SHRC orders probe into dust nuisance from M-sand sales centre in Kollam, ET RealEstate
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state human rights commission (SHRC) directed the Pollution Control Board (PCB) to conduct a site inspection and submit a factual report regarding allegations of excessive dust and noise pollution from an M-sand and quarry dust sales centre operating in Alummoodu, Eravipuram, in Kollam.
The directive was issued by commission member V Geetha following a complaint lodged by local resident S Radhakrishnan, who claimed that unbearable dust levels from the facility made it impossible for him and his family to live.
The commission instructed environmental engineers of the Kollam office of the PCB to complete the investigation and submit a report within one month.
The complaint also prompted the commission to obtain a report from the department of mining and geology. According to that report, the centre’s owner was previously penalised Rs 7,400.
However, it also noted that during a March 6, 2023, hearing at the Kollam district office, the complainant did not submit written evidence to support his allegations.
The report further stated that the centre’s representatives attributed the complaint to personal animosity and confirmed that the centre was later granted a dealer’s license on March 18, 2024.
Despite these findings, the complainant informed the commission that the report was inaccurate and reiterated that the dust problem posed serious health issues for his family. In light of these conflicting claims, the SHRC ordered a detailed follow-up investigation.
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