India Pollution Control Board Pulls the Plug on Worst Offenders

ELAW partner Nity Jayaramand

Paint, pesticide and pharmaceutical manufacturers at the government-owned SIPCOT industrial complex in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India, are endangering residents with toxic emissions.

ELAW is working closely with local community organizations to challenge the abuse and call for clean air. ELAW scientists helped community advocates understand the real danger by comparing air quality data from Cuddalore with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for the same industries.

In August, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board literally pulled the plug on two of the worst offenders: Tagros Chemicals and Shasun Drugs and Chemicals Ltd.  The Pollution Control Board cited repeated failures by these companies to comply with the law, issued closure notices, and shut off their electrical power!

“This sent a clear signal to polluters that local communities can have a significant influence on the Pollution Control Board,” says ELAW partner Nity Jayaramand.  “Over the years, the Board has become more sensitive to community complaints about pollution, and more stringent towards polluters.  This is a result of community pressure.”