Hibi Eden calls for study into suspected soil contamination from closed dye factory

Hibi Eden, MP, has requested Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to initiate a scientific study into the suspected contamination of soil at a residential area near Edappally.

The MP, in a letter to the Chief Minister, said families residing near Punnakkatt Lane were facing issues due to the alleged contamination of soil caused by the unscientific treatment of residues left behind by Mangalam Dyes and Chemicals and its allied unit, Southern Organic Chemicals, which had functioned in the area over 40 years ago. The units had produced Rhodamine B, a fluorescent dye used in various industries and known to pose potential health risks. The Hindu had reported the issue recently after chemical residues surfaced during drainage work.

Mr. Eden pointed to residents’ accounts narrating how well water in the area became polluted and how reddish spots appeared in eggs and coconuts produced there when the companies were functional.

“It is reported that Rhodamine B left behind by the company gradually got absorbed into the soil over the years. The mixing of the chemical with drinking water has caused an environmental disaster,” Mr. Eden said, calling for steps to remove the substance from the soil.