Toxic Soil Dumped in Eriyad: Cleanup Underway

An operation to remove chemical waste-contaminated soil from wetlands, ponds, and low-lying plots in Eriyad panchayat commenced on Tuesday, providing much-needed relief to anxious residents. The hazardous material, originating from the defunct Binani Zinc Limited in Ernakulam district, was illicitly transported and dumped across private lands in Eriyad, a coastal village in Thrissur district, over the past few months.

Following environmental concerns raised about the dumping in densely populated wards 18 and 19, the Collector initially ordered removal, but action was delayed. After multiple meetings facilitated by the RDO, involving the panchayat and local people, landowners agreed to the soil's removal. The firms responsible for supplying the soil, Valluran Transports and Supreme Air Products, initially denied involvement but later agreed to provide machinery and vehicles for the cleanup.

The contaminated soil is now being transported to land owned by Binani Zinc in Ernakulam. The Pollution Control Board, which had previously collected and tested samples, directed the immediate removal of the soil. Officials have instructed excavation to a greater depth and alerted police along the transportation route to prevent diversion of the material.