Foul odour from fish processing plant in Palakkad, residents file complaints

Vadakarapathy: More people have come forward with complaints against the foul odour emanating from the private fish processing plant that commenced operations in Ozhalapathy Attayampathy. 

The company has started operations in an area with numerous houses, a school, an Anganwadi, and other establishments, thereby spreading distress. Widespread complaints regarding the foul odour have emerged within days of the plant commencing operations.

This is a company that processes fish brought from outside to produce oil and related products. The company authorities claim that only fresh fish is brought in. However, the complaint is that once the company starts operating, people within a 2-kilometer radius find it impossible to stay without covering their noses. 

A strong foul odour also emanates when vehicles carrying fish pass by. Demanding that such troublesome operations be investigated and corrective measures taken, hundreds of local residents have signed and submitted a complaint to the Panchayat Secretary.

This is a company that should operate under strict conditions (Red Category). Discussions related to granting permission for the company had come before the Panchayat governing body. At that time, only 4 members opposed it. Vadakarapathy Panchayat President D Jose Britto stated that permission had to be granted as the majority of other members favored it. 

Furthermore, project reports related to the company's operations have not yet been submitted to the Panchayat. Therefore, it is unclear what activities are being carried out at the company. Jose Britto also added that the company has not yet obtained permits from the Panchayat for the buildings it constructed.