Home / Environment / Pollution Protest Erupts at Mangaluru SEZ
Pollution Protest Erupts at Mangaluru SEZ
3 Nov
Summary
- Chemical particles allegedly fell on homes and wells.
- Protesters demand report on chemical composition and health effects.
- Residents cited noise, smoke, dust, and wastewater pollution.
Residents gathered in protest outside the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) entrance on Tuesday, voicing grave concerns over alleged chemical particle emissions. They claim that particles released from a plant the previous night settled on nearby residential areas, impacting houses, courtyards, and drinking water wells.
The demonstration underscored a broader set of grievances, including persistent high noise levels, particularly at night, the emission of smoke and dust, and the alleged discharge of contaminated wastewater into water bodies connected to the Phalguni River.
Despite previous complaints to authorities, residents feel no permanent solutions have been implemented. They are demanding a comprehensive official report on the chemical composition, toxicological properties, and potential short-term and long-term health effects of the released particles.
Furthermore, protesters called for a joint inspection by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and the district administration to assess the extent of pollution from smoke, dust, noise, and wastewater emanating from the MSEZ facility. Police were present and detained protesters at the scene.
