“Do not ask what problems have Ennore – ask what problems they have,” says the resident, and begins a long conversation about the area he loves, but hates when he becomes an increasingly inhidable day.
Ennore and its coastal areas, the highly industrialized North Chennai area, carry pressure on pollution and its impact on several decades. The inhabitants are fighting with contamination every day, but only gains wide attention when a big incident occurs. For example, in December 2023, Ennore witnessed two massive environmental risks that reflected the decades of long fighting: oil leakage from the refinery of the public sector during the MichaUng cyclone and Amonia escape from the fertilizer production unit.
K. Devaki, who has lived in Satyavani Muth Nagar since 1975, said that when it first moved to the area, the water quality was very poor and had to load water from two kilometers away. “If you look at the teeth of my son and daughter, you understand the impact of polluted water; it has increased due to excessive fluoride in the water. We are also afraid of levels. Due to constant inhalation of polluted air due to industrial emissions, many of us have developed breathing and respiratory problems.”
The inhabitants of at least five streets of Satyavani Muth Nagar complained that in the last few weeks the powder substance from a nearby factory has settled in their houses. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Bhagathsingh, Ulaganathapuram resident in Ennore, said that their experience in pollution seems endless – whether it is ash from thermal power plants, leaks of ammonia from underwater pipes in the fertilizer area, or the last yellow and orange remains observed in leans, which is probably some effective.
“While industrial development has progressed rapidly in and around and around, the basic equipment, infrastructure and transport did not have the same pace for residents. This scarce attitude exists to a large extent because Ennore is home to workers.
Many people said they even considered selling their houses and moving to a safer place. Manohar, the inhabitants of Nera Nagar in Ennore, said that air and water pollution remains two fears for residents. “In the morning, there were dust emissions from factories and smoke from chimneys at night. DEAGES from factories cause health problems,” he said, adding that groundwater is inappropriate in many parts of Ennore.
Remnants similar to powder caused by industrial pollution PHOTO Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Like Mr. Manohar, several inhabitants of Satyavan Muth Nagar noted that while they rely on the MetroWater offer for drinking purposes, groundwater cannot be used for bathing. “Sometimes, if we keep the water in the container, we can see an oil layer,” the resident stressed.
Loss
Fishermen from a series of villages rely on Ennore Creek and stagnant water – a place where the Kosasthalaiyar, North Buckingham Canal and a sea confluence for their livelihood. Fisherfolk says it was a once prosperous marine ecosystem, known for his rich biological diversity. However, industrial pollution had devastating effects on the stream, which affected fishing.
Nettukoupam’s inhabitants claimed that some industries had discharged industrial waste and hot water into the Ennore stream, destroying the sea life and the livelihood of a fisherman. “Who is annoyed? It seems that we do not care about us or the deteriorating environment,” he said. The state government should at least hit and help the fishing area.
D. Venkatesan, a fisherman from Ennore Kuppam, said that Ennore’s waters were a prosperous area for fish, shrimp and crabs, but it is no longer. “The Ennore stream, which used to be a fish -rich fishing game, suffers because of pollution. Previously, most of the fishing fruits were used to make at least 1,000 GBP a day, but now it is unable to carry out costs.
With their livelihood, he said that some fisherman had turned into everyday wages. “At the age of 90, the residents were given permanent jobs at the thermal station. Despite the expansion, no permanent work has been offered since then. Since then, we have been constantly demanding permanent employment and regularly dealt with meetings with government officials. But if they are willing to offer only contractual work.
Remnants similar to powder caused by industrial pollution PHOTO Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
He said that some kind of chemical was released into the northern Buckingham Canal, which pointed out a video in the Ennore bridge near the Ennore bridge and turned the water yellowish. “We complained to the Council for checking Tamil Nadu pollution. Although they visited the place and raised samples, nothing has been done yet.”
Many Ennore inhabitants have increased the need for strict monitoring to ensure that the industries follow the standards. “The industry should be monitored to ensure that they follow pollution control standards,” Bhagathsingh requires. He also increased the need for complete health screening for Ennore residents to assess the impact of industrialization and pollution on their health.
CHENNAI NORTH MEMBER (CHENNAI NORTH) of Kalanidhi Veeraswamy said they organized meetings with companies in and its surroundings and asked them to set up air quality monitors, even at traffic intersections where air quality levels could be displayed. He added that improvements, including Kosasthalaiyar condemnation, are taking place.
Published – June 3 2025 06:00
