Cuddalore, 28 November 2008: Incessant rains of the past few days is beginning to take its toll on SIPCOT units and also exposing the vulnerability of locating a extremely hazardous chemical estate on the banks of a river. According to the SACEM monitors about 40 feet high boundary wall of SPIC that separates the Eachangadu village from the unit collapsed into the neighbouring canal late last night. No one is reported to be injured in this incident. SACEM monitors are also reporting that the openly dumped toxic wastes within the premises of the unit are also submerged and leaching out in small streams into the river Uppanar.
SACEM monitors despite the heavy rains have patrolled the SIPCOT complex and found these damages due to the rains. SIPCOT residents and SACEM have demanded an immediate inspection of the units by the TNPCB to ascertain the amount of hazardous waste dumped inside the unit and initiate measures to contain the leachate within the unit.
More information on the condition of the industrial complex and damages is awaited.