Cuddalore, 6 July 2008: Residents of Semmankuppam village have constantly complained of thick white smoke from the new unit of Pioneer Jelice Ltd. Residents complain that since the unit has been commissioned last year there have been regular incidents of thick white smoke emissions accompanied with strong rotten dead body odour. Residents mention that the odour is so strong that they are not able to eat their food and constantly have vomiting sensation. Residents lament that they have complained about the increased pollution from Pioneer on several occasions to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) but the Board has failed to take any action on these complaints.
Moreover the residents have also complained of excessive soot emissions from the boiler of the factory that causes them suffocation. Complaints have been filed about this problem with the TNPCB and the residents are waiting for a response.