Dead fish in Gadilam points to illegal waste dumping

CUDDALORE: Dead fish in large numbers were found floating in the Gadilam at Kammiyampettai check dam here on Sunday. People living in the surrounding areas alleged that the incident was caused by untreated effluents discharged by a private sugar mill in Nellikuppam.

On information, State Minister for Industries M C Sampath said an inquiry would be conducted in this regard.

The check dam at Kammiyampettai was built nearly eight years ago on the monsoon swelling River Gadilam, following persistent demands from the people of that area. They had hoped the move would recharge groundwater in the area.

However, residents lamented that water was contaminated by untreated effluents discharged by the mill, which stagnated in the check dam, spoiling the groundwater. They also complained of a foul smell emanating from the water.

Maruthavanan, general secretary of Cuddalore All Residents’ Welfare Association, said, “Effluents from the sugar mill flow from Nellikuppam to Palur through a canal.  At Palur, the effluents are getting mixed with the river. Agriculture in hundreds of acres of farm land have been affected because this. Groundwater has been contaminated and residents cannot use it for drinking.”
He demanded that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) should intervene to properly monitor the waste disposal of the mill.

Maruthavanan also alleged that the sugar mill in question would discharge its untreated waste into the river during the rainy days so that nobody could notice it.

This is not the first time that fish have died this way. It is said the industrial waste decreased oxygen level in the water, causing fish to suffocate to death.

“The  Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board  will probe the matter. District administration will issue a notice to the sugar mill, seeking an explanation. If any violation of norms is found, necessary action will be taken,” Sampath said.