KIZHAKKAMBALAM: One would wonder why many two-storey houses lie abandoned at Kizhakkambalam. Those who live in these partially-built houses are undecided whether to complete the work or leave the place just as many others in the area did.
For, they are aware that living amid the highly-contaminated water would be a misery. The e-coli content is alarming, according to the residents who tested the water from eight wells in the area at a private lab a month ago. It ranged between 1,200-1,600 MPN while the Maximum Permissible Number (MPN) was just 0.2.
But, Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) gave a clean chit to a garment factory in the area on October 5, 2013, the alleged source of contamination.
“This is why we decided to test the water at private labs. We no longer believe the officials of KSPCB who work for the interest of the company,” said Peter Thomas, who took the initiative to test the water.
According to him, of the eight wells, the e-coli content in four were 1,600 MPN while three contained 1,200 MPN. Only in one well, the e-coli content was 285 MPN.
“But, even that is much beyond the permissible limit. In line with the results, we also did a chemical test which showed that the lead content was also beyond the permissible limit,” said Peter.
Some residents said that they can’t use the well water even for washing. “We collect water from houses that are far away,” they said. However, some residents were evasive when questioned, owing to fear.
The water in most wells was murky and evidently unusable. The paddy fields and streams lining them too have a similar story to narrate. According to the residents, the stench emanating from the waste pile is hard to put up with.
Eliyas Karipra, vice-president, Kizhakkambalam panchayat, alleged that the garment factory was yet to dig a large concrete tank to collect the treated waste water which also contains septage. The polluted water will vaporise only if it is spread in a vast area.
“This instruction was given at a meeting conducted after the Chief Minister intervened in the issue. The meeting was presided over by Excise Minister K Babu. But, the company still pumps waste water into the fields,” said Karipra.
When ‘City Express’ visited the area, it was clear that the waste water was being pumped into the fields. The contaminated water from the garment factory is pumped into a pond through an opening at one side. The polluted water has wreaked havoc on the majority of paddy fields at Kizhakkambalam.
Meanwhile, the affluent people in the area have started installing mini-treatment plants in their houses which costs around `2 lakh. “But, what can the common folks do,” asked Jolly Baby, president, Kizhakkambalam panchayat. The residents are also under constant fear of catching diseases. “Nine people have died of cancer. Now, three people residing near the garment factory are suffering from cancer. It is not easy to keep off drinking the contaminated water,” said Abdul Rahman, convener, Kitex Action Council.