Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 29: Nandikoor villagers, in association with various organisations, will stage a protest against the M11 Industry biodiesel and palm oil plant in front of the plant on Tuesday, July 30.
Dinesh Kotian, president of the protest committee, addressing the media during a press conference held on July 29, said, “The plant is located in the Devara Kadu area of Nandikoor village within the Palimaru gram panchayat jurisdiction. It has been allegedly releasing toxic gases and chemical-laden oil for the past three months, causing severe health issues for the local residents, including children.”
Dinesh expressed his concern, stating that the plant has been continuously creating problems despite several warnings. He said, "For the last three months, the M11 plant has been spreading toxic gases in the areas of Nandikoor, Palimaru, Naddalu, Padubidri, Ellur, Hejamadi, Inna, and Karnire villages. Additionally, chemical-laden oil is being discharged into rainwater drains, contaminating the Shambhavi river. The water in borewells and wells has become polluted, leading to health problems like dizziness and vomiting among local Anganwadi and school children. Residents are forced to wear masks and cover their faces with towels even inside their homes.”
“Despite the Environment Department officials visiting the site on June 26 and issuing a show-cause notice, the problem remains unresolved. Further visits from the Environment and Health Departments on July 3 resulted in a notice to halt production and warnings of electricity disconnection. However, the company has ignored these warnings and continues to operate in a manner harmful to the environment and public health," said Dinesh.
Sowmyalatha, president of the Palimaru gram panchayat, said, “The M11 Industry biodiesel and palm oil plant is causing pollution. Chemical waste from the plant is flowing into water bodies, contaminating drinking water sources. The MLA has already warned to initiate a pollution-free plant, and as the pollution continues, the license is halted.”
Rayeshwara Pai, vice president of the Palimaru gram panchayat, and members Lakshman and Nagesh Rao were present at the press meet.