OMR residents seek TNPCB probe into recurring chemical odour

Residents living along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) have urged the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to investigate a recurring unpleasant odour that they say has been affecting neighbourhoods from Thiruporur to Semmancheri during the night.

The Federation of OMR Residents Welfare Associations (FOMRRA) said residents have been experiencing a sharp sulphurous smell that begins around 9 p.m. and continues until daybreak.

According to FOMRRA, residents have reported the issue from several apartment complexes and residential communities along the OMR stretch over the past few days.

“About 10 days ago, some of us noticed an odour that smelled like a dead rat. It was different from the ammonia-like odour residents had experienced during earlier incidents. We initially checked our apartment ducts, thinking it was an isolated issue. But when we reached out to the wider community, residents from around 30 gated communities along OMR said they had been experiencing the same odour, mostly during the night,” said Harsha Koda, co-founder of FOMRRA. 

The residents’ body said that based on prevailing wind patterns, the emissions are suspected to be originating from the Alathur SIDCO Pharmaceutical Industrial Estate, located about 10 to 15 km south of the affected areas. FOMRRA has urged the TNPCB to conduct surprise late-night inspections and continuous emission monitoring at industrial units in the Alathur pharmaceutical cluster during the hours when the odour is reportedly strongest. It has also sought identification of the source of the emissions and strict action if any environmental violations are found.

TNPCB officials could not be reached for a comment. 

Thiruporur MLA B. Vijayaraj said he will take note of the complaints and raise the issue with the TNPCB. He also said he would visit the pharmaceutical companies in the area.