Residents near a gold jewellery manufacturing unit near Choozhathipadam at Kureekad in Chottanikkara grama panchayat have demanded the closure of the facility alleging that effluents from it were contaminating wells in the region.
The unit functions on the ground floor of a two-storey building. Residents alleged that the hazardous chemicals generated by the unit were being dumped unscientifically, polluting wells in the process.
Residents whose wells have been contaminated have stopped using them following tests conducted by the Ernakulam wing of the State Pollution Control Board (PCB). “Test samples taken from two wells found that the presence of cyanide was 0.05 mg/pl and 0.06 mg/pl respectively. Even though the maximum limit in well water is 0.05 mg/pl, we advised the families not to use it,” said Mini Mary Sam, environmental engineer, PCB.
However, she pointed out that a final statement on the extent of pollution could be made only after further tests and compilation of findings are done. “The owner of the unit had submitted an application seeking permission to operate the facility. We have issued a notice saying that consent can be given subject to implementation of measures including setting up of a sewage treatment plant,” she said.
Omana Sasi, president of Chottanikara grama panchayat, representing ward No. 13 in which the unit is located, said a decision on whether to close the unit would be taken on the basis of the report submitted by the Pollution Control Board. “We assure the residents that the local body will not permit units that harm drinking water sources in the region,” she added.
Meanwhile, the owner of the facility denied the allegations saying that he had submitted an application before the board seeking consent to operate such a unit in accordance with the norms prescribed. He added that public pressure might have forced the authorities to issue clearance.