Heavy smog, dust and foul smell create difficulties for Eloor residents

Kochi: For the past one-week residents of Eloor municipality and those residing in some parts of Kalamassery, Tripunithura, and Thrikkakara have been experiencing discomfort due to heavy smog and a foul smell.Though the impact was felt more on Monday night and Tuesday morning, Eloor residents complained that the air quality in the area deteriorated over the past few weeks. They alleged that on most nights, the sky is shrouded in smoke and the houses in the area are coated in black dust, which makes breathing difficult, especially for the elderly with co-morbidities and for children.The residents blamed Eloor municipality and the Pollution Control Board (PCB) authorities for failing to act against pollution causing industrial units operating in the neighbouring Edayar industrial area. There are about 340 units functioning here.When TOI visited the area on Tuesday morning, the area was shrouded in fog and there was a nauseating smell, resulting in heavy coughing. "Since last month, we have been consulting various hospitals as my 16-year-old daughter is suffering from breathing difficulties. Her doctor says that the probable reason for her frequent health concerns is an allergy due to increased pollution levels in the area and has asked us to move out of here," said Abdul Majeed, who is in the business of selling construction material and has lived in the area for the past 40 years. Majeed himself uses a nasal spray due to breathing issues.Residents also complained of burning sensation in the eyes, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness. "It started with black dust accumulation on cleaned floors and an overwhelming foul smell in the area. But now even our water sources are polluted. My daughter frequently complains of skin irritation," said Ranjith M R, a retired Airforce employee, who built his dream home near a river in Eloor.Students studying in Eloor Municipality Govt Higher Secondary School located in Pathalam also complained of a strong odour during school hours. "The air is so bad here that I never ask my students to practise pranayama (breathing exercise) as I don't want my students to breathe impure air and fall ill," said Latha Sabiraj, a yoga instructor who resides near Pathalam region.Meanwhile, the Eloor municipality and PCB are indulging in blame games. While municipality officials said that they regularly raise the issue with PCB, the board officials said that they were unaware of any such concern among residents here.Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kochi, said this is a serious health concern. "We will discuss the issue in detail in our general body meeting on Wednesday," said Dr Jacob Abraham, president, IMA, Kochi.
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