Residents of Kadungalloor panchayat near Kochi’s Edayar industrial area have renewed demands for government action over foul smell and suspected air pollution, citing breathing difficulties, chronic health concerns and disruption to daily life.
Kadungalloor panchayat president Geetha Salimkumar said residents had repeatedly approached the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB), but the complaints had not produced a lasting solution. She said several people, including children, were experiencing breathing-related problems that residents believed were linked to environmental pollution.
“We need industries, but they should abide by the law and take necessary precautions. These industries have made life difficult for residents who can’t live peacefully. I receive several calls every day, saying they can’t breathe,” Salimkumar told The Times of India.
The complaints centre on Ward 23, which borders the Edayar industrial area. Ward member Abdul Riyas C A has written to V D Satheesan seeking urgent intervention over what he described as an unbearable smell suspected to be coming from industrial establishments.
Riyas has asked the authorities to determine scientifically whether industrial emissions, including gases, smoke and other pollutants, are affecting air quality in Ward 23 and nearby areas. He has sought an immediate joint inspection by the PCB, industries and health departments to identify the sources of the pollution and odour.
The demands also include continuous scientific air-quality monitoring and the public release of its findings. Riyas has called for strict action against establishments found violating pollution-control norms, along with measures to prevent further pollution.
The dispute highlights the administrative challenge of managing industrial activity alongside residential settlements. While local representatives have said industries are necessary, they have also stressed that operating units must comply with environmental safeguards and avoid imposing health and quality-of-life costs on surrounding communities.
Riyas has further sought a regular follow-up mechanism involving government departments, elected representatives and local residents. The proposed process is intended to track inspections, monitoring results and corrective measures until a permanent solution is found.
