KIZHAKKAMBALAM: In the test conducted on September 17, 2012, Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) found that the sample collected from the Kitex Garments Ltd contained many chemicals beyond permissible limits. The ‘Enquiry Report’ in possession of ‘City Express’ shows that the inspection conducted by KSPCB found that the quantity of suspended solids in the effluent was 3,820 mg/L, while the permissible limit is 100. Likewise, it contained 800 mg/L of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) when the permissible limit is 30. It had 18.7 mg/L Sulphide content, the permissible limit of which is 2.
The KSPCB on October 5, 2013, gave a clean chit to the company. But the water is still not devoid of contaminants.
C M Joy, environmentalist and a member of the expert committee constituted by the District Collector, said that the committee also suggested various clauses which even the authorities refuse to abide by. “In my report, I have clearly stated that the direct let outs from the ETP of the company to the adjacent lands and paddy fields should be closed. The carrying capacity of the soil in the sprinkling area should be analysed frequently to avoid the mixing of outlet water with the ground water. Most pertinently, objectionable colour and odour of the outlet water must be removed as they are pollutants according to the national standards. “ The KSPCB does not have quantifiers to test the colour and odour. Then how can one say that their findings are right,” Joy said.