KOCHI: Rising levels of pollution caused by plywood manufacturing units in Kuttippadam village in Perumbavoor is slowly forcing the residents of the area to abandon their homes in search of a healthier place to live. The once-serene and peaceful neighbourhood of Kuttippadam, a village at Vengola Panchayat of Perumbavoor, is now a nightmare for its residents owing to the toxic fumes and waste water expelled by the 30-odd plywood factories in the area. “After the plywood factories were set up, the colour of our well water started changing. The water became unfit even for washing clothes. The pollution is caused not only by the effluent let out by the factories but also owing to the disposal of septic waste produced by the innumerable migrant labourers, who work in these factories, into open drains as they are not provided with adequate sanitation facilities. Moreover, the smoke emitted by the factories has begun to cause breathing problems,” said M K Elias Menachery, who had to shift from the area owing to the pollution. Despite protests by the locals, the problem is yet to be sorted out.“The effluent let out from the factories has seeped into the water table and the water in the area is not suitable for any purpose, let alone drinking. Though we have filed innumerable complaints, no action has been taken so far. As a result, more than 15 families have vacated the area until now,” said E K Kurien, a resident of the area and a member of Kuttippadam Action Council for Environmental Protection.However, officials concerned and factory owners deny the charges, stating that it has been solved already. “There used to be a slight problem of pollution in the Kuttippadam area because of the plywood factories. The problem has been solved now. The panchayat has given strict instructions to the factory owners to look into the matter. We conduct regular inspections to ensure that they act according to the instructions,” said M M Avaraan, president, Vengola Panchayat. Abdul Majeed, general secretary of South Indian Plywood Manufacturers Association, said the issue was a hoax created by vested interests to bring down the plywood industry. “The plywood manufacturing sector is a flourishing industry in Perumbavoor. There is a lobby working to raise false issues. Even we stay near the factories along with our families,” he said.Meanwhile, the Action Council for Environmental Protection is planning to intensify its protest by including all the grama sabhas. "Since our protests have been suppressed so far, we are planning to intensify our agitation. As an initial step, we will take out protest marches to Vengola panchayat Office and Rayamangalam panchayat office on February 18 and 25 respectively,” said Varghese Pulluvazhi, chairman of the action council.
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