Pollution Plagues Ennore: Residents Score Govt. Zero

For the second consecutive year, Ennore residents have awarded the state government a failing grade concerning pollution control and wetland restoration. A recent assessment of 24 government bodies revealed that five critical entities, including the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and the Chief Secretary's office, received zero points for neglecting their assessed commitments.

The report highlights significant environmental concerns such as fly-ash leaks, illegal emissions, and the discharge of hot water into Ennore Creek. On August 14 and 15 of the previous year, a mass fish kill estimated between four to six tonnes occurred in the creek, halting fishing activities for three weeks. Astonishingly, an official report detailing the cause or actions taken for this fish kill had not been prepared as of September 25 of the previous year.

Furthermore, incomplete dredging efforts to combat invasive mussel species have damaged fishing grounds. The material dredged has been improperly dumped along the river, contravening National Green Tribunal directives. Health infrastructure also shows critical gaps, with a local primary health centre's beds remaining unused and limited operating hours, forcing expectant mothers to seek care in distant areas, even during emergencies.

Residents express deep frustration over decades of unaddressed industrial pollution impacting their health and livelihoods. They report breathing toxic sulphur and ammonia, while economic development disproportionately benefits corporations, not the local community. The lack of a dedicated local office for environmental inspections exacerbates the problem, delaying prompt action during pollution incidents.