Mettur Villagers expose bias in health study
2 October 2009, Salem: The Deputy Director of Health Services, Salem, has pressed criminal charges against some of the 20 villagers affected by pollution from Chemplast Sanmar’s chemical plant in Mettur who met him on 1 October in his office to question him about the unscientific and biased community health study conducted by the Government Medical College under his supervision for Chemplast Sanmar Ltd. Read more…
Villagers Confront Chemplast on Illegal Trial Runs
Mettur, 8 September, 2009 — About 15 villagers from the vicinity of the Chemplast factory in Mettur gathered in front of the factory to ask them to cease testing of the steam lines of their new thermal power plant until proper permission is obtained from the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board. Read more…
Chemplast’s thermal plant trials causes noise, panic
Mettur, 6 September, 2009 — Trial runs begun by Chemplast four days ago have led to widespread complaints among nearby residents as the noise associated with the release of steam from the boiler is “unbearably high.” Read more…
Accident in TANFAC; one worker injured
Cuddalore, 26 August 2009: One contract worker was injured in an accident inside TANFAC on the midnight of 23rd and 24th August 2009. Read more…
Tagros and Shasun closed down by TNPCB
Cuddalore 21 August 2009: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), in a measure to check emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in SIPCOT Cuddalore has issued closure notice to Tagros Chemicals and Shasun Drugs and Chemicals Ltd. Read more…
Accident Inside SPIC; Three Injured
Cuddalore, 18 August 2009: Three workers were injured due to electric shock inside SPIC on 14 August 2009. According to the sources the workers face, hands and other parts of the body turned black after the shock. Read more…
Chemplast Sanmar caught illegally discharging effluents in Kaveri
Mettur, 14 August, 2009 – Giving the lie to Chemplast Sanmar’s claim of Zero Liquid discharge from its chemical facilities in Mettur, the company was caught red-handed last night while discharging highly toxic pollutants into the River Kaveri. Read more…
Pioneer discharges effluent illegally into River Uppanar
Cuddalore 9 July 2009: SACEM monitors reported illegal discharge of effluents from Pioneer Jellice Ltd into the Kuttaikaran Koil Viakal (canal) leading to river Uppanar at about 6 am today. Read more…
CUSECS Pipe Breaks; Village Canal and River Uppanar Contaminated
Cuddalore 9 July 2009: Residents of Eachangadu village reported a breakage and leak in CUSECS pipeline at about 2.30 am today. This pipeline collects water from Pioneer Jellice, Arkema Peroxides, Bayer and Pandian Chemicals. Read more…
Two workers injured in Tagros
CUDDALORE, 29 June, 2009 – Two workers got injured in a bromine spill in Tagros Chemicals at 11.30 a.m. today. Read more…
Provide water to affected SIPCOT villages: Collector says
CUDDALORE, 20 June, 2009 – SIPCOT villages suffering from shortage of drinking water due to overdrawal of water by SIPCOT and groundwater pollution should be given clean water from the Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board’s joint water project. Read more…
Accident at Chemplast during illegal operation
CUDDALORE, 19 June, 2009 — Two workers were injured during unloading of “soda lime” from a truck at Chemplast Sanmar on 12 June, 2009, at 11 a.m. N. Rajkumar and Veeramani of Semmankuppam sustained burns on their arms and stomach, and were admitted to the Cuddalore Government Hospital. SACEM has reported the incident to the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, Inspector of Factories, and the District Collector. Read more…
TNPCB Issues Closure Notice for Aurobindo Pharma for Consent Condition Violation; SACEM Demands Prosecution
Cuddalore 4 June 2009: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board issued closure notice to Aurobindo Pharma for violating conditions levied on the unit in its Consent to Operate. Read more…
Pioneer Jellice Suspected to Discharge Illegal Effluents in Uppanar: Fishing Groups
Cuddalore 28 May 2009: Fishing groups in SIPCOT have complained about continual illegal discharges in the river Uppanar by Pioneer Jellice industry. Read more…
Unidentified Tanker Lorry Dumps SIPCOT Effluent in Cuddalore Town
Cuddalore 26 May, 2009: In another incident of continued blatant violation of environmental regulations in SIPCOT, Cuddalore town residents yesterday discovered an effluent dumped next TVM Marriage Hall compound by an unidentified tanker lorry. Read more…
Pollution Levels Continue to be High in SIPCOT Cuddalore
Cuddalore, 20 May 2009: The pollution levels in SIPCOT Cuddalore continue to be very high according to the SACEM monitors. Read more…
Inaction From TNPCB Helps SIPCOT Unit Cover Up Illegality
Cuddalore 27 April 2009: Local monitors report that delay from the TNPCB in taking action on the illegal operations of Aurobindo Pharma may have helped the unit cover up its illegalities and escape punishment. Read more…
Gas Leak in Plant 1 denied by Chemplast Sanmar
Mettur, 07 April 2009: A noxious gas leak between 8 and 8.45 p.m. on 6 April, 2009, from Chemplast Plant I (CFC division) brought angry villagers from Kavipuram and Desai Nagar to the plant gate. Read more…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen find Red Effluent in Water, Report Skin Problems
Cuddalore, 25 March 2009: The fishermen fishing early in the morning in the river Uppanar reported red effluent near Kudikadu village today. Read more…
Second Gas Leak Plant in 6 months at Chemplast Plant I
Mettur, 13 March 2009: A leak of chlorine and antimony gas from Chemplast Sanmar Plant 1 at 3.30 a.m on 11 March has been reported by local sources. Read more…
Second Gas Leak Plant in 6 months at Chemplast Plant I
Mettur, 13 March 2009: A leak of chlorine and antimony gas from Chemplast Sanmar Plant 1 at 3.30 a.m on 11 March has been reported by local sources. Read more…
Chemplast Sanmar caught dumping waste into River Kaveri
Mettur, 12 March 2009: A tanker carrying toxic effluents from Chemplast Sanmar was caught on 11 March while discharging its contents into a water-body in Mettur by villagers, and handed over to the Karumalaikoodal Police Station. Read more…
Chemplast Conducts Trial Runs Without Valid Permissions
Cuddalore, 7 March 2009: In an yet another violation in SIPCOT, local villagers reported trial runs without permissions in Chemplast Sanmar PVC plants from 25th to 27th February. Read more…
TNPCB VOC Study in SIPCOT Begins; Locals Report Sharp Decline in Odour
Cuddalore 5 March 2009: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has initiated yet another study of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in SIPCOT Cuddalore from 2nd March 2009. Read more…
Explosion at Chemplast’s Silicon unit; One worker maimed
21 February, 2009, Mettur Dam One worker – P. Thangaraj (23 years) of Anaipallam hamlet — had to have his left leg amputated after a massive explosion at Chemplast’s Metkem Silicon plant in Mettur Dam crushed the victims limb. Read more…
Victory Chemicals Caught Burning Hazwaste in its Compound; TNPCB calls it an “accident”
Cuddalore, 16 February 2009: SACEM monitors caught Victory Chemicals openly burning its hazardous waste within its compound today. According to SACEM monitors Victory was burning its waste openly in the morning. Read More…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen Report Fish Kill
Cuddalore, 26 January 2009: Fishermen fishing in river Uppanar on 25 January at about 3.30 am reported rotten dead body odour and fish kill. Read more…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen report fish with diseases, suspect illegal discharges into the river
Cuddalore, 22 January 2009: Fishermen in Uppanar have reported increased incidents of catching fishes with diseases. Read More…
SPIC Discharges Effluent into the Eachangadu Canal; No Action by TNPCB
Cuddalore, 27 December 2008: SPIC Pharmaceuticals have been caught discharging effluent illegally into the Eachangadu canal. Read More…
Cuddalore Remembers Bhopal
Cuddalore, 3 December 2008: Residents of the pollution impacted region of SIPCOT Cuddalore along with residents of Old Town Cuddalore organised several public meets and vigils on Dec 2 and 3rd to remember Bhopal. Read More…
Heavy Rains Takes a Toll on SIPCOT; SPIC’s Boundary Wall Collapses; Toxic Waste from SIPCOT Units Washed into Uppnar
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. Read More…
Narmada Chemicals Continue Illegal Construction at SIPCOT; TNPCB Once Again a Mute Spectator
Cuddalore, 20 November 2008: In an yet another case of blatant violation of the environmental regulations, Narmada Chemicals was caught red handed carrying out illegal operations in its premises without obtaining a valid Consent to Establish. Read More…
Workers in Tagros Chemical Go on Hunger Fast; Demand Recognition and Bonus
Cuddalore, 5 November 2008: At least 50 workers from Tagros Chemicals have gone on a 4-day long hunger fast from yesterday demanding higher bonus and formal recognition to their staff Union. Read More…
Tantech Continues to Poison SIPCOT; TNPCB a Mute Spectator
Cuddalore, 22 October 2008: Tantech Agro Chemicals is back at its act of poisoning the SIPCOT Area while the TNPCB is mutely watching from the sidelines. Read More…
Gas Leak at Chemplast Plant I
Mettur, 28 September 2008: There was a massive gas leak of HCFC 22 (Hydrogenated Chloroflouro Carbon 22) from Chemplast Plant I, manufacturing Chloroflouro Carbons this evening at 5.30 p.m. Read More…
Pioneer Recognizes Workers’ Union; Workers End Their 69 Day Long Strike
Cuddalore, 19 September 2008: Pioneer Jelice India conceded to the workers demand and accepted to recognize the CITU Union within the factory thus leading to the end of the 69-day long struggle of the agitating workers. Read More…
Aria Chemical’s Illegal Construction Stopped by TNPCB
Cuddalore, 17 September 2008: TNPCB today ordered Aria Chemicals from engaging in any activity in their proposed plant site until they receive formal permissions to commence construction. Read More…
Pioneer Continues to Dump and Bury its Waste Illegally Within its Premises
Cuddalore, 16 September 2008: A week after SACEM first reported that Pioneer Jelice India in Cuddalore was illegally storing its waste in sacks behind the ETP plant in its premises, sources reveal that Pioneer is also burying the same waste in the area. Read More…
TNPCB Fails to Take Action on Chemplast’s Glass Waste Dump on the Banks of Uppanar
Cuddalore, 16 September 2008: SACEM monitors reported that the TNPCB has failed to take action on Chemplast Sanmar to stop it from dumping waste glass pieces on the banks of the river Uppanar. Read More…
SIPCOT Residents Protest Setting of New Chemical Industries in their Village
Cuddalore, 22 August 2008: More than 100 residents from SIPCOT villages including Eachangadu, Sonanchavadi and Semmankuppam organized a protest meeting opposite the Collector’s office to express their opposition to Government’s move of setting up new chemical and polluting units in their villages. Read More…
SIPCOT Cuddalore Gets a Surprise Visit from Higher Officials; Errant Units Under Scanner
Cuddalore, 20 August 2008: SIPCOT Cuddalore got a surprise visit from a high powered team of Tamil Nadu government including the Industry Secretary M. F. Farooqui, Energy Secretary Smita Nagraj, Chairperson of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) R. Balakrishnan, Member Secretary of TNPCB R. Rmachandran and the District Collector and District Revenue Officer (DRO) of Cuddalore.Read More…
Police Lathicharge on Striking Workers of Pioneer Miyagi; At least 15 Injured
Cuddalore, 12 August 2008: The Cuddalore police lathicharged more than 300 workers of CITU Union from Pioneer Miyagi yesterday for blocking the entrance of the unit while on strike. Read More…
Where is People’s Right to Livelihood?; A Report on Karikal Public Hearing on Industrial Pollution
Kariakal, 1 August 2008: Mahathma Gandhi said that backbone of India is villages and agriculture and he insisted that they should be protected. Read More…
Salem District Residents Use RTI to Demand Transparency of TNPCB
Salem, 15 July 2008: – Around 50 people, agitated by the lack of transparency and large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, today filed RTI applications at the District Environmental Engineer’s office. Read More…
Accident at the Chemplast Site in Cuddalore; One Worker Dead Another Seriously Injured
Cuddalore, 15 July 2008: One contract worker lost his life while another was seriously injured in an accident while the construction of the PVC plant of Chemplast Sanmar in Cuddalore. Read More…
Contract workers in Pioneer Go on an Indefinite Strike
Cuddalore, 15 July 2008: Contract workers of Pioneer Jelice India Pvt. Ltd have gone on an indefinite strike demanding better working conditions, salary and a permanent end of Company’s activity of illegal discharge of untreated effluents. Read More…
CUSECS Pipe Breaks Again; Village Canal Contaminated
Cuddalore, 7 July 2008: CUSECS Pipe line from CUSECS II to CUSECS VI was reported to be damaged on 4 July 2008 at about 6 pm. Read More…
Pioneer’s New Plant Spews Out Toxic Smoke Regularly; No Action Taken by TNPCB
Cuddalore, 6 July 2008: Residents of Semmankuppam village have constantly complained of thick white smoke from the new unit of Pioneer Jelice Ltd. Read More…
Air Emissions in Cuddalore Continue to be Critical; SPIC the latest offender
Cuddalore, 5 July 2008: SACEM monitors have continuously reported about the deteriorating air quality in and around SIPCOT Cuddalore. Read More…
Tantech Spews Odourous Emissions Again
Cuddalore, 1 July 2008: Residents of Eachangadu have once again complained about noxious odourous emissions from Tantech Agro Chemicals that chokes their village regularly. Read More…
SPIC Sells its Toxic Mycelium Waste to Farmers as Fertilizers
Cuddalore, 23 June 2008 – Pharmaceutical Corporation SPIC’s latest solution to their unmanageable mycelium waste problem is to sell this toxic waste to the farmers in the nearby fields as fertilizers. Read More…
Accident at Chemplast PVC Plant Site; One injured
Cuddalore, 23 June 2008 – One sub contract worker was injured in an accident that took place inside the plant construction site of Chemplast Sanmar PVC plant in Cuddalore. Read More…
Illegal Discharges in Uppanar Continues
Cuddalore, June 7 2008 – Fishermen from SIPCOT area report continual illegal discharge of effluents into the River Uppanar despite repeated complaints. Read More…
Tamil Nadu Pigments not providing safety measures while handling chemicals
Cuddalore, 3 June 2008: SACEM monitors report that Tamil Nadu Pigments is not handling its raw materials and chemicals within the factory safely. On 2 June the monitors noticed a huge cloud of dust around the factory. Read More…
Contract workers in Pioneer threaten to go on strike; ask for better working conditions and proper disposal of effluents
Cuddalore, 3 June 2008: Contract workers of Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals have threatened to go on a strike and a road blockade if their demands of permanency, better working conditions and proper disposal of effluents from the unit are not met soon. Read More…
AIADMK Union workers in Victory Chemicals on strike for a week; demand safe working conditions and better facilities
Cuddalore, 3 June 2008: Workers affiliated to AIADMK Union in Victory Chemicals have been on a strike for almost a week now demanding safe working conditions and better facilities. Read More…
Construction of Thermal Plant brought to a halt
08 May 2008, Chennai/Salem: All activities at the coal based captive power plant owned by Chemplast Sanmar Limited in Mettur came to a standstill after the Environment Appellate Authority passed an order on May 6th 2008 directing the company to stop construction and operation at the plant. Read More…
Worker dies in an accident inside SPIC Pharma
Cuddalore, 3 May 2005: Murugavel, a contract worker from Chennai at SPIC Pharma died after meeting with an accident inside the factory yesterday. Read More…
Permission to Chemplast for VCM Pipeline across Uppanar Cancelled
Cuddalore, April 17, 2008: The Public Works Department (PWD) has cancelled the permission granted to Chemplast Sanmar’s PVC Plant at SIPCOT Cuddalore for laying a pipeline to convey Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) across Uppanar River. Read More…
Mettur villagers stage rally against illegal coal yard
Mettur, 15 April, 2008: The Gonur West Agriculturalists Development Union (GWADU) organized a protest rally, demanding a stop to the construction and operation of Chemplast Sanmar’s coal yard at the Mettur Railway Station. Read More…
Illegal Discharge: Pioneer Miyagi apprehended
Cuddalore, April 14, 2008 — Barely two weeks after Cuddalore industries were given a dressing down by Member of Parliament and DMK leader K. Kanimozhi, Pioneer Miyagi — a Semmankuppam-based gelatin manufacturer — was caught discharing toxic effluents into a canal and the Uppanar river today. Read More…
Operation of Illegal Thermal Power Plant in Mettur stopped
Salem, 25 March, 2008: On 24th March the Environment Appellate Authority ordered Chemplast Sanmar Ltd, Mettur to stop construction or operation of their illegal thermal power plant. Read More…
SPIC Spews Black Smoke
Cuddalore, 11 March, 2008 — At 4 a.m. on 10 March, 2008, SACEM monitor S. Pugazhendi observed a major release of thick black smoke from SPIC Pharma. Read More…
Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board appoints Local Environment Committee
Cuddalore, 4 March, 2008 — The Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) through its letter dated 3.3.2008 has appointed a local committee comprising of Government officials, elected local body officials, community environmental monitors and NGO representatives to discuss the ongoing industrial pollution in Cuddalore SIPCOT area with the company officials. Read More…
Scorecard on Environment and Safety in SIPCOT, Cuddalore
January to December 2007 (Adobe pdf format)
Cow Poisoned, Farms Contaminated by Chemical Spill
Mettur, February 28, 2008 — A chemical spill from Mettur-based micronutrient manufacturer Meenakshi Chemicals has contaminated several kilometres of a stream that empties into the River Kaveri. Read More…
Shasun Suffers Tummy Upset; Spews Bad Odour, Black Smoke
Cuddalore, February 25, 2008 — At 3 p.m. on 24 February, and 4 a.m. on 25 February, SACEM recorded incidents of serious air pollution by Shasun Chemicals. Read More…
CUSECS leaks once again
Cuddalore, February 14, 2008 — Living up to its reputation of being a repeat environmental offender, the common effluent collection and forwarding facility CUSECS sprung a leak near the Thamaraikulam (Lotus Pond) of Karaikadu. Read More…
Air Monitor Nails Toxic Hotspots in Chennai, Manali
12 February, 2008. CHENNAI — Levels of hydrogen sulphide, a potent neurotoxin that smells of rotten eggs, was detected at roughly 1400 to 29000 times above permissible levels at various locations within Chennai city and Manali. Read More…
Suspected underground pipes from Chemplast break; causing effluent leaks
10 February 2008 Mettur: An underground effluent pipeline suspected to be from Chemplast Sanmar was accidentally broken while laying foundation for a new railway station adjacent to the old one in RS, Mettur, in the firs week of February. Read More…
Fish Kill due to effluent discharge in the Kaveri
Mettur, 05, February, 2008 – A massive fish kill of tilapia and an eel-like freshwater fish was reported down stream of Chemplast Sanmar’s effluent discharge point in the River Kaveri on 3rd February. Read More…
Accident in Chemplast Power Plant, Mettur; One Worker Dead, Another Severely Injured
Mettur, 30 January, 2008 – A contract worker Prithviraj, age 25 yrs, died on the way to the hospital after being severely injured in an accident during the construction of the thermal power plant in Chemplast Sanmar, Mettur. Read More…
Pioneer Miyagi Caught Discharging Effluent into Uppanar
Cuddalore, 29 January 2008: Residents of Semmankuppam village yesterday caught Pioneer Miyagi discharging effluents into the river Uppanar once again. Read More…
Community Health Monitoring Conducts it’s First Health Camp in Eachangadu
Cuddalore, 24 January 2008: Community Health Monitoring (CHM) conducted its first health camp on the issues of reproductive diseases among women in Eachangadu village today. Read More…
Police Releases the Truck Containing Chemicals from Shasun Without Verification
Cuddalore, 24 January 2008: The Cuddalore police released the seized truck containing suspected chemical waste at about 11.30 pm last night without any proper verification. Read More…
Eachangadu Chocked by Tantech’s Noxious Emissions
Cuddalore, 23 January 2008: Residents of Eachangadu today complained that their village was covered with the cloud of noxious smoke from Tantech from 5.30 am to 8.30 am. Read More…
Shasun’s Consignment of Suspected Hazardous Wastes Intercepted; High Drama at Police Station
Cuddalore, 23 January 2008: Alert SACEM monitors today intercepted a truck (No TN 41 Q 3772) loaded with more than 50 drums of chemicals at the busy main road of Cuddalore new town at about 6.00 pm. Read More…
Victory Chemicals hazardous waste found strewn around outside its premises
Cuddalore, 14 January 2008 – In an another incident, the SACEM monitors reported Victory Chemical’s hazardous waste strewn around outside its premises. The waste was in the form of bricks that were thrown on the land outside the factory unit. Read More…
CUSECS II Sump found flooded in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 14 January 2008 – SACEM monitors found the CUSECS II sump near the 5th cross road of SIPCOT complex flooded with effluents during a routine pollution patrol today afternoon. Read More…
Lungful of poison; Down to Earth
Cuddalore 31 December 2007 A Kannan has been feeling dizzy with fever for days, his limbs are shaky. He has come to the government hospital in Tamil Nadu’s coastal Cuddalore town with others from nearby Kudikadu village with similar complaints. Read More…
4 Mishaps in 30 days in Mettur
Mettur, 27 December 2007 – Less than a month after Chemplast Sanmar released its Sustainability report which highlights the company’s pro-active measures to ensure that its business practices safeguard the environment, the company has been plagued with numerous safety lapses and allegations of pollution by its host community in Mettur. Read More…
Pondicherry Alum and Asian Paints caught releasing illegal effluents in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 27 December 2007: Pondicherry Alum and Asian Paints were caught red handed releasing illegal effluents in two separate incidents in SIPCOT Cuddalore. Read More…
Tanker Dumps Toxic Wastes in Kaveri at Mettur
1 December, 2007 — A Paras tanker carrying liquid effluents from Alwaye, Kerala-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) was caught by villagers in Mettur, even as it was emptying its toxic cargo into a stream flowing from MALCO Ltd’s compound. Read More…
Alert SACEM Monitors Prevent Illegal Factory Construction in SIPCOT Area
Cuddalore, 22 November 2007: It was the meticulous monitoring of the SACEM monitors that helped the authorities to stall the illegal construction of Narmada Chemicals soap factory in Semmankuppam village, SIPCOT. Read More…
Villagers from Mettur’s Pollution Impacted Area Demand Immediate Action at TNPCB
Chennai 15 November 2007: 100 agitated people from Mettur assembled at the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board at Guindy today to present a copy of a report, ‘Unfolding Diasater – A Study of Chemplast Sanmar’s toxic contamination in Mettur’ and demanded that the TNPCB take the required action to control pollution in the area. Read More…
Illegal Effluent Discharge in Eachangadu Canal Reported
Cuddalore, 9 November 2007: SACEM monitors today reported another incident of illegal effluent discharge in the Eachangadu canal next to the Eachangadu village in SIPCOT Cuddalore. Read More…
SPIC spews out toxic smoke due to boiler malfunction
Cuddalore, 1 November 2007: Thick and dark smoke was noticed from SPIC unit in SIPCOT Cuddalore yesterday morning. According to the SACEM monitors the smoke was noticed around 6:30 am and continued for about an hour. Read More…
Kudikadu Colony residents blame pollution for their health problems
Cuddalore, 16 October 2007: More than 70 people from Kudikadu Colony were admitted in the Cuddalore General Hospital on 14th October with complaints of high fever, persistent headaches, pain in hands and legs and vomiting sensation. Read More…
Another effluent leak from Pioneer into Uppanar
Cuddalore, 16 October 2007: Fishermen in SIPCOT area caught effluent seeping out of Pioneer Miyagi into Uppanar early morning on 11th October 2007. Read More…
Residents of Cuddalore coastal villages oppose land acquisition for industries
Cuddalore, 11 October 2007: Residents of more than 25 villages organised a public meeting in Samiarpettai and resolved not to give up their land for any industrial proposal that would threaten their livelihood and lives. Read More…
Cuddalore Up In Arms Against Industrialisation
CUDDALORE, September 27, 2007 — Elected representatives from 25 villages around SIPCOT Cuddalore, resolved against handing over lands to any industrial projects. Read More…
Kodungaiyur residents stage gate block, force garbage trucks to return
Chennai, September 16, 2007: More than 150 residents blocked the entrance of the Municipal Waste Dumping Ground in Kodungaiyur today. Read More…
Illegal discharge of toxic effluents into stream
Cuddalore, 13 August, 2007 — SIPCOT Area Community Environment Monitors reported an illegal discharge of toxic effluents in to the Eachangadu Vaikal (stream) today. The discharge was noticed at 3 a.m ., when the monitor who is also a fisherman entered the stream to go fishing. Read more…
SIPCOT a gas chamber at night, SACEM confirms
Cuddalore, 11 August, 2007 — SIPCOT Cuddalore Industrial Estate remains a gas chamber, with noxious emissions peaking between 10 p.m. and 5 p.m., SIPCOT Area Community Environment Monitors confirmed after conducting five night long pollution patrols. Read more…
Another leak in CUSECS pipeline reported
Cuddalore, 1 August 2007: Another leak in the CUSECS pipeline from pump 2 to 3 was reported at about 2 pm yesterday from SIPCOT Cuddalore. The leak was reported from the pipeline 50 meters from the southern boundary near Ustad Biotech at Periyakaraikadu village. Read more…
SPIC Discharges Effluents into Village Canal; Cattle, chicken succumb to poisons
Cuddalore, 12 July 2007: SPIC Pharmaceuticals released large quantities of effluents into an open drainage canal in Eachangadu village from the night of 10 July to the evening of 11 July 2007. Read more…
TNPCB conducts joint patrol with SIPCOT residents to verify their complaints of increased air pollution
Cuddalore, 4 July 2007: A day after receiving several complaints of increased pollution in the SIPCOT area the District Environment Engineer (DEE) of Tamil Nadu Pollution
Control Board (TNPCB) conducted a joint pollution patrol with the SIPCOT villagers and SACEM monitors to assess the situation in the industrial complex. Read more…
Bayer’s Toxic Waste Left Untended in SIPCOT Village
Cuddalore, 7 June 2007: Fifty 200-litre drums containing a smelly liquid waste with an oily film from Bayer Sanmar’s polyurethane factory in SIPCOT, Cuddalore, was exposed by community residents in Kudikadu village yesterday. Read more…
Pioneer worker survives burn injuries
CUDDALORE, 21 May, 2007 — On 8 May, 2007, at around 5.30 a.m., contract worker Kannan, aged about 45, from Semmankuppam Madukarai village suffered severe burn injuries on his left hand, and light burns on his left cheek after an accident while loading firewood at Pioneer Miyagi’s boiler. Read more…
Mercury Awareness at Kodaikanal Tourist Show
KODAIKANAL, 20 May, 2007 — Ex-workers from the Hindustan Lever mercury thermometer factory and members of Community Environmental Monitoring today launched a photoexhibition-cum-awareness booth to educate tourists visiting the Kodaikanal flowershow on the harmful effects of mercury released from Hindustan Lever’s factory between 1984 and 2001. Read update
Pioneer Miyagi Continues to Reclaim River Land
Cuddalore, 17 May 2007: Pioneer Miyagi once again began to reclaim river Uppanar land exactly one month after it was forced to stop this activity by the District Collector and the officials of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). Read more…
SIPCOT Residents Discover an Illegal Effluent Pipeline to Uppanar
Cuddalore, 15 May 2007: The SIPCOT residents today discovered an illegal effluent pipeline in the industrial area leading to the river Uppanar. The cement pipe was discovered behind TANFAC, in between Victory Chemicals and CUSECS 6. Read more…
Sangolikuppam Residents Block Pioneer Miyagi Gates After an Effluent Leak from CUSECS 2 Pipeline
Cuddalore, 10 May 2007: Sangolikuppam residents blocked the Pioneer Miayagi gates on 9th May, Wednesday afternoon in protest after an incident of effluent leak from CUSECS 2 pipeline. Read more…
India-Japan Parley May Legalise Waste Dumping in India
CHENNAI, 2 May, 2007 — Japan exported nearly 2000 tons of trash, not including e-waste, to India in four years between 2003 and 2006. Read more…
Highways department damages CUSECS pipeline; SIPCOT village pond contaminated with effluents
Cuddalore, 29 April, 2007: A construction work carried on by the Highways Department damaged the CUSECS pipeline between CUSECS 2 and 3 causing effluent discharge into a local pond in SIPCOT Cuddalore. Read more…
More than 400 residents protesting Chemplast Sanmar pollution court arrest.
Mettur 18 April 2007: Around 400 farmers and residents affected by the pollution from the Chemplast Sanmar factory in Mettur today gathered at Kolipannai to launch a protest rally and gate blockade against the company’s human rights and environmental violations. Read more…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen report skin irritation when in contact with river water
Cuddalore, 30 March 2007: Two fishermen, including SACEM monitor, reported skin irritation after entering the river Uppanar today morning. Read more…
Effluent Leak from CUSECS II to CUSECS III
Cuddalore, 29 March 2007: A leak in the effluent pipeline from CUSECS II to CUSECS III was reported from SIPCOT Cuddalore today. the leak was reported from area behind Puthu Koil in Periya Karaikadu at about 10:30 am. Read more…
Accident at Pioneer Miyagi; 3 Workers Injured
Cuddalore, 23 March 2007: An industrial accident in Pioneer Miyagi left three workers at the unit injured today. According to the sources the workers were engaged in constructing the boiler unit when one of the chain pulley broke injuring the workers. Read more…
Chemplast Sanmar Allowed to Construct at Own Risk
Chennai, 17 March, 2007: The Madras High Court today while hearing a Writ Petition filed by S. Elumalai and V. Palanivelu challenging the consent to establish granted to the Chemplast Sanmar by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, declined to stay the consent order but made it very clear that the fate of the construction carried on by Chemplast Sanmar will be subject to the outcome of the current writ petition. Read more…
TNPCB officials along with SACEM monitors and SIPCOT residents conduct river patrol
Cuddalore, 14 March 2007: Acting upon the constant complaints of local fishermen and SACEM the TNPCB finally conducted a river patrol to check the river water quality and the illegal sources of effluent discharges into the river. Read more…
SACEM monitors and SIPCOT residents conduct all-night river vigil on Uppanar
Cuddalore, 5 March 2007: Tired of government’s inability to stop river pollution SACEM monitors and SIPCOT residents conducted an all-night river vigil on Uppanar yesterday to monitor illegal discharges. Read more…
Pioneer Miyagi caught red handed discharging effluents in Uppanar
Cuddalore, 26 February 2007: A SIPCOT resident caught Pioneer Miyagi illegally discharging effluents in the river Uppanar at about 12:30 am today. According to the resident a very large quantity of effluent was being released into the river from Pioneer bypassing the CUSECS pipeline which is the normal way of effluent discharge for the unit. Read more…
Uppanar fishermen complain about pollution; give a sample of river water to TNPCB for analysis
Cuddalore, 16 February 2007: Fishermen in river Uppanar have once again complained about the pollution in the river and have taken a sample of the river water for TNPCB to analyze the contents and inform them about the problem. Read more…
Commuters on Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road Gassed by SPIC
Cuddalore, 15 February 2007: In an another incident that occurred on Monday, 12 February the commuters on the Cuddalore-Chidambaram highway got gassed by the emissions of SPIC Pharma. Read more…
School children faint after inhaling noxious emissions from SPIC Pharma
Cuddalore, 15 February 2007: Twenty school children fainted in the Eachangadu school at SIPCOT on Monday after they inhaled noxious emissions from SPIC Pharma. Read more…
Cycle Rally Reception at Chengalpattu – Songs and Speeches Mark the Day
Nity reports from Chengalpattu, 11 February, 7:00 am: We covered a distance of about 70 km yesterday from Tindivanam to Chengalpettu. The first half of the journey was very pleasant as the weather was nice. We took a lot of breaks on the way. Read more…
Cycle tour leaves for Chengalpettu
Nity reports from Tindivanam, 10 Feb, 7:15 am: We have started our 65 k.m. long journey to Chengalpettu. Read more…
Cycle tour starts off on a sombre note
Nity reports from Tindivanam, 9 Feb, 8:05 pm: We reached Tindivanam at about 5:00 pm. After unloading the extra cycles from the truck we left for the pond where the accident had happened. Read more…
Effluent leak in SIPCOT as CUSECS pipeline breaks down
Cuddalore, 29 January 2007: SACEM monitors reported effluent leak from CUSECS sump 2 pipeline due to break down of the pipe connecting the sump 2 and 3.
Read more…
Tsunami orphans perform a play on threats of pollution on Cuddalore coast
Chennai, 26 January 2007: More than 11 tsunami orphans aged between 10 to 15 years, along with their troupe leader Gana Viji today performed a play on the threats of industrial pollution and toxics on the Cuddalore coast and fisher folk in the region. Read more…
Chemplast officials chased out of Chitrapettai village
Cuddalore, 25 January 2007: Chitrapettai villagers today chased out Chemplast officials who were visiting the village to inspect the site for the Marine Terminal Facility (MTF) for their PVC plant. Read more…
Thermal Power Plant to be located in Cuddalore
Chennai, 23 January 2007: Year 2007 has brought with itself a host of toxic facilities for SIPCOT residents. It was rumoured that the Tamil Nadu government was planning new facilities in the area following the perverse logic of polluting the already polluted. Read more…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen report fish with diseases, suffer loss in sale
Cuddalore, 19 January 2007: Fishermen in Uppanar have reported increased incidents of catching fishes with diseases. Read more…
Farmers, fishers oppose textile park proposal; Demand locally relevant industries
Cuddalore, 13 January 2007: Residents of Periyapattu village, about 20 kilometres from the infamous SIPCOT industrial estate, have opposed the proposed SIMA textile park citing reasons of pollution, groundwater depletion and damage to the local agricultural and the fishing economy as reasons against the proposed water-intensive dyeing and bleaching industries. Read more…
SIPCOT residents rally against Chemplast project; pledge to fight until plan is scrapped
Cuddalore, 6 January 2007: More than 300 residents of SIPCOT Cuddalore today participated in a rally against Chemplast PVC plant in their area. Read more…
US Supporters of Cuddalore Campaign Join SACEM on Pollution Patrol
Cuddalore, 29 December, 2006: Two supporters from the Seattle and Bay Area chapters of Association for India’s Development in the United States joined SIPCOT monitors on a two-hour long pollution patrol to see first-hand the environmental conditions in SIPCOT, Cuddalore. Read more…
Black Flag Demo by Fishers Against Chemplast
Cuddalore. 12 December, 2006 — At least 200 representatives from fishing villages in Pondicherry and Cuddalore gathered near the Farmer’s Market in Cuddalore town to hold a Black Flag agitation against Chemplast Sanmar’s PVC factory. Read more…
Fisherfolk Burnt by Acid River
Cuddalore. 7 December, 2006 — Fisherfolk from Sangolikuppam who went fishing in a stream behind Kudikadu in SIPCOT reported severe skin itching and discomfort within minutes after enter the stream early on the morning of 7 December. Read more…
Environmental Cycle Tour Suspended After Young Cyclist Dies in Accident
Chennai. 4 December, 2006 — Organisers of the Cuddalore to Chennai environmental awareness cycle tour have suspended the tour after one of the cyclists died in an untoward incident near Tindivanam on 30 November, 2006. K. Gurubalan, a student of Loyola College, who was part of the youth team that cycled in solidarity with the pollution impacted community in Cuddalore, accidentally drowned in a village pond during a rest stop about 18 km from Tindivanam. Read more…
Day 2 – First milestone, Pondycherry
The day stated as usual, two cycles broke down and had to be loaded onto the car and sent to Semankuppam for repairs. The trip to Semankuppam was excellent we were in the right time for pamphleteering, it was morning time and people were either at bus stops leaving for work or having their morning tea. Read more…
Renowned Tamil poetess Kanimozhi inaugurates 1000 Bhopals photo exhibition
The inauguration of the 1000 Bhopals exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademy was a great success. We had Ms. K. Kanimozhi, renowned poetess and daughter of Tamilnadu Chief Minister Mr. K. Karunanidhi inaugurate the exhibition. Read update with photos…
Cyclist discover the beauty of Puduchatram, the proposed location for the SIMA textile park
Update Day2: 29 November 2006, morning from Puduchatram From Nity: We set off for our next destination to Cuddalore New Town at 7:30 am half hour past the scheduled time. Some of us were up at 4 am to fulfil the morning duties while others not so keen on attnending the call woke up at 6. We are 6 km away from Perangipettai which was one of the worst affected during the killer tsunami two years ago. Read more…
Cycle tour flagged off successfully by local leader Kolathur Mani
Cuddalore Report From Nity: DAY 1, 11:00 pm: We set off on schedule at 11.00 am and the first cycle crisis occurred within
20 meters of the start. We got cycle fixed at Old Town, Cuddalore and
carried on. Earlier the flag off was good with a decent media response. Read more…
Cycling for Green
Cuddalore/ Chennai, 27 November 2006: Leading up to the 22nd Bhopal anniversary, youth from fishing communities and colleges of Chennai, along with environmental activists and residents from pollution-impacted communities in Mettur and Cuddalore, will cycle 280km from Cuddalore to Chennai starting 28 November, 2006. Jessie Bhangoo presents an audio introduction to the roadshow. Listen to the intro here…
Remember Bhopal; Fight for Cuddalore
Cuddalore/ Chennai: 26 November 2006: Cuddalore is another Bhopal in the making. Youth from Chennai, Cuddalore and Mettur will cycle from Cuddalore to Chennai to raise awareness about the environmental issues confronting residents of SIPCOT, Cuddalore, and highlight the threats of pollution-intensive industrialization facing Cuddalore. The cycle tour will travel through the coastal areas of Cuddalore, Pondicherry and parts of Kanchipuram and Chennai districts, and through the inland areas along GST Road. Kindly extend your support to the cycle tour by organizing solidarity activities en route. Read more…
Toxic Truck Spotted in Cuddalore
27 November, 2006. Cuddalore — A truck carrying a hazardous chemical powder was found parked for more than 30 minutes without driver or cleaner near Sellankuppam at 11 a.m. today. Read more…
Local Government Resolves Against Chemplast PVC factory
Cuddalore, 26 November, 2006 — Thyagavelli Panchayat, in which the marine terminal facility for Chemplast Sanmar’s PVC factory is to be set up, resolved on 14.11.2006 against the Chemplast PVC factory. Read more…
Massive explosion in Loyal Super Fabrics; Locals block road; demand closure of the company
Cuddalore, 22 November 2006: A massive explosion at Loyal Super Fabrics rocked the SIPCOT Industrial estate at around 12 noon today. The explosion took place at a newly set-up oil boiler of the unit and was followed by a fire that ravaged sections of the unit. According to SACEM, whose monitors arrived on the scene immediately, the fire was difficult to control. Read more…
Dismissed CUSECS worker attempt to take back their jobs
Cuddalore, 17 November 2006: The 15 CUSECS workers who had been dismissed from their jobs made an attempt to get back at work on Friday. The workers gathered at the CUSECS pump no 2 and sat on a dharna for an hour and then moved to the CUSECS 6. Read more…
TNPCB responds to SACEM complaint; Inspects Victory
8 November, 2006. CUDDALORE — Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board assistant engineer Mr. Malayandi yesterday inspected Victory Chemicals after SACEM complained to the board about the dangerous conditions of hazardous waste storage at the unit that manufactures explosives. Read more…
SPIC Pharma obtains a stay from the High Court; resumes operations
Cuddalore, 12 October 2006: SPIC Pharma which was recently shut down by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board resumed its operations after obtaining a stay on the closure order from the Madras High Court. Read more…
Loyal Super Fabrics operations extended for two months
Cuddalore, 11 October 2006: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has extended the permission for operation of Loyal Super Fabrics for another two months. Read more…
Victory Chemicals banks on River to solve hazwaste problem
Cuddalore, 10 October 2006: Almost two years after it was caught dumping hazardous waste illegally in a village near SIPCOT, Victory Chemicals has found a new way to get rid of its waste. Read more…
15 Hospitalised after Consuming Poisoned Water
03 October, 2006. CUDDALORE — At least fourteen people from Sonanchavadi village, and one from Vairankuppam colony, in SIPCOT, Cuddalore, had to be hospitalised this morning after consuming poisoned water. Read more…
Pioneer Allowed to Construct at Own Risk
Chennai, 28 September, 2006: The Madras High Court today while admitting a Writ Petition filed by K. Bharathi challenging the consent to establish granted to the Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, declined to stay the consent order and ordered the Department of Environment to file counter affidavit on the allegation raised by the petitioner that the unit falls within the CRZ I (No Development zone) category of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification. Read more…
Mettur Residents Report Chlorine Leak from Chemplast Plant III
28 September, 2006. Mettur Dam — Shopkeepers and shop-goers near the Raman Nagar commercial area opposite the gates of Chemplast Sanmar factory were assailed by a wave of chlorine gas at around 2 p.m. today. Read more…
Effluent leak from Arkema pipeline to CUSECS 2
Cuddalore, 21 September 2006: A leak in the effluent pipeline of Arkema Peroxide to CUSECS pump no 2 was reported at about 7:45 am today. According to the SACEM monitors, the leak was detected on the pipeline near a mini sump before CUSECS 2. Read more…
SIPCOT Residents Block Highway to Protest PVC Plant
Cuddalore, 17 September 2006: About 800 villagers, mostly women from SIPCOT villages, organised a salai marial (road blockade) of the National Highway passing through the industrial estate, less than a day after learning that the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board had issued “Consent for Establish” to Chemplast Sanmar to set up a 140,000 tons per annum PVC factory in SIPCOT. Read more…
SPIC Pharma closed by TNPCB
Cuddalore, 4 September 2006: The TNPCB today shut down SPIC Pharma for not following its orders. According to the PCB the unit did not have its Effluent Treatment Plant as per the PCB standard, did not manage its mycelium waste properly, did not provide for a VOC analyzer and had not put up a digital board on its gate for emission information. Read more…
Court Orders Pioneer to Stop Unauthorised Construction
Chennai, 31 August, 2006 — The Madras High Court today ordered M/S Pioneer Miyagi to stop construction of a new plant within its existing premises in SIPCOT, Cuddalore, after verifying with the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) that no permission had been granted for establishing the industry. Granting the injunction on construction, the High Court posted the matter for hearing on 4 September. Read more…
TNPCB, District Authorities Unable to Stop Illegal Construction
Cuddalore, 19 August, 2006 Cocking a snook at the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, the Factories Inspectorate and the District Collector, bone meal manufacturer Pioneer Miyagi Ltd resumed illegal construction of a new factory secure in the knowledge that no authority will intervene. Read more…
Pollution Patrol 3: Pollution levels extremely high
Cuddalore, 3 August, 2006: Read Pollution Patrol 3 report
Pollution patrol No 2: Pollution level is still high in SIPCOT despite the shifty wind.
Cuddalore, 3 August, 2006: Read Pollution Patrol 2 report
Will Pollution Stop on August 4?
Cuddalore, 2 August, 2006: Yesterday SACEM monitors received a call from the senior officials of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) informing them that a joint pollution patrol of TNPCB and SACEM will be conducted on 4th August, 2006. Read more…
TNPCB abets illegal construction at Pioneer Miyagi
Cuddalore, 1 August 2006: Construction of an illegal building at Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals continued even after Cuddalore District Collector’s directions on 29 July 2006 to the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board to stop the construction. Read more…
No More Polluting Industries: SIPCOT residents tell Public Hearing Panel
Cuddalore 30 July 2006: A public hearing held on 29 July in Cuddalore was attended by around 150 people, mainly residents of SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Cuddalore. SIPCOT and Cuddalore town residents presented their grievances with regard to pollution caused by SIPCOT industries. Read more…
TNPCB issues closure order for Loyal Super Fabrics
Cuddalore, 24 July 2006: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) today issued closure orders to Loyal Super Fabrics for non compliance of its [TNPCB] instruction to set up a reverse osmosis (RO) plant to treat the effluents. Read more…
Ammonia leak from SIPCOT unit damages casurina fields
Cuddalore, 21 July 2006: Ammonia gas leak from HEF industries in SIPCOT complex damaged about quarter acre of casurina field yesterday. Read more…
Ten chemicals including one carcinogen found in sample from Indag fire site
Cuddalore 29 June 2006: SACEM found 10 chemicals in a sample taken last month during a fire at the abandoned Coromandel Indag factory in SIPCOT. On May 20th, 2006, there was a fire at the premises of the now-abandoned Coromandel Indag factory in SIPCOT, Cuddalore. Read more…
Fire at Arkema Peroxide, no one injured
Cuddalore 28 June 2006: A fire broke out in the storage area of Arkema Peroxide at about 7:35 am. According to the SACEM reports the fire lasted for about 5 minutes and the flames were seen shooting up to a height of 100 feet. Read more…
Injured worker receives compensation
Cuddalore, June 25 2006: J. Kaliamurthy, a contract worker injured in an accident at Pioneer Miyagi on 28 March, 2006, today received a compensation of Rs. 2.25 lakhs after contract workers at the company went on strike. Read more…
CUSECS workers win six of 12 demands
Cuddalore, 23 June 2006: CUSECS workers have succeeded in winning 6 out of 12 demands after a meeting with SIPCOT officials held in the presence of the District Revenue Officer to resolve a strike launched by the workers following the death of their coworker K. Kathavarayan due to cancer. Read more…
Pollution monitoring centre sought
Cuddalore June 20 2006: The Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation (CDCPO) has sought the setting up of a high-tech computerised pollution monitoring centre at the State Industrial Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) premises here. Read media story…
CUSECS shut down after the death of a worker, effluents overflow in SIPCOT
Cuddalore 12 June 2006: All the effluent collection stations of CUSECS in SIPCOT Cuddalore were shut down today by the workers who were demanding compensation for the death of their co-worker. 33 year old Kathavarayan, a worker in CUSECS IV in SIPCOT Cuddalore died of leukemia yesterday evening. Read more…
National Air Toxics results prods TNPCB into action
Chennai, 10 June 2006: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board yesterday passed an order banning dumping of garbage and discharge of sewage into the unique and highly sensitive Pallikarnai marshlands. The order comes just a few days post the release of an ambient air quality report by Community Environmental Monitoring (CEM). Read more…
SIPCOT tanker owner-driver dead after falling into the tank
Cuddalore 4 June, 2006: 45 year old Shanmugam of Masapettai village in Vellore district was found dead yesterday inside the chemicals tanker lorry (TAV 5796), which he owned and drove. Read more…
Sunday is not a holiday for polluters
Cuddalore, 28 May 2006: SACEM conducted two pollution patrols – one in the early morning and the other in the afternoon of 28 May, 2006, a Sunday. In their afternoon patrol, they were accompanied by visitors from the US, New Delhi, Chattisgarh and Kolkata. Read complete report here…
Accident at Pioneer Miyagi; One worker seriously injured
Cuddalore, 28 May 2006: 35 year old J. Kaliamurthy of Periya Karaikadu sustained a severe head injury and fractured both hands after falling from a height on the third floor of an unapproved construction within Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals. Read more…
Fire at Indag; TNPCB not to be found
Cuddalore, 20 May 2006: A fire at the premises of the now-abandoned Coromandel Indag factory in SIPCOT, Cuddalore, spread thick black smoke and panic among local residents. Read more…
Industries continue to poison Cuddalore
Cuddalore, 14 May 2006: A new pollution patrol conducted by the SACEM monitors has once again indicated that the industries in Cuddalore are openly dumping hazardous wastes in the air. Read more…
Industries caught emitting toxic gases in the night
Cuddalore, 4 May, 2006: SACEM monitors report that most of the factories on the SIPCOT industrial estate including TANFAC, Tagros, Tantech and SPIC were engulfed in a heavy cloud of smoke around the midnight of May 4. Read more…
Uppanar Pollution: Fishermen suffer, repeated complaints of pollution ignored by TNPCB
Cuddalore, 4 May, 2006: Pugazendhi, a fisherman and a SACEM member, reports that the stream near Arekema Peroxide which has been a source of problem for the local fishermen for a long time especially the resident fisherfolks of Sangolikuppam. Read more…
Three SIPCOT units in violation of Supreme Court Order
Cuddalore, 2 May 2006: SACEM monitors today found that three SIPCOT units – Pandian Chemicals, GSR Chemicals and Southern Pigments, were violating the Supreme Court order of displaying the hazardous waste quantity on the factory gate. Read more…
Is Pollution Control Board monitoring SIPCOT air?
Cuddalore, 24 April 2006: Yet another pollution patrol report and the observations are pretty much similar to the past few reports. There has been no change in the air quality of SIPCOT. Read more…
Noxious emissions from Tantech leaves a SACEM monitor unconscious
Cuddalore, 23 April, 2006: T. Arulselvam of SACEM fainted after inhaling noxious fumes from Tantech while he was on a pollution patrol of SIPCOT area along with other SACEM members. Read more…
Uppanar pollution: TNPCB has turned a blind eye to the woes of fisherfolk
Cuddalore, 23 April 2006: On 23rd April, the fishermen reported severe skin itching once they entered the water of Uppanar behind Arkema Peroxides. According to the reports numerous similar complaints have been sent to the pollution control board but they are yet to see any changes. Read more…
Fire accident and chemical tank explosion in EID Parrys unit injures 2
Cuddalore, 29 March 2006: A fire accident and explosion in Ethanol tank was reported from EID Parrys unit, located in Thygavalli panchayat of Cuddalore district, few kilometers away from the SIPCOT complex. Read more…
Pollution Patrol shows no change in the pollution levels of SIPCOT; SACEM demands a TNPCB office to be set up in the complex
Cuddalore, 29 March 2006 — One week after the visit of the senior officials of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the situation in SIPCOT Cuddalore has gone back to where it was before. Read more…
PCB official visits SIPCOT, Pollution Patrol by SACEM shows low emissions than usual
Cuddalore, 18 March 2006 — Pollution Patrol conducted by SACEM monitors today showed relatively low level of odour and emissions from the industrial complex and the reason for this is not the eagerness of the industries to curb pollution but a two day visit of a higher official of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Read more…
Southern Pigments Back in Action
Cuddalore, 11 March, 2006:
Southern Pigments, which was shut down after repeated complaints over a period of 5 months, is reportedly back in action. Read more…
Boiler explosion at Loyal Superfabrics; One injured
Cuddalore, 10 March, 2006: A casual worker operating a steam boiler in Loyal Superfabrics — an industrial textile manufacturer — was injured after he was exposed to a gust of super-heated steam. D. Sakthivel, aged 23, of Karaikadu village was burnt on one side of his face and his arm. Read more…
Acid tanker explodes; one killed
Cuddalore, 10 March, 2006: An explosion in an acid tanker undergoing welding work at a workshop in Cuddalore Old Town killed a driver’s assistant today. Read more…
Arkema Peroxides pollution ongoing
Cuddalore, 7 March, 2006: SACEM monitor S. Pugazhenthi reports that Arkema Peroxides is routinely discharging toxic effluents illegally into the River Uppanar. Read more…
TNPCB Orders Tagros Chemical Shut; Cuts Electricity Connection
Cuddalore, 6 March, 2006: The Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board at 4.30 p.m. issued closure orders and disconnected the electricity to Tagros Chemicals, a manufacturer of synthetic pyrethroids, a class of highly toxic pesticides. Read more…
Ex-workers Mark 5 Years of Struggle Against HLL
Kodaikanal, 05 March, 2006: More than 300 people demonstrated today to mark the 5th anniversary of the struggle for environmental clean-up and health rehabilitation against Hindustan Lever Ltd, whose mercury thermometer factory was exposed in 2001 to have caused widespread pollution within and outside its factory. The workers said a recently approved proposal to allow Hindustan Lever to decontaminate its machinery once again goes against science and established practice and puts workers in harm’s way. Read more…
The Sea is Bleeding: SACEM conducts first marine patrol
Cuddalore, 05 March, 2006: SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors went on their first marine pollution patrol on 4-5 March. During the patrol, they inspected the area off the coast of Chitrapettai village where Chemplast Sanmar’s unloading jetty for VCM tankers is to be set up. Read more…
Southen Pigments Shut Down
Cuddalore, 28 February, 2006 — After repeated complaints to the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, Southern Pigments has repeatedly been shut down by the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board. However, it is not clear whether the Board will prosecute the company for operating the factory without valid consent or authorisations. Read more…
Illegal discharges into Uppanar resume
Cuddalore, 27 February, 2006 — Inland fisherfolk who fish in the River Uppanar are reporting a marked increase in river pollution over the last 6 months. Read more…
Illegal factory running despite complaint
Cuddalore, 26 February, 2006 — SIPCOT monitors reported on 26 February 2006 that Southern Pigments continued to operate illegally despite assurance by the District Environmental Engineer of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board that closure order would be given to the company immediately. Read more…
Cuddalore Panchayat Union passes a new resolution – says no to new polluting units in SIPCOT Cuddalore
Cuddalore, 22 February 2006: The Cuddalore Panchayat Union has passed a new resolution on 20 February banning the setting up of new polluting units in the SIPCOT chemical complex. Read more…
Residents of SIPCOT go on a hunger strike for a day in opposition to the Chemplast project
Cuddalore, 18 February 2006 – The residents of SIPCOT Cuddalore observed a day long hunger strike in Cuddalore Old Town in opposition to the poroposed Chemplast Sanmar PVC plant in Cuddalore. More than 50 persons, mostly from Sangolikuppam village of SIPCOT observed the fast. Read more…
SIPCOT Company found operating illegally, SACEM demands action
Cuddalore, 18 February 2006: During the pollution patrol conducted on 18 February 2006, the SACEM monitors found out that a SIPCOT company, Southern Pigments, which had been closed three years ago, was operating without a valid permissions. Read more…
SACEM monitors conduct pollution patrol, report no change in level of pollution
Cuddalore, 18 February 2006: Pollution patrol conducted by the SACEM monitors once again highlights that no change has taken place in the levels of pollution in the SIPCOT area. Read the report…
Chemplast Pollution: Report of a 25-member Fact-finding Team’s Visit to Mettur
13 February, 2006 Twenty-five people from Semmankuppam, Sangolikuppam, Sonnanchavadi, Chitrapettai, Rajapettai, Tamanampettai, Sothikuppam and Eachangadu villages of Cuddalore district visited Mettur Dam on 21 January, 2006, to assess first-hand the pollution reported to have been caused by Chemplast Sanmar’s PVC factory in the area. Read more…
Toxic gas leak from a foundation of a new building at SIPCOT Cuddalore
Cuddalore, 9 February 2006: A contract worker from Pachyankuppam, Cuddalore, recently lost consciousness after inhaling toxic gases emanating from the ground where the foundation for a new building was being dug. Read more…
Semmankuppam Youth Ask Panchayat Union to Reject Chemplast
Cuddalore, 3 February 2006: Youth from Semmankuppam village in the SIPCOT area have written to the Cuddalore Panchayat Union Council, urging them to refuse any permission to the Company to construct in the proposed site. No construction can commence without permission from the Panchayat Union. Read more…
Dolphin killed near SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 2 February 2006: SIPCOT effluents are being blamed for a recent incident where a dolphin died on the beach near Gundu Uppalawadi, about 10 km North of SIPCOT. Read more…
CPCB visits SIPCOT complex to inspect hazardous waste management inside the units
Cuddalore, 28 January 2006: A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) representative accompanied by the Assistant Environment Engineer (AEE) of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), today visited the industries in SIPCOT Cuddalore to inspect the hazardous waste conditions inside the units. Read more…
Pollution Patrol shows no decrease in the level of pollution in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 13 January, 2006: While the authorities continue to claim that the situation in SIPCOT has improved tremendously and that they are keeping a close watch on pollution, the pollution patrols conducted by SACEM monitors have a different story to tell. On 11 January 2006, the SACEM monitors conducted a pollution patrol in SIPCOT Cuddalore, to assess the conditions in the area. Read the report…
Illegal construction begins at a toxic waste landfill site
Gummidipoondi, 9 January, 2006 — In total violation of siting guidelines, local Government laws and the concerns of local residents, Tamilnadu Waste Management Ltd, a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based waste company Ramky Associates, has erected an electric fence around its site, and commenced excavation works. Local reports indicate that the company has the full backing of the Tamilnadu Government and the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board in violating established laws and norms. Read more…
Loyal Super Fabrics and TANFAC found dumping hazardous wastes in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 23 December 2005: According to sources Loyal disposed one tanker lorry of effluents in Kudikadu village. The matter was brought to notice of the DEE and the place was cordoned off immediately upon the instructions of the DEE. The DEE also issued a warning to the company. Read more…
Floods hit areas of Cuddalore and Chennai
Cuddalore, 8 December 2005: Just as life is limping back to normal in the flood-hit areas of Cuddalore and Chennai, yet another “severe depression” — named Fanoos — is poised in the Bay of Bengal southeast of Chennai, threatening to make landfall somewhere between Nagapattinam and Chennai, i.e. Cuddalore. In Cuddalore, AID-India and Cuddalore District Consumer Protection Organisation are liaising with the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors to distribute relief material to those hardest hit by the floods. Read more…
Tagros Chemicals caught red handed dumping hazardous waste in SIPCOT area
Cuddalore, 6 December 2005: Tagros Chemicals was caught red handed dumping hazardous wastes near Vyaramkuppam village main road in the Sonanchavadi village on 27 November 2005. Read more…
Industries in SIPCOT closed for next 48 hours because of flood
Cuddalore, 26 November 2005: All the industries in SIPCOT have been ordered to shut their operations for the next 48 hours as a result of the flooding in the area post rains.
Read more…
Explosion at Orchid kills 1, injures 2
Chennai: 4 November, 2005.
According to the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kanchipuram, the information of the explosion was reported to the police at 9 pm on 3/11/2005, shortly after the incident. Read more…
Two more industrial accidents reported from Tagros Chemicals in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, 31 October 2005: Two new industrial accidents have been reported from Tagros Chemicals in SIPCOT, Cuddalore. Read more…
Legal Aid Camp held in Mettur to help pollution-impacted communities
Mettur, 24 October, 2005: A team of three lawyers and recent law graduates visited Mettur on 22-23 October, 2005, to conduct a legal aid camp aimed at assisting victims of pollution in seeking legal redressal including compensation. Read more…
District Collector asks the Factory Inspector for a report on the conditions in SIPCOT industries
Cuddalore, 21 October 2005: The District Collector of Cuddalore has written to the Factories Inspector on 18 October, 2005, urging the official to conduct surprise visits and inspections of safety conditions in the SIPCOT units and submit a report to his office at the earliest. Read more…
Victory Chemicals pays compensation in case of an industrial accident
Cuddalore, 15 October 2005: Victory Chemicals paid a compensation of about Rs. 210,000 to the family of the worker who died in an accident inside the explosives manufacturing unit. Read more…
Explosion in Victory Chemicals factory leaves one worker dead
Cuddalore, 7 October 2005: A boiler explosion that killed on worker was reported from Victory Chemicals. Read more…
Another fish kill reported from Uppanar in Cuddalore
25 September, 2005: Fisherfolk from Sonnanchavadi reported a massive fish kill in River Uppanar in the early hours of 24th September. Read more…
Trade Union Admits to Chemplast’s Pollution; Police Harass Local Farmers
September 20, 2005 For the first time, SLM 70 — — a management-controlled trade union within Chemplast Sanmar’s PVC plant in Mettur — admitted at an environmental awareness meeting organised by them that Chemplast’s chemical factories had caused widespread damage. Read more…
Effluent overflow from CUSECS pump 2 in SIPCOT
Cuddalore, Sept 14, 2005: SIPOCT Area Community Environmental Monitors have reported two incidents of effluent discharge and fish kill in the river Uppanar. Read more…
Chennai, August 18, 2005:
Pollution impacted children speak out using art
School children from two pollution impacted villages Sangolikuppam and Semmankuppam in SIPCOT industrial estate, Cuddalore, today visited Chennai to participate in an art exhibition displaying their paintings. The young artists interacted with about 300 children from Chennai schools. Read more…
Cuddalore, 8 August 2005:
SIPCOT Company dumps hazardous waste in the village backyard; SACEM demands action against the unit
A SIPCOT based unit has allegedly dumped effluents and sludge in behind Sonanchavadi village in SIPCOT Cuddalore. The waste was dumped in a small pond about 20 feet away from the houses in Sonanchavadi and about 100 meters away from river Uppanar. Read more…
25 July, 2005. CHENNAI —
Panel Indicts Chemplast, MALCO for pollution, human rights violations
“Chemplast Sanmar and MALCO have caused irreparable damage to humans and the environment” in Mettur according to the Indian People’s Tribunal (IPT) Report on the Environmental and Human Rights Violations by Chemplast Sanmar and MALCO Industries at Mettur, Tamilnadu. Read more…
Cuddalore July 15, 2005:
SIPCOT air continues to be a cocktail of chemical odours reports SACEM pollution patrol
SACEM monitors conducted two pollution patrols on the evening of 5th and 10th of July. The patrol documented a series of chemical odours ranking from 2 to 8. The various chemical odours documented were of Chikoo odour, roasted powder odour, hospital odour, and rotten smell. Read more…
Cuddalore, June 22 2005:
SIPCOT residents gear up for the fight against the Chemplast PVC project, launch a signature campaign
The residents of SIPCOT Cuddalore launched a massive signature campaign against the proposed Chemplast Sanmar PVC project. The signatures are being collected from all the areas around SIPCOT industrial complex and are being sent to Mr. A. Raja, Minister of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Read more…
Cuddalore, June 13, 2005:
Loyal Super Fabrics Caught Discharging “Dark Brown” effluent in CUSECS 5
While conducting the pollution patrol in the SIPCOT industrial area on 12 June 2005, SACEM monitors reported “dark brown” effluent discharge from Loyal Super Fabrics pipe line into CUSECS 5. The monitors suspected that the effluent was not treated properly hence the colour. Read more…
Gummidipoondi, May 21, 2005:
Gummidipoondi MLA Supports the Community Demand to Reject the Landfill Proposal; Promises Action in Favour of People
The newly elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Gummidipoondi, Mr. K.S. Vijaykumar, promised the community representatives that he will ensure that the hazardous waste landfill proposal gets rejected from SIPCOT Gummidipoondi.
Read more…
Cuddalore, 19 May 2005:
One Contract Worker Killed in an Industrial Accident in Tagros Chemicals
A. Pragalathan, a contract worker in Tagros Chemicals from Pachaiyankuppam village, SICPOT Cuddalore, was killed in an accident inside the factory on the evening of 18 May 2005. Read more…
Cuddalore, 14 May 2005:
Another Gas Leak from Tanfac, commuters once again affected
In an another incident of what the company and the TNPCB describes as a “vent release”, there was a gas leak reported from the AFL plant of Tanfac. The leak was reported at about 11 am today and the commuters on the Cuddalore – Chidambaram national highway reported of severe eye irritation. Read more…
Cuddalore, 13 May 2005:
Another effluent leak from CUSECS Pump 3 reported – fourth leak in last five months
Another effluent leak from CUSECS Pump 3 has been reported in SIPCOT Cuddalore. According to SACEM monitors, effluents from CUSECS pump 3 leaked for about four hours on the night of May 11, Tuesday. Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals and SPIC Pharma empty their effluents into CUSECS Pump 3. Read more…
Cuddalore, 5 May 2005:
SIPCOT Villagers Say No to Polluting Industries;Tell TNPCB to Clean Up Existing Pollution
Three Hundred SIPCOT villagers and fisherfolk from Cuddalore district today marched to the Collectorate to demand a stop to the setting up of toxic industries in their region. Overruling findings by NEERI, the State Human Rights Commission and the Indian People’s Tribunal that the SIPCOT region is over-polluted and that its residents are currently suffering, the State Government has continued to direct the dirtiest and most dangerous industries to Cuddalore. Read more…
Cuddalore, 23 April 2005:
SIPCOT Cuddlaore gets a surprise visit from the LAEC
The industries in SIPCOT Cuddlaore got an unpleasant surprise yesterday when the Local Area Environment Committee chairman, Adv. T. Mohan, along with other LAEC members joined the SACEM monitors on a midnight pollution patrol in the area. The team spent more than two hours in the area visiting every part of the industrial complex and observing and recording instances of environmental pollution and chemical odours. Monitors report that the chemical odour in the area ranged from “noticeable” to “intense” and visibility was extremely low in some parts of the industrial complex due to heavy smoke.
The visit was conducted without even informing the Pollution Control Board because of concerns that information shared with the regulator is often leaked to the industries. “The TNPCB seems more keen to protect polluters than it is to protect public health. They have a long way to go before communities and public begin trusting them,” said Nityanand Jayaraman, an advisor to the SIPCOT Area Community Environment Monitors.
What were the conditions in SIPCOT during the midnight patrol? Read Report here.
17 April, 2005:
Residents rally for their land and water, say No to Toxic Waste Landfill
About seven hundred people, including six hundred women and about hundred men, came out on the streets of the Gummidipoondi town to show their opposition to the proposed Hazardous waste landfill in the area. Read more…
13 April, 2005:
Commuters Gassed by toxic release from Tanfac
Several commuters, including children travelling by the Chettiarpettai town bus, felt giddy and nauseous after being exposed to the pollution from Tanfac Ltd. Four people vomited. Read more…
13 April, 2005:
Goons ransack monitor’s chicken shop
Goons paid off by a local industry ransacked a chicken stall run by monitor S. Pugazhenthi of Sangolikuppam between 10 and 10.45 p.m. today. Sangolikuppam residents have identified the miscreants as people linked to a local businessman running an illegal chemical unit in the vicinity. Read more…
11 April, 2005:
Toxic PVC facility haunts SIPCOT Cuddalore
The Tamilnadu State, we hear, is breathing down the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board’s neck asking the regulator to clear Chemplast Sanmar’s proposal to set up a 1,70,000 tonnes per annum PVC plant in Cuddalore. Read more and take action now…
1 April, 2005:
Power failure at CUSECS 3; second power failure in CUSECS since February 2005
At midnight March 30-31, 2005, a power failure occurred in CUSECS 3. The matter was reported to CUSECS authorities who said that the companies upstream of CUSECS 3 had been alerted, and that no effluents were being pumped. The report appears to be true because there was no perceptible odour at CUSECS 2. Read the earlier story here.
28 March, 2005:
Well water in SIPCOT shows peculiar characteristics, fish kill from well reported
On 28 March, a well about 100 metres West of Ganesan Hotel in SIPCOT complex, began bubbling furiously. The water appeared to be boiling. No smell or colour change was reported. However, on 30th March, a few fish were found dead in the water. SACEM has requested the LAEC and TNPCB to investigate into the matter.
26 March, 2005:
TANFAC takes 24 hour sample, SACEM demands results to be shared with the community
A 24-hour sample was taken on 25-26 March, 2005, at TANFAC. Two machines were observed, one near the R&D plant and the other near the New Inorganic plant, at a height of 8 feet. The plant was in full operation, and the odour intensity was high. SACEM has requested the LAEC to obtain the results of the air monitoring and share it with the community.
23 March 2005:
Effluent leak from CUSECS pipeline in SIPCOT
SACEM noticed and reported another incident of effluent leak in the pipeline that carries the effluents to CUSECS pump 2.
Read more…
20 March, 2005:
Waste Management Company Gets a Taste of Democracy
Tiruvallur district collectorate today witnessed democracy in action, when more than 350 villagers attended a public hearing to voice their opposition to a hazardous waste facility that was proposed to be set up near their village in Gummidipoondi in North Tamilnadu. Read more…
13 March, 2005:
We were in shock from the moment we entered SIPCOT area�
College volunteers Bhuvana Murli and Lakshmi Venugopal, narrate their recent experience of visiting SIPCOT Cuddalore. Read more…
10 March, 2005:
“Hope” was the new element in the portrayal of the toxic reality by the children of Sangolikuppam
About 35 children in the 9 to 11 years age group from the pollution-impacted village of Sangolikuppam participated in an art workshop today. Read more…
4 March, 2005:
Reaching out to young ones: Art as a medium for children to express their views on pollution
Several months ago, SACEM organised an art workshop to help children from Semmankuppam village express their feelings about pollution. The workshop was very successful, and was followed by an exhibition of the paintings in Alliance Francaise, Chennai. A similar workshop is planned for the Sangolikuppam School on March 9 and 10, 2005. Read more…
1 March 2005:
New SACEM Report: Status of Groundwater in Villages Around SIPCOT Chemical Estate, Cuddalore
SACEM submitted a new preliminary report on the water quality in the villages of SIPCOT industrial complex to the Cuddalore Local Area Environment Committee. The report highlights the extent of ground water contamination in the villages of SIPCOT Cuddalore, by analysing the taste, smell, odour and the potability of the water. Read more…
March 1, 2005:
Fire in Arkema Peroxide unit of SICPOT Cuddalore
A fire of short duration was observed in Arkema Peroxides, following which a black sooty substance and oily film was found deposited on the river surface behind the company. Worker reports indicate that during production, a liquid and powder are mixed at some stage. In the case of a batch failure, the entire batch is taken near the ETP area and burnt. The material is said to burn vigorously with flame heights reaching upto 30 feet.
24 February 2005
Effluent overflow from CUSECS pump 2 in SIPCOT
SACEM reported an effluent overflow from CUSECS pump 2 at around 8:30 pm on February 23, 2005. The overflow occurred because of electricity failure at the CUSECS pump. Read more…
17 February 2005:
Another fire accident in SIPCOT Cuddlaore – No injuries reported
Another case of industrial accident was reported from SIPCOT Cuddalore. SACEM reports that fire broke out in Omni Cast Pvt. Ltd. on 15 February 2005, between 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm. Read more…
17 February, 2005:
Workplace accident: Tantech Worker Injured
M. Jayamurthy, a 35-year old contract worker from Karaikadu, was injured while working at Tantech Chemicals in SIPCOT, Cuddalore. Hired by labour contractor Ganapathy of Karaikadu, Jayamurthy began work at Tantech on 2 February. Read more…
17 February, 2005:
Schoolchild faints; teacher worried about SIPCOT emissions
S. Gomathi, an 8-year old child studying in the 3rd Grade at Eachangadu school, vomited and fainted on 16 February after she was exposed to emissions from a nearby factory. According to Ms. Jyoti, headmistress of the school, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on 15 and 16 February, she had to close all windows to protect the children from the intensity of the air pollution. The child had had breakfast that morning, and weakness due to hunger is not a likely reason for the loss of consciousness. Read more…
February 14, 2005:
Second accident in Tagros Chemicals in one week – Reactor explodes, no injury reported
An industrial accident took place at a reactor in M/s Tagros Chemicals (P) Ltd at SIPCOT Cuddalore at about 11:30 am on 13 February 2005. Sources report that there was a pressure build-up in the said plant and heavy amount of smoke filled the plant and the neighbouring areas between 11:30 am to 11:45 am.
It is also the second accident reported from Tagros Chemicals in the last week. Last week on February 7, about 600 litres of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl acid) spilled form a tanker parked outside the company. Read more…
February 11, 2005:
Acid Spill in SIPCOT Cuddalore
On 7 February 2005, about 600 litres of Hydrochloric Acid spilled from a tanker parked on the north service road of Tagros Chemicals in SIPCOT Cuddalore. The incident took place at about 1 pm outside the company when the wheel of the tanker loaded with the chemical gave way and the acid leaked into the surrounding area. The Company failed to report the incident to the Pollution Control Board. The matter was notified to the PCB by way of a complaint by a resident of Pachaiyankuppam. On receiving the complaint, the PCB ordered sprinkling of sodium bicarbonate (to neutralise the effects of the acid). Read more…
February 10, 2005:
SPIC Pharma caught red-handed dumping date-expired medicines
SPIC Pharmaceuticals was caught red-handed burning about 200 to 300 kg of date-expired medicines on the National Highway near the Pallikaranai marshlands in Perungudi, near Chennai, today. Activists from Chennai-based Consumer Action Group and Toxics Link were first to reach the spot, and intimate local authorities. Read more…
8 February, 2005: The orientation for the Right Livelihood trainings among the pollution-impacted communities in SIPCOT, Cuddalore, began on 7 February, 2005, and will continue until 10 February, 2005. Read more…
Groundtruths: Status of Hazardous Wastes and Pollution in SIPCOT Chemical Estate, Cuddalore
Presented to the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes on occasion of their visit to Cuddalore on 31 January, 2005. Read more…
Supreme Court Monitoring Committee Constitutes Cuddalore Local Area Environment Committee
On 24 January, 2005, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee directed the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board to notify the Local Area Environment Committee (LAEC) in Cuddalore. On 27 January, 2005, the members of the LAEC were intimated. The LAEC includes two members from the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors. Read more...
Industry Meets SACEM members
On 31 January, 2005, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC) is slotted to visit Cuddalore. In September, the SCMC directed the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to bring air toxics emissions from the Cuddalore industries under USEPA levels by December 31, 2004, or close all errant industries. Read More…
Groundtruths: Status of Hazardous Wastes and Pollution in SIPCOT Chemical Estate, Cuddalore
KILLER TSUNAMI’S IMPACT ON SIPCOT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
- The river water has washed out the toxic sludge from behind the SPIC factory, although the landfill seemed untouched.
- Water had entered CUSECS 6 near Victory Chemicals, which is located virtually on the banks of the River Uppanar, in flagrant violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone notification. It may be pointed out at this point that the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has chosen to ignore, even sought to regularize, this violation despite repeated reminders about this infraction. The extent of damage sustained at this pump house is not known.
- The mountain of toxic wastes stored behind Victory Chemicals towers above the flimsy compound wall abutting the river. Much of this waste has been washed out into the river.
- The condition of the marine effluent outfall is not known, but given the force of the wave and the currents generated on 26 December, it is important to assess the condition of the effluent outfall.(Link to the letter sent to the SCMC and PCB about the effects of Tsunami on SIPCOT)
Anjalai, wife of late R. Radhakrishnan who died in a factory accident, gets her monthly pension from the month of December 2004: (details of the case)
- The Central Pollution control Board visits Cuddlaore to monitor air quality – Is it a fair and transparent process, asks CEM: Letter to SCMC about air monitoring CPCB 13 Oct., 2004
- Post facto public hearing on the expansion of an agro chemical unit in SIPCOT Cuddalore: Submission at the Public Hearing for Evaluation of REIA report for Expansion and Diversification Project of M/S Tagros Chemicals 7 Sept., 2004
- Human Rights violation in SIPCOT, Cuddlaore: Letter to National Human Rights Commission on violation in SIPCOT 30 Aug., 2004
- Tamil Nadu government plans to set up a hazardous waste landfill, 40 kms away from Chennai. This landfill will receive waste from SIPCOT, Cuddalore! Letter to SCMC on hazardous waste landfill at Melkottaiyur 18 Aug., 2004
- New project sin SIPCOT: Chemplast Sanmar wants to set up a 170000 tpa capacity PVC plant in SIPCOT Phase II