Tirupur : Irked by the functioning of an oil recycling plant functioning inside State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (SIPCOT) in Tirupur district for allegedly polluting the ground water and air, the residents rounded up a lorry carrying raw material to the industry.
Tirupur : Irked by the functioning of an oil recycling plant functioning inside State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (SIPCOT) in Tirupur district for allegedly polluting the ground water and air, the residents rounded up a lorry carrying raw material to the industry.
Last month, the residents of Veppampalayam village staged a protest demanding the closure of an Oil recycling plant functioning inside the SIPCOT Industrial Complex in Vellakovil, Tirupur District. Several industries including rubber and oil recycling industries function in the industrial complex. In this scenario, the residents alleged that the pollutants and effluents released by an oil recycling plant has been causing severe health hazards to the people, especially to the women and children.
The public also noted that some of the industries functioning inside the SIPCOT industrial complex at Vellakovil have not renewed their pollution certificate. Yet, continue to operate illegally with expired certificates issued by the pollution control board.
The oil industry is alleged to be causing air and water pollution to the people of Vellampalayam Village who complain of frequent health issues like respiratory problems. The villagers also pointed that discharging pollutants has resulted in deterioration of the soil and ground water of their farmlands.
Angered by the recklessness of the industry, more than 200 residents petitioned to the Kangeyam Taluk Office and Dharapuram Sub-Collector last month, urging to shut down the operation of the oil industry. It is reported that officials then issued a written consent to stop the operation of the industry.
In this scenario, the alert residents of Vellampalayam on Friday seized a lorry reported to be carrying raw materials to the oil industry operating in SIPCOT. The residents rounded-up the lorry and blocked the driver from proceeding further which lead to a scuffle.
The situation turned chaotic after the owner of the industry, Arun and his men allegedly attacked the public. In turn the angered public allegedly attacked Arun's car. In the incident, one of the protesters, Dhandapani sustained injuries.
Tense situations prevailed in the area, following which the Vellakovil police rushed to the spot. The public who seized the lorry have raised a complaint with the Police on the owner Arun. A case has been registered and the police are investigating.
Meanwhile, the injured public has been admitted to Tirupur Government hospital for treatment.