Residents of at least five streets of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar have complained that a powder-like substance from a nearby factory has been settling on their houses for last few weeks.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Residents of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar in Ennore have complained that dust emissions from a nearby factory are settling on their houses over the past few weeks. This has been causing irritation of the eyes, throat irritation and difficulty in breathing for many of them including children.

During a visit to Sathyavani Muthu Nagar on Thursday, a number of residents, especially those living on the first street of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar, showed a grey-coloured residue that has settled on their terraces and on the floors of their homes. Even vehicles parked on the lanes as well as plants and trees were covered with a layer of the substance.

Locals alleged that the dust may be emanating from Kothari Industrial Corporation plant. Notably, Ennore is a heavily industrialised area, home to several industries including fertiliser plants, heavy engineering factories, automobile manufacturing units, and petrochemical companies.

“A few weeks ago, we started to notice that some kind of dust was settling on our terraces and inside our homes. But living close to the main road, we initially thought it was dust from the lorries that regularly pass by. Only when we kept watching closely did we realise that it was some kind of chemical substance from the nearby industrial plant. It is causing throat irritation and breathing difficulty,” said K. Devaki, a long-time resident.

K. Thamilselvan, another resident, noted that it was first noticed in early May but as the extent was less, they were not sure of the source. “It was from the night of May 27 to the morning of May 28 that it increased. I enquired with many residents of the 18 streets in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar and we found that many of their houses faced the issue,” he said.

Sundari, another resident, said that they have to keep cleaning the floors frequently throughout the day as the dust keeps accumulating. “We have kept the windows closed. We also cannot keep our food and water open as a layer of the substance settles on containers,” she added.

Following concerns raised by local residents, district officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) conducted an inspection of the area on May 29 and collected dust samples. A senior official stated that the samples will be analysed to determine their potential harmful effects. The official also said that the nearby industries are being closely monitored on an ongoing basis.

Meanwhile, a statement from Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited denied the allegations and also refuted claims of being issued closure notice. “We would like to clarify that Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited facility in Ennore, which is currently under lease to Coromandel International, is fully operational and compliant with all regulatory norms. Reports suggesting that the plant has been shut down are inaccurate, and we confirm that no closure order has been issued by the TNPCB. Allegations regarding heavy smoke or dust emissions leading to health concerns are unfounded. The facility is used solely for fertilizer handling and packaging, with adequate dust suppression systems in place and regular air quality checks conducted. Coromandel International remains committed to environmental compliance and community well-being, and continues to engage transparently with all stakeholders,” the statement read.