by the SIPCOT units.
He cited the findings of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) that conducted a study from June 26 to 30, 2006 at the instance of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).
Mr. Ravikumar told the MP that though the NEERI submitted its report to the TNPCB in August 2007 it was kept under wraps till the local community environment monitoring group obtained the copy through invoking the Right to Information Act.
The study revealed that of the 94 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the air-samples collected from the SIPCOT area 15 fell in the category of hazardous air pollutants.
Some VOCs were toxic, having both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards.
After the inspection, Ms Kanimozhi told the reporters that there seemed to be slackness in implementing the pollution control norms and in certain cases the standards were yet to be fixed.
She promised to take up the issue in Parliament.
The Collector directed the TNPCB to take appropriate measures in this regard.
As for the women’s conference, Ms. Kanimozhi said it would be another mega event of the DMK and would also create an upsurge among women.
For the welfare of women, the State budget had made many provisions, she added.
Related articles:
1000 Bhopals Photo Exhibition Launched by Kanimozhi
Renowned Tamil poetess Kanimozhi inaugurates 1000 Bhopals photo exhibition
Special Correspondent
She supervised the arrangements for DMK women’s wing conference
Kanimozhi,M.P. inspecting the venue for DMK women wing’s conference scheduled for next month, in Cuddalore on Monday.
CUDDALORE: Kanimozhi, MP, made a surprise visit to the SIPCOT Industrial Estate on Monday, following complaints of pollution hazards posed by certain chemical units there.
Health Minister M.R.K.Panneerselvam, District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, Superintendent of Police Pradip Kumar, District Environmental Engineer Ramasubbu, and D.Ravikumar,G.Aiyappan and Saba.Rajendran, MLAs, accompanied her.
She arrived here in the morning to discuss the arrangements to be made for the women’s wing conference of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam scheduled at the Manjakuppam grounds next month. Mr. Ravikumar met her and informed her of the gravity of the pollution problem posed by the SIPCOT units.
He cited the findings of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) that conducted a study from June 26 to 30, 2006 at the instance of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).
Mr. Ravikumar told the MP that though the NEERI submitted its report to the TNPCB in August 2007 it was kept under wraps till the local community environment monitoring group obtained the copy through invoking the Right to Information Act.
The study revealed that of the 94 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the air-samples collected from the SIPCOT area 15 fell in the category of hazardous air pollutants.
Some VOCs were toxic, having both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards.
After the inspection, Ms Kanimozhi told the reporters that there seemed to be slackness in implementing the pollution control norms and in certain cases the standards were yet to be fixed.
She promised to take up the issue in Parliament.
The Collector directed the TNPCB to take appropriate measures in this regard.
As for the women’s conference, Ms. Kanimozhi said it would be another mega event of the DMK and would also create an upsurge among women.
For the welfare of women, the State budget had made many provisions, she added.
Related articles:
1000 Bhopals Photo Exhibition Launched by Kanimozhi
Renowned Tamil poetess Kanimozhi inaugurates 1000 Bhopals photo exhibition
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Everyone's eye set on next move
Commercial complex in bus stand premises along the Lawrence Road is being demolished. The demolition drive as taken as the building was in a very bad condition. Shops in the first floor of the building were demolished more than a month back. But the ground floor is yet to demolished as the shop keepers there resist the move.
Shopkeepers in Lawrence Road have a major part in preventing the development of the town. They resisted the railway over bridge in Lawrence Road. So the bridge was built on S.N. Chavadi. It is also widely said that they prevented the Kammianpet - Semandalam link bridge from coming up for many many years.
Even after court's directive, officials could not demolish the ground floor of the complex as both politicians and businessmen joined hand to resist. It is being said that the next round of demolition drive will start Monday, 7th of April. Even though Municipal Chairman Mr. Thangarasu has assured of the demolition, we have wait and see whether it is public interest or political power that wins.
Related articles:
Municipal building in bustand premises in dangerous state - Cuddalore Online, Sep-2005
Commercial complex in bus stand premises in dilapidated state - Cuddalore Online, Jun-2006
Disaster awaiting to happen - Cuddalore Online, Aug-2007
Shopkeepers in Lawrence Road have a major part in preventing the development of the town. They resisted the railway over bridge in Lawrence Road. So the bridge was built on S.N. Chavadi. It is also widely said that they prevented the Kammianpet - Semandalam link bridge from coming up for many many years.
Even after court's directive, officials could not demolish the ground floor of the complex as both politicians and businessmen joined hand to resist. It is being said that the next round of demolition drive will start Monday, 7th of April. Even though Municipal Chairman Mr. Thangarasu has assured of the demolition, we have wait and see whether it is public interest or political power that wins.
Related articles:
Municipal building in bustand premises in dangerous state - Cuddalore Online, Sep-2005
Commercial complex in bus stand premises in dilapidated state - Cuddalore Online, Jun-2006
Disaster awaiting to happen - Cuddalore Online, Aug-2007
Parking irregularities in Lawrence Road
Irregularities in parking in Lawrence Road has resulted in inconvenience. Three years ago parking was regularized after the sidewalks were laid. There were separate parking space for two wheelers and four wheelers. Now the markings on the road are completely gone. As the days pass by most don't follow the rule. Two wheelers, auto rickshaws and cars are parked till the middle of the road. Especially the auto rickshaws don't have the permission to stop. Traffic police is very well aware of what is happening, but no action is taken to stop this.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sign board in bad state
This sign board is situated opposite to the New Cinema theater. Until a few years ago this yellow board was glittering, giving out information about distances of various towns from Cuddalore. But now it has got rusted and damaged and the information is not clearly visible. This board is now being used for pasting posters and to support digital banners.Another sign board in a similar state is near the water filling office at the South end of Nethaji road.
Replacing these old boards with new green colored board of reflecting type will help in travellers getting quick information while passing through Cuddalore .
Repetition of this problem can be prevented if stern action is taken against the offenders who paste posters over it. Only if this offence is considered on par with destruction of any other public property and the offenders (either the people pasting it or the people for whom the poster is printed) are punished, these type of making the town uglier could be prevented.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Bhopal survivors march to Delhi
Bhopal gas tragedy needs no introduction. Justice is denied to the victims even three years after the tragedy. Indian government shows keen interest in developing Dow's business in India, instead to bring it to trial. Victims took a Padayatra from Bhopal to Delhi early in 2006. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to meet the padyatris after a long hunger strike. Then he promised safer drinking water and funds to address all health issues related to contamination. Promise was not kept. Now the victims took another Padayatra and reached Delhi on 28th March. Injustice to Bhopal people is the best example on how governments behaves - completely ignoring people to satisfy the interests of corporates. Cuddalore is another example. Instead to shutting the industries which pollutes the air and makes the land and water unusable, government is promoting more such industries. These notorious chemical factories in SIPCOT Cuddalore don't follow safety norms, quiet often leading to accidents. An accident of Bhopal scale is yet to happen. If happens we will face the same injustice faced by Bhopal victims today.
Extend you support to padyatris by sending free fax to Prime Minister.
Send a free fax supporting the padyatris direct to the Prime Minister of India
Related links:
Remember Bhopal;Fight for Cuddalore
1000 Bhopals Photo Exhibition Launched by Kanimozhi
Renowned Tamil poetess Kanimozhi inaugurates 1000 Bhopals photo exhibition
No More Bhopals. Justice Now. - Cuddalore Online
Padayatra taken for Bhopal survivors
Cuddalore – Toxic Present; Troubled Future by Nityanand Jayaraman
Remember Bhopal;Fight for Cuddalore
1000 Bhopals Photo Exhibition Launched by Kanimozhi
Renowned Tamil poetess Kanimozhi inaugurates 1000 Bhopals photo exhibition
No More Bhopals. Justice Now. - Cuddalore Online
Padayatra taken for Bhopal survivors
Cuddalore – Toxic Present; Troubled Future by Nityanand Jayaraman
Right to Live
contributed by Ravi Raja, a regular reader of the blog.
Every Monday and Friday while traveling to and from Chidambaram, just to the south of Cuddalore OT, one has to pass a 3 km stretch which stinks as bad, if not worse than the bad smell one has to experience while passing the Cooum River in Chennai. But this smell is different. A combination of chemical vapors and the smell emanating from the chemical disposals from a bunch of factories along the Cuddalore-Chidambaram highway is simply unbearable. It makes one feel giddy and pass out. The most disturbing factor was the situation never changed for years. I do hear from people that it has changed a bit and that it is better now. Whatever is is the air might have been cleared. But what lies beneath the surface is more alarming and worrisome.
A recent report from the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute states that, “People living in and around a special economic zone in Cuddalore are “2,000 times more” likely to be affected by cancer than the normal population”. Now this is something that cannot be taken lightly. A few alarming statistics in the report are:
Just look at the level of benzene. Benzene is a harmful chemical to inhale. Prolonged exposure (more than 1 year) will result in a reduction in the number of Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and the clotting cells (Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/benzene/health_ben.html)
Eating foods or drinking beverages containing high levels of benzene can cause the following symptoms within minutes to several hours: Vomiting, Irritation of the stomach, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Convulsions, Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Death (at very high levels) (Source: CDC).
Exposure to Chloroform may cause liver cancer. Carbon tetrachloride may cause liver and kidney malfunction and in some cases even death. Methylene chloride is known to cause lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. Trichloroethylene is carcinogenic as well.
What should be done?
Please do not pay Cuddalore and its’ citizens as a price for flawed development.
Every Monday and Friday while traveling to and from Chidambaram, just to the south of Cuddalore OT, one has to pass a 3 km stretch which stinks as bad, if not worse than the bad smell one has to experience while passing the Cooum River in Chennai. But this smell is different. A combination of chemical vapors and the smell emanating from the chemical disposals from a bunch of factories along the Cuddalore-Chidambaram highway is simply unbearable. It makes one feel giddy and pass out. The most disturbing factor was the situation never changed for years. I do hear from people that it has changed a bit and that it is better now. Whatever is is the air might have been cleared. But what lies beneath the surface is more alarming and worrisome.
A recent report from the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute states that, “People living in and around a special economic zone in Cuddalore are “2,000 times more” likely to be affected by cancer than the normal population”. Now this is something that cannot be taken lightly. A few alarming statistics in the report are:
- Levels of Benzene - a chemical that causes blood cancer among children - were 125 times higher than safe levels.
- Carcinogens like chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene were 881, 553, 32.5 and 21.8 times respectively higher than acceptable levels.
Just look at the level of benzene. Benzene is a harmful chemical to inhale. Prolonged exposure (more than 1 year) will result in a reduction in the number of Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and the clotting cells (Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/benzene/health_ben.html)
Eating foods or drinking beverages containing high levels of benzene can cause the following symptoms within minutes to several hours: Vomiting, Irritation of the stomach, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Convulsions, Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Death (at very high levels) (Source: CDC).
Exposure to Chloroform may cause liver cancer. Carbon tetrachloride may cause liver and kidney malfunction and in some cases even death. Methylene chloride is known to cause lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. Trichloroethylene is carcinogenic as well.
What should be done?
- The extent of damage done should be studied.
- A water test on a number of samples from areas in and around the SIPCOT area should be done and people have to be educated on the results.
- Testing should also be done on water samples drawn from different places in Cuddalore.
Please do not pay Cuddalore and its’ citizens as a price for flawed development.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Chemical Park increases cancer risk in Cuddalore
Chemical Park increases cancer risk in Cuddalore
March 23rd, 2008
Thaindian News
Chennai, March 23 (IANS) People living in and around a special economic zone in Cuddalore are "2,000 times more" likely to be affected by cancer than the normal population, says a report prepared for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. In a normal sample population, cancer occurs in one person in a million. But in and around the State Industries Promotion Corp of Tamil Nadu known as SIPCOT industrial park nearly 300 km south of Chennai, two in every thousand are likely to have cancer, say anti-pollution campaigners.
The Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has prepared the report.
The study confirms the decades-old complaints by local residents that pollution from the chemical factories in the park is worst at night, especially in the village of Eachangadu.
The NEERI submitted the report in August 2007 to TNPCB without any public information. It came to light after an RTI plea by the local environment watchdog, Community Environment Monitoring (CEM).
The TNPCB commissioned the NEERI study in response to a 2004 report "Gas Trouble", released by the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors, highlighting the presence of at least 22 toxic gases in the air over SIPCOT.
The study mandated special reference to volatile organic compounds so that the Tamil Nadu government could take remedial action.
Several studies of air pollution around the SIPCOT industrial park found 94 chemicals in the ambient air, including 15 known as hazardous air pollutants.
In September 2004, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes directed the TNPCB to bring down pollution levels or shut errant industries in SIPCOT by December that year. Nothing has happened so far.
The NEERI study found that areas near Shasun Chemicals, and the village of Eachangadu, were the worst affected.
Risk levels near Asian Paints and Tagros Chemicals are also high, the report said.
According to the report, children, elderly and the infirm were the most vulnerable. NEERI attributes this to "air transport of pollutants".
Levels of Benzene - a chemical that causes blood cancer among children - were 125 times higher than safe levels.
Other carcinogens like chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene were 881, 553, 32.5 and 21.8 times respectively higher than acceptable levels, the NEERI report said.
NEERI says "the results are a conservative estimate" as "most of the industries are not operating to capacity on days of sampling".
"If all the industries in the study area function to the full capacity, it may be expected that concentrations of pollutants will increase three-fold," the institute told TNPCB.
In 2007, SACEM documented nine serious air pollution incidents that injured more than 150 people in the neighbourhood.
"The results confirm our worst fears - that SIPCOT is a gas chamber - and that the government has decided to sacrifice Cuddalore residents to cancer and other avoidable diseases," Nityanand Jayaraman, advisor to the Community Environmental Monitoring, said.
"The TNPCB has neither the vision nor the political will to regulate pollution," he added.
Activists point to how for almost a year now, the NEERI report has been lying with the TNPCB, but the government has taken no remedial action.
Instead, "the Tamil Nadu government is setting up more polluting units, many without proper clearances".
March 23rd, 2008
Thaindian News
Chennai, March 23 (IANS) People living in and around a special economic zone in Cuddalore are "2,000 times more" likely to be affected by cancer than the normal population, says a report prepared for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. In a normal sample population, cancer occurs in one person in a million. But in and around the State Industries Promotion Corp of Tamil Nadu known as SIPCOT industrial park nearly 300 km south of Chennai, two in every thousand are likely to have cancer, say anti-pollution campaigners.
The Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has prepared the report.
The study confirms the decades-old complaints by local residents that pollution from the chemical factories in the park is worst at night, especially in the village of Eachangadu.
The NEERI submitted the report in August 2007 to TNPCB without any public information. It came to light after an RTI plea by the local environment watchdog, Community Environment Monitoring (CEM).
The TNPCB commissioned the NEERI study in response to a 2004 report "Gas Trouble", released by the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors, highlighting the presence of at least 22 toxic gases in the air over SIPCOT.
The study mandated special reference to volatile organic compounds so that the Tamil Nadu government could take remedial action.
Several studies of air pollution around the SIPCOT industrial park found 94 chemicals in the ambient air, including 15 known as hazardous air pollutants.
In September 2004, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes directed the TNPCB to bring down pollution levels or shut errant industries in SIPCOT by December that year. Nothing has happened so far.
The NEERI study found that areas near Shasun Chemicals, and the village of Eachangadu, were the worst affected.
Risk levels near Asian Paints and Tagros Chemicals are also high, the report said.
According to the report, children, elderly and the infirm were the most vulnerable. NEERI attributes this to "air transport of pollutants".
Levels of Benzene - a chemical that causes blood cancer among children - were 125 times higher than safe levels.
Other carcinogens like chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene were 881, 553, 32.5 and 21.8 times respectively higher than acceptable levels, the NEERI report said.
NEERI says "the results are a conservative estimate" as "most of the industries are not operating to capacity on days of sampling".
"If all the industries in the study area function to the full capacity, it may be expected that concentrations of pollutants will increase three-fold," the institute told TNPCB.
In 2007, SACEM documented nine serious air pollution incidents that injured more than 150 people in the neighbourhood.
"The results confirm our worst fears - that SIPCOT is a gas chamber - and that the government has decided to sacrifice Cuddalore residents to cancer and other avoidable diseases," Nityanand Jayaraman, advisor to the Community Environmental Monitoring, said.
"The TNPCB has neither the vision nor the political will to regulate pollution," he added.
Activists point to how for almost a year now, the NEERI report has been lying with the TNPCB, but the government has taken no remedial action.
Instead, "the Tamil Nadu government is setting up more polluting units, many without proper clearances".
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
2000 times higher cancer risk for SIPCOT Cuddalore Residents: NEERI - SIPCOTCuddalore.com
2000 times higher cancer risk for SIPCOT Cuddalore Residents: NEERI
PRESS RELEASE
22 MARCH, 2008. CHENNAI -- SIPCOT Cuddalore residents are at least 2000 times more likely to contract cancer in their lifetimes due to their exposure to high levels of toxic gases from chemical industries in the region, according to a scientific report prepared for the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board by Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The study of air pollution in and around SIPCOT chemical industrial estate found 94 chemicals in the ambient air, including 15 that are known hazardous air pollutants. The study confirms decades-old complaints by local residents that pollution is worst at night, and that areas near Shasun Chemicals, and the village of Eachangadu are the worst affected. Risk levels near Asian Paints and Tagros Chemicals are also high, NEERI reports, adding that children, elderly and the infirm are most vulnerable. The report dated August 2007 was unearthed by Community Environmental Monitoring through the Right to Information Act. Samples were taken for periods varying from 10 minutes to 24 hours from within industries, residential areas in SIPCOT villages, and from Alapakkam, more than 5 km away. Even Alapakkam recorded high exposure levels. NEERI attributes this to air transport of pollutants.
Levels of Benzene – a chemical that causes blood cancer among children – were up to 125 times higher than safe levels, while other carcinogens like chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene were upto 881, 553, 32.5 and 21.8 times higher than acceptable levels.
The NEERI study was commissioned in response to the 2004 report "Gas Trouble" released by the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors (SACEM) highlighting the presence of at least 22 toxic gases in SIPCOT air. In September 2004, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes referred to Gas Trouble and directed the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board to bring down pollution levels or shut errant industries by December 2004. Till date, no concrete action has been taken by the Board, and no industries have been punished. Just in 2007, SACEM documented 9 serious air pollution incidents that injured more than 150 people.
"The results confirm our worst fears – that SIPCOT is a gas chamber – and that the Government has decided to sacrifice Cuddalore residents to cancer and other avoidable diseases," said Nityanand Jayaraman, advisor to Community Environmental Monitoring. "The TNPCB is a toothless tiger with neither the vision, nor the political will to regulate pollution."
Rather than address the existing pollution, the Government is setting up more polluting units, many without proper clearances. Chemplast Sanmar, which does not have complete CRZ clearance, has already commenced construction of a PVC plastic manufacturing unit. A water-intensive textile park, several power plants and an oil refinery are also planned in this region.
"Every extra day of delay condemns additional people, particularly children, to a life of agony and ill-health. If the Government is serious about tackling this problem, it should first announce that only non-polluting industries will be promoted in Cuddalore," said M. Nizamudeen of Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation.
NEERI reports that the results are a conservative estimate as most of the industries were not operating to capacity on the days of sampling. "If all the industries in the study area function to the full capacity, it may be expected that concentrations of pollutants will increase three folds," NEERI says.
Ethyl Benzene
Tribromometane
Naphthalene
p-xylene
Styrene
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
Carbon disulphide
PRESS RELEASE
22 MARCH, 2008. CHENNAI -- SIPCOT Cuddalore residents are at least 2000 times more likely to contract cancer in their lifetimes due to their exposure to high levels of toxic gases from chemical industries in the region, according to a scientific report prepared for the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board by Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The study of air pollution in and around SIPCOT chemical industrial estate found 94 chemicals in the ambient air, including 15 that are known hazardous air pollutants. The study confirms decades-old complaints by local residents that pollution is worst at night, and that areas near Shasun Chemicals, and the village of Eachangadu are the worst affected. Risk levels near Asian Paints and Tagros Chemicals are also high, NEERI reports, adding that children, elderly and the infirm are most vulnerable. The report dated August 2007 was unearthed by Community Environmental Monitoring through the Right to Information Act. Samples were taken for periods varying from 10 minutes to 24 hours from within industries, residential areas in SIPCOT villages, and from Alapakkam, more than 5 km away. Even Alapakkam recorded high exposure levels. NEERI attributes this to air transport of pollutants.
Levels of Benzene – a chemical that causes blood cancer among children – were up to 125 times higher than safe levels, while other carcinogens like chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene were upto 881, 553, 32.5 and 21.8 times higher than acceptable levels.
The NEERI study was commissioned in response to the 2004 report "Gas Trouble" released by the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors (SACEM) highlighting the presence of at least 22 toxic gases in SIPCOT air. In September 2004, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes referred to Gas Trouble and directed the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board to bring down pollution levels or shut errant industries by December 2004. Till date, no concrete action has been taken by the Board, and no industries have been punished. Just in 2007, SACEM documented 9 serious air pollution incidents that injured more than 150 people.
"The results confirm our worst fears – that SIPCOT is a gas chamber – and that the Government has decided to sacrifice Cuddalore residents to cancer and other avoidable diseases," said Nityanand Jayaraman, advisor to Community Environmental Monitoring. "The TNPCB is a toothless tiger with neither the vision, nor the political will to regulate pollution."
Rather than address the existing pollution, the Government is setting up more polluting units, many without proper clearances. Chemplast Sanmar, which does not have complete CRZ clearance, has already commenced construction of a PVC plastic manufacturing unit. A water-intensive textile park, several power plants and an oil refinery are also planned in this region.
"Every extra day of delay condemns additional people, particularly children, to a life of agony and ill-health. If the Government is serious about tackling this problem, it should first announce that only non-polluting industries will be promoted in Cuddalore," said M. Nizamudeen of Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation.
NEERI reports that the results are a conservative estimate as most of the industries were not operating to capacity on the days of sampling. "If all the industries in the study area function to the full capacity, it may be expected that concentrations of pollutants will increase three folds," NEERI says.
For more information, contact:
Nityanand Jayaraman (Advisor, CEM): 9444082401
M. Nizamudeen (CDCPO): 9443231978
www.sipcotcuddalore.com
Organised by:
SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors & Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation
No. 72/7 Nethaji Road, Manjakuppam, Cuddalore 607 001
Community Environmental Monitoring (A project of The Other Media).
c/o 42A, 1st Floor, 5th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600 090
List of Chemicals Detected with Highest Levels Recorded
| Name of Chemical | Highest Level (microgram/m3) | Location | Times above safe levels |
| Benzene | 31.174 | Asian Paints | 125 |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 72 | Tagros Chemicals | 553 |
| Chloroform | 74 | Shasun | 881 |
| Methylene Chloride | 133 | Tanfac | 32.5 |
| Trichloroethylene | 24 | Aurobindo Chemicals | 21.8 |
Other Hazardous Air Pollutants found in SIPCOT air:
1,3-dimethyl benzeneEthyl Benzene
Tribromometane
Naphthalene
p-xylene
Styrene
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
Carbon disulphide
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Un-planned drainage work troubles residents of Srinivasa Pillai Street
With the ongoing works for laying underground drainage going on in many parts of Cuddalore, the slow progress of the work is bringing much hardship to the residents of Srinivasa Pillai Street situated in Thirupadhiripuliyur.
Above is the rough map of the street which is situated near the Thirupadhiripuliyur Police station. For the residents of Srinivasa Pillai Street to move out, there are four exit points. With the drainage canal laying work being done in Bodi Chetty street and Sanjeevi Naidu street, the exit points 2, 3 and 4 are blocked and people find it difficult to move out only through the point 1. More than 5 weeks have passed since these ways were cut off for regular vehicular movement and the laying of culvert at these three points are yet to start.
This is the exit point 2, which connects to the Bodi Chetty street. The passage was disconnected 5 weeks back and the culvert construction is yet to start.
Elderly people and school children are the most affected and there has been many instances where children have fallen into this sewerage while crossing on the temporary narrow slab.
The exit points 3 & 4 have been disconnected for the past five weeks.
Underground Drainage work in Srinivasa Pillai Street
As the drainage is not being cleared in a regular manner for long time the level of drain water has come up resulting in sewage flowing into drainage line of one of the houses. The above picture shows mud removed from the sewerage by the resident.
A pit for constructing manhole was dug up and two cart loads of the mud dumped at this private place. Since it was not cleared and the place is needed for parking vehicles, the people themselves have taken the task of levelling the mud.
With the materials required for laying drainage pits lying haphazardly for more than a month, people are finding it difficult to use the road.
Timely intervention is needed for building these three culverts, removal of debris and moving out the mud promptly once it is dug up is highly required to avoid hindrance to the residents and users of the Srinvasa Pillai Street.
Above is the rough map of the street which is situated near the Thirupadhiripuliyur Police station. For the residents of Srinivasa Pillai Street to move out, there are four exit points. With the drainage canal laying work being done in Bodi Chetty street and Sanjeevi Naidu street, the exit points 2, 3 and 4 are blocked and people find it difficult to move out only through the point 1. More than 5 weeks have passed since these ways were cut off for regular vehicular movement and the laying of culvert at these three points are yet to start.
This is the exit point 2, which connects to the Bodi Chetty street. The passage was disconnected 5 weeks back and the culvert construction is yet to start.
Elderly people and school children are the most affected and there has been many instances where children have fallen into this sewerage while crossing on the temporary narrow slab.The exit points 3 & 4 have been disconnected for the past five weeks.
Underground Drainage work in Srinivasa Pillai Street
The work for under ground drainage at Srinivasa Pillai street was started four weeks back. So far the initial stage of constructing the manhole is completed for half of the street on the Northern side.
The mud taken out from these pits had not been cleared for the past four weeks and during rains it makes the little existing passage more slippery with two wheeler riders losing control and falling down and four wheelers getting struck up in the mud.
The mud taken out from these pits had not been cleared for the past four weeks and during rains it makes the little existing passage more slippery with two wheeler riders losing control and falling down and four wheelers getting struck up in the mud.
As the drainage is not being cleared in a regular manner for long time the level of drain water has come up resulting in sewage flowing into drainage line of one of the houses. The above picture shows mud removed from the sewerage by the resident.
A pit for constructing manhole was dug up and two cart loads of the mud dumped at this private place. Since it was not cleared and the place is needed for parking vehicles, the people themselves have taken the task of levelling the mud.With the materials required for laying drainage pits lying haphazardly for more than a month, people are finding it difficult to use the road.
Timely intervention is needed for building these three culverts, removal of debris and moving out the mud promptly once it is dug up is highly required to avoid hindrance to the residents and users of the Srinvasa Pillai Street.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Silver Beach losing its sheen - The Hindu
Silver Beach losing its sheen
A.V. Ragunathan
Steps will be taken to clean up the beach, says official
CUDDALORE: The Silver Beach here is losing its charm and shrinking in dimension. By its soft and white sands and easy accessibility, the beach used to be a major attraction. But of late it has become a victim of neglect and vandalism.
During monsoon the Gedilam and the Pennaiyar are in spate and drain the surpluses into the sea. In the lean season, these rivers carry mostly sullage and industrial effluents. The telltale marks of the polluted seawater can now be witnessed on the Silver Beach. The sands have turned revoltingly black and with garbage strewn all over the beach is not any better than a dumping yard.
After the dredging of the backwater, the sand expanse has been minimised, just leaving narrow space for the tourists. The row of colourful benches on the sea front was now dislodged. The swings and slides in the children’s park were all in poor shape.
The stray dog menace is quite frightening. The leftovers such as carry bags, paper plates and other sundry items on the beach remained uncleared for days together.
A makeshift road leading to an adjoining coastal hamlet cuts into the beach and commutation through this stretch is barred with a rope. The high-mast lamps are malfunctioning and the man-made fountain has fallen into disuse.
As the sordid happenings such as drowning occur periodically the beach has become less attractive than ever.
The beautification of the beach done at huge expenditure was a short-lived affair as the tsunami washed away every thing.
Therefore, to erase the bitter memories, the then district administration acted in good time to reconstruct the whole thing with huge outlay. But now, sheer negligence and lack of civic sense have disfigured the beach.
When contacted Cuddalore Municipal commissioner Liaqath Ahmed Papa said the role of the local people was also important in the upkeep of the beach. He said steps would be taken to clean up the beach.
A.V. Ragunathan
Steps will be taken to clean up the beach, says official
CUDDALORE: The Silver Beach here is losing its charm and shrinking in dimension. By its soft and white sands and easy accessibility, the beach used to be a major attraction. But of late it has become a victim of neglect and vandalism.
During monsoon the Gedilam and the Pennaiyar are in spate and drain the surpluses into the sea. In the lean season, these rivers carry mostly sullage and industrial effluents. The telltale marks of the polluted seawater can now be witnessed on the Silver Beach. The sands have turned revoltingly black and with garbage strewn all over the beach is not any better than a dumping yard.
After the dredging of the backwater, the sand expanse has been minimised, just leaving narrow space for the tourists. The row of colourful benches on the sea front was now dislodged. The swings and slides in the children’s park were all in poor shape.
The stray dog menace is quite frightening. The leftovers such as carry bags, paper plates and other sundry items on the beach remained uncleared for days together.
A makeshift road leading to an adjoining coastal hamlet cuts into the beach and commutation through this stretch is barred with a rope. The high-mast lamps are malfunctioning and the man-made fountain has fallen into disuse.
As the sordid happenings such as drowning occur periodically the beach has become less attractive than ever.
The beautification of the beach done at huge expenditure was a short-lived affair as the tsunami washed away every thing.
Therefore, to erase the bitter memories, the then district administration acted in good time to reconstruct the whole thing with huge outlay. But now, sheer negligence and lack of civic sense have disfigured the beach.
When contacted Cuddalore Municipal commissioner Liaqath Ahmed Papa said the role of the local people was also important in the upkeep of the beach. He said steps would be taken to clean up the beach.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Boat House at Silver Beach
Full resolution version of this image can be found at Cuddalore Online group under Photos>Cuddalore Wallpapers
'Silver Beach' label added to old articles
I have added Silver Beach label to all old articles related to Silver Beach. So by clicking on the Silver Beach label (like the one below) will fetch you all articles having info about the beach.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Silver Beach again in state of despair
To my knowledge, first large scale project on beautification of Silver Beach was carried out by then District Collector Sandeep Saxena. In an attempt to prevent the beach from erosion, district administration planted coconut and palm trees throughout Silver Beach. I wonder how many of you can picturise 'that' beach.
Our beach is undergoing a constant change due to both natural and human induced factors, which is very well visible. The river Gedilam to the south of the beach engulfs a good portion of the beach whenever there is a flood. It forms mouth joining sea almost every year which brings about a drastic change in the shape of the beach. Tsunami has brought in major changes. Many agree the beach was far more beautiful before tsunami.
Next major beautification attempt was made by Gagandeep Singh Bedi. His initiative can roughly be divided as re-tsunami beautification and post-tsunami beautification. I could remember, before tsunami, the beach had chairs laid in beautiful arrangement, were two bamboo watch towers, couple of shops which were entirely made of bamboo and a beautiful boat house. Tsunami. Devastation.
Silver Beach then saw around of beautification. New chairs, new dustbin, new boards requesting visitors to use dust bins and keep the beach clean. Some used dust bin, but beach never was clean.
The dredging activity carried out (probably to accommodate more boats which were donated by aid agencies from around the world. After tsunami, I guess the number of boats now increased by as much as three times) on the southern end of the beach, along the bank of Gedilam. This has brought in a permanent change (if anything can be permanent) in the shape of the beach. The sand scape shrunk dramatically.
Then, the 2005 flood. It is usual that Gedilam breaks into sea whenever there is flood. But this time the river the largest mouth ever seen and the flood water washed away more than half of the beach (probably the dredging activity carried out changed the regular course of the river, and facilitated the water to flow more towards north).
Then came yet another round of beautification by Gagandeep Singh Bedi. New chairs, new dustbins, new boat house and new play materials for children. The chairs and the play materials which we have in the beach today were brought up in this around of beautification.
As days pass by, these facilities becomes unusable due to constant mishandling by public. Adults use swings and multiaction play systems which supposed only for children. A broad in front of this play area reads that the facility is only for children. Not many bothers. The result is what you see in the photos below.
Multiaction play system
Photographs: Shantha Kumar
Our beach is undergoing a constant change due to both natural and human induced factors, which is very well visible. The river Gedilam to the south of the beach engulfs a good portion of the beach whenever there is a flood. It forms mouth joining sea almost every year which brings about a drastic change in the shape of the beach. Tsunami has brought in major changes. Many agree the beach was far more beautiful before tsunami.
Next major beautification attempt was made by Gagandeep Singh Bedi. His initiative can roughly be divided as re-tsunami beautification and post-tsunami beautification. I could remember, before tsunami, the beach had chairs laid in beautiful arrangement, were two bamboo watch towers, couple of shops which were entirely made of bamboo and a beautiful boat house. Tsunami. Devastation.
Silver Beach then saw around of beautification. New chairs, new dustbin, new boards requesting visitors to use dust bins and keep the beach clean. Some used dust bin, but beach never was clean.
The dredging activity carried out (probably to accommodate more boats which were donated by aid agencies from around the world. After tsunami, I guess the number of boats now increased by as much as three times) on the southern end of the beach, along the bank of Gedilam. This has brought in a permanent change (if anything can be permanent) in the shape of the beach. The sand scape shrunk dramatically.
Then, the 2005 flood. It is usual that Gedilam breaks into sea whenever there is flood. But this time the river the largest mouth ever seen and the flood water washed away more than half of the beach (probably the dredging activity carried out changed the regular course of the river, and facilitated the water to flow more towards north).
Then came yet another round of beautification by Gagandeep Singh Bedi. New chairs, new dustbins, new boat house and new play materials for children. The chairs and the play materials which we have in the beach today were brought up in this around of beautification.
As days pass by, these facilities becomes unusable due to constant mishandling by public. Adults use swings and multiaction play systems which supposed only for children. A broad in front of this play area reads that the facility is only for children. Not many bothers. The result is what you see in the photos below.
Multiaction play system
Photographs: Shantha Kumar
Friday, March 07, 2008
Letter to Southern Railways
This article is contributed to Cuddalore Online by Ramkumar.
Ramkumar who is a regular contributor to Cuddalore Online, has written a letter to Southern Railways requesting new services to be introduced in Cuddalore-Salem section. He wishes to publish the letter in this blog, so that others can also write similar letters to Southern Railways (ddpg@sr.railnet.gov.in).
Dear Sir,
As you may be aware, the Virudhachalam-Salem BG section has been opened for passenger traffic recently on 18th Nov. But to the disappointment of people of Cuddalore and Neyveli, not even a single Cuddalore-Salem passenger service has been introduced.
The people of the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section were highly hopeful that atleast one Cuddalore-Salem Passenger service would be introduced. But Southern Railways have disappointed them and also have let them down.
Already, this Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section is found wanting in adequate number of services. Only one service - worth the name and also highly useful - the Cuddalore-Tiruchirappalli passenger service is running in this section presently. The people of this section were highly hopeful that they will be getting more new trains and more new connections once the Virudhachalam-Salem BG section is thrown open for traffic.
But now and even after the inauguration of Virudhachalam-Salem BG section, no new train services have been introduced in this section. There seems to be no increase in the number of train services plying in this section. Very unfortunate thing to have happened for this section.
This section is lying completely idle for most part of the day and night. Only one passenger service is running in this section. What is the point in making so much expenditure to convert the section from MG to BG and keeping it idle without operating adequate number of passenger services ?
We humbly request SR with folded hands to utilise this section more effeciently by introducing and operating more number of train services. The present Cuddalore-Trichy passenger is highly/heavily patronised by the people of this section.
One more Cuddalore-Salem Passenger should be introduced. After all, was not there a Cuddalore-Salem passenger service running when the Cuddalore-Salem section was in Metre Gauge ? That being the case, why is SR so much reluctant/hesitant to restore the Cuddalore-Salem passenger service in Broad Gauge ?
Why is not SR showing any interest in running more trains in this Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section. SR is originating many services from all nearby towns like Villupuram, Pondicherry,Virudhachalam and Mayiladuthurai. SR is not able to start services only from Cuddalore; clear neglect of cuddalore and also partisan attitude towards Cuddalore.
Again, we humbly request SR with folded hands to kindly consider our this request. Please give a favourable reply and also please take steps to add more new services to the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section like outlined above. This section carries only one passenger service currently and this section is found wanting in adequate number of passenger services.
Hope SR will pay serious attention to our request and also to the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section.
Eagerly Awaiting SR's positive reply.
Many Thanks and Humble Regards,
Ramkumar.
Ramkumar who is a regular contributor to Cuddalore Online, has written a letter to Southern Railways requesting new services to be introduced in Cuddalore-Salem section. He wishes to publish the letter in this blog, so that others can also write similar letters to Southern Railways (ddpg@sr.railnet.gov.in).
Dear Sir,
As you may be aware, the Virudhachalam-Salem BG section has been opened for passenger traffic recently on 18th Nov. But to the disappointment of people of Cuddalore and Neyveli, not even a single Cuddalore-Salem passenger service has been introduced.
The people of the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section were highly hopeful that atleast one Cuddalore-Salem Passenger service would be introduced. But Southern Railways have disappointed them and also have let them down.
Already, this Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section is found wanting in adequate number of services. Only one service - worth the name and also highly useful - the Cuddalore-Tiruchirappalli passenger service is running in this section presently. The people of this section were highly hopeful that they will be getting more new trains and more new connections once the Virudhachalam-Salem BG section is thrown open for traffic.
But now and even after the inauguration of Virudhachalam-Salem BG section, no new train services have been introduced in this section. There seems to be no increase in the number of train services plying in this section. Very unfortunate thing to have happened for this section.
This section is lying completely idle for most part of the day and night. Only one passenger service is running in this section. What is the point in making so much expenditure to convert the section from MG to BG and keeping it idle without operating adequate number of passenger services ?
We humbly request SR with folded hands to utilise this section more effeciently by introducing and operating more number of train services. The present Cuddalore-Trichy passenger is highly/heavily patronised by the people of this section.
One more Cuddalore-Salem Passenger should be introduced. After all, was not there a Cuddalore-Salem passenger service running when the Cuddalore-Salem section was in Metre Gauge ? That being the case, why is SR so much reluctant/hesitant to restore the Cuddalore-Salem passenger service in Broad Gauge ?
Why is not SR showing any interest in running more trains in this Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section. SR is originating many services from all nearby towns like Villupuram, Pondicherry,Virudhachalam and Mayiladuthurai. SR is not able to start services only from Cuddalore; clear neglect of cuddalore and also partisan attitude towards Cuddalore.
Again, we humbly request SR with folded hands to kindly consider our this request. Please give a favourable reply and also please take steps to add more new services to the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section like outlined above. This section carries only one passenger service currently and this section is found wanting in adequate number of passenger services.
Hope SR will pay serious attention to our request and also to the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam section.
Eagerly Awaiting SR's positive reply.
Many Thanks and Humble Regards,
Ramkumar.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Drainage construction and water distribution pipes
Most parts of Cuddalore was without any drainage facility for all these years. But all in a sudden drainage construction on either side of the roads has begun, while the underground drainage construction work is already in progress.
During the drainage line construction municipal water pipe lines are badly damaged, and no proper replacements are made in most cases. As a result water keeps leaking for for months and sometimes year together. In even worser cases drainage mixes with the drinking water.
The picture below shows the drainage construction work at Bodi Chetty Street in Thirupadhiripuliyur. Just two years back a drainage line constructed in this place. Now a new line is being built demolishing the old one. I don't understand the purpose behind this. I fact none of the residents of the street does.
This street is one of the oldest streets in the town. The drainage level is raised (probably because the road level is going to be raised). Old houses in this street will go below the road level. When there is a rain, water from road will flow into drainage line and from drainage lines into these houses.
Broken municipal water pipes leaking
Related link:
Drinking water in Cuddalore - Cuddalore Online
During the drainage line construction municipal water pipe lines are badly damaged, and no proper replacements are made in most cases. As a result water keeps leaking for for months and sometimes year together. In even worser cases drainage mixes with the drinking water.
The picture below shows the drainage construction work at Bodi Chetty Street in Thirupadhiripuliyur. Just two years back a drainage line constructed in this place. Now a new line is being built demolishing the old one. I don't understand the purpose behind this. I fact none of the residents of the street does.
This street is one of the oldest streets in the town. The drainage level is raised (probably because the road level is going to be raised). Old houses in this street will go below the road level. When there is a rain, water from road will flow into drainage line and from drainage lines into these houses.
Broken municipal water pipes leaking
Related link:
Drinking water in Cuddalore - Cuddalore Online
Monday, March 03, 2008
SIPCOT pollution update
CUSECS leaks once again - SIPCOTCuddalore.com
Cuddalore, February 14, 2008 -- Living up to its reputation of being a repeat environmental offender, the common effluent collection and forwarding facility CUSECS sprung a leak near the Thamaraikulam (Lotus Pond) of Karaikadu. The leak occurred within an inspection tank built over CUSECS pipelines. The inspection tank was filled to overflowing with toxic effluents that entered the pond and enclosed the area where a public drinking water tap is located.
The District Environmental Engineer of Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board was available on site. He left after a septic tank cleaning tanker truck pumped in the effluents and carried it to an undisclosed location, and after fresh earth was spread over the flooded area. No clean-up was conducted and no information is available as to where the tanker truck disposed of the effluents. CUSECS officials said the effluents had spilled from an old pipe that is currently not being used full story>>
Shasun Suffers Tummy Upset; Spews Bad Odour, Black Smoke - SIPCOTCuddalore.com
Cuddalore, February 25, 2008 -- At 3 p.m. on 24 February, and 4 a.m. on 25 February, SACEM recorded incidents of serious air pollution by Shasun Chemicals. SACEM observers photographed black smoke emanating from Shasun, accompanied by an intense smell of pesticides in the air. Early on 25 February, SACEM monitors also observed black smoke from Tantech and SPIC full story>>
Cuddalore, February 14, 2008 -- Living up to its reputation of being a repeat environmental offender, the common effluent collection and forwarding facility CUSECS sprung a leak near the Thamaraikulam (Lotus Pond) of Karaikadu. The leak occurred within an inspection tank built over CUSECS pipelines. The inspection tank was filled to overflowing with toxic effluents that entered the pond and enclosed the area where a public drinking water tap is located.
The District Environmental Engineer of Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board was available on site. He left after a septic tank cleaning tanker truck pumped in the effluents and carried it to an undisclosed location, and after fresh earth was spread over the flooded area. No clean-up was conducted and no information is available as to where the tanker truck disposed of the effluents. CUSECS officials said the effluents had spilled from an old pipe that is currently not being used full story>>
Shasun Suffers Tummy Upset; Spews Bad Odour, Black Smoke - SIPCOTCuddalore.com
Cuddalore, February 25, 2008 -- At 3 p.m. on 24 February, and 4 a.m. on 25 February, SACEM recorded incidents of serious air pollution by Shasun Chemicals. SACEM observers photographed black smoke emanating from Shasun, accompanied by an intense smell of pesticides in the air. Early on 25 February, SACEM monitors also observed black smoke from Tantech and SPIC full story>>
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