One year on, Pottaloorani's fight against fish feed units continues

WEDNESDAY marked completion of one year of continuous protest staged by residents of Pottaloorani village seeking closure of three fish feed and oil manufacturing units because foul smell from the industries was affecting them. But their protest has not yielded results.

- S GODSON WISELY DASS @ Thoothukudi

Locals say nauseating smell emanates when fish is processed in the boilers. "The boilers are operated late at night and the smell is so unbearable that we cannot sleep," the villagers said, adding untreated waste water is being released in the open which affects agriculture.

The residents have staged several protests, including boycott of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "Every day, we gather at the protest venue at 8 pm and highlight our demand", said a woman.