Gram sabha meetings pass resolutions for closure of biomedical incineration plant near Aruppukottai

Several village panchayats in Narikudi and Kariyapatti panchayat unions near here have passed resolutions seeking permanent closure of a biomedical waste incineration plant at A. Mukkulam during the gram sabha meeting held on Sunday.

Several village panchayats in Narikudi and Kariyapatti panchayat unions near here have passed resolutions seeking permanent closure of a biomedical waste incineration plant at A. Mukkulam during the gram sabha meeting held on Sunday.

A resolution passed by the gram sabha meeting held at A. Mukkulam village panchayat urging the State Government to immediately order closure of Re-Sustainability Health Care Solution Limited.

“Several people have lost lives due to kidney failure caused by the pollution by the incineration plant,” complained A. Mukkulam panchayat president, A. Thangapandian. The operation of the plant had remained suspended since March 31, he said.

A local farmer P. Muthumanickam (43) said that the villagers had been protesting against the plant since 2013.

“Over 100 persons, who were detected to have kidney failures, have died in the last few years,” he said. Besides, people also suffered of infertility. “Many others suffered breathing problem because of asthma,” he added.

The plant previously known as Ramky Energy and Environment Limited was burning biomedical and industrial wastes from several southern districts.

“The soot generated by burning of chemicals settles on the waterbodies around it and has ruined them,” said Mr. Thangapandian.