Talks fail on shifting of Hindustan Insecticide Limited effluent outlets

KOCHI: The all-party meeting convened by the Eloor municipality on Tuesday to reach a consensus on the shifting of the Hindustan Insecticide Limited company’s effluent outlets from Kuzhikandam creek failed to take a decision. Representatives of political parties sought detailed studies before permitting the company to shift the outlets to some other adjacent locations in the area. The municipal authorities will convene another meeting on January 25 to take a final decision.

In September last year, based on a petition filed by two green groups, Green Action Force and Janajagrutha, seeking measures for zero effluent discharge from industrial units, the southern bench of National Green Tribunal has asked HIL to shift the outlets to some other place within two weeks. The State Pollution Control Board has been asked to submit an action taken report before the Tribunal. But, the company secured a stay order from the High Court and is still discharging effluents to the creek.

“HIL has been discharging effluents to Kuzhikandam creek violating norms since 2006 when the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee asked it to achieve zero effluent discharge. Later, several studies also indicated a high level of toxic pollutants and 100 percent mortality of fishes in the creek strongly recommending zero effluent discharge,” said K.K. Ashkar. The NGT’s order was based on the report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board which noted that even discharge of treated effluents through the creek is not desirable, as it may continue to wash out sediments further downstream the creeks. Meanwhile, greens have sent a legal notice to municipal secretary saying that if they permit shifting of the outlets, it will amount to contempt of court.