Petrol bunk tainting Chromepet groundwater ordered shut

Chennai: The state

pollution control board

has asked the electricity board to disconnect power supply to a

petrol bunk

in

Chromepet

and ordered its closure after oil from there was found to be contaminating groundwater in the area.

The secretary of the Patel Street Residents’ Association, S M Govindarajan, said, “We welcome the move. After the recent rain, the wells are full but we cannot use the water as it is mixed with petrol. There should be a permanent solution to the issue.”

The order from Tamil Nadu pollution control board to Tangedco, a copy of which is with TOI, said, “You are hereby requested to disconnect the power supply to Ms Mahalakshmi Agencies, No 3 Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, Chromepet.”

After a series of reports in TOI, the state human rights commission had issued notices to the pollution control board and Pallavaram municipality on the issue. Lab tests at the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Guindy showed the presence of hydrocarbons and mineral oil in the groundwater and soil at Nehru Nagar in Chromepet where the petrol bunk is located. Residents of Patel Street and Ramachandra Street have been complaining against the water contamination for almost two years, saying it has led to health issues. The residents have also been forced to buy bottled water as a result, which has affected their monthly budget.

“Shutting down power supply to the petrol bunk is a good move but the authorities must ensure that the groundwater quality is restored at the earliest,” said a resident of Ramachandra Street who did not wish to be named.