Tamil Nadu Science Forum has submitted a petition to the Madurai Collector on Monday urging appropriate action be taken against a company which they said was causing environmental pollution.

The members of the science forum said the company Scientific Agricultural Laboratory has been operating on Natham Main Road at Manthikulam. According to its website, it functions as a research laboratory for soil testing, fertilisers, plant diseases, as well as provides consultation.

A resident of the area Ashok submitted a petition to the District Environmental Engineer in 2022 stating that emissions from the company were harmful to the environment. He also submitted a petition in 2023 to the Chief Minister, the District Collector and other officials. However, so far, the complainant has not received any response, the members said.

When the issue was brought to Tamil Nadu Science Forum, to understand the true nature of the problem, a public opinion survey was conducted on May 12 in four locations near the factory, including Mathikulam.

The survey had 20 questions, regarding environmental pollution and its impacts. The residents of the area expressed their opinion that the company was causing environmental and public health problems, they said.

People reported issues such as air pollution, foul odour, smoke emissions, water and soil contamination affecting the agricultural lands. Incidents of livestock and fish being affected were reported. Health issues such as respiratory problems, cough and asthma were also reported. Some also mentioned fever and body aches, the members said.

The members of the science forum urged the Madurai Collector and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to take immediate action to curb environmental pollution in the Manthikulam area.

They urged the Collector to directed the District Pollution Control Board to conduct a study on the emissions and pollutants from the company and submit a report. The study should be conducted along with a fact-finding team that includes Tamil Nadu Science Forum, the complainant, and other representatives. The authorities should verify whether the required licenses were obtained. The findings of the study should be disclosed to the public and a decision should be taken after hearing their views.

The Science Forum members: District president Antony Paul and study team Study Team: P. Rajamanickam, S. Krishnasamy and K. Kannan submitted a petition to the Collector.