Image Source: TNIE
Farmers and local representatives in Idaikal panchayat have accused Malanadu Ammonia Private Limited of continuing operations despite the district administration cancelling its licence. The plant owner, however, has refuted these allegations, claiming that the facility is only being used as a point of sale for receiving and dispatching ammonia gas.
Idaikal panchayat vice president S. Dharmaraj, who recently filed a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Special Cell, alleged that the ammonia plant has been operating covertly at night, posing serious risks to nearby residents and students of a private school just 100 metres away.
Concerns over the plant’s safety have persisted for years. In March 2024, Pappakudi union chairperson S. Poongothai Sasikumar had petitioned the Cheranmahadevi Sub-Collector after multiple reports of gas leaks affecting farm workers and residents. Another leakage in September 2024 allegedly caused health issues among farm workers and school staff, prompting an investigation by the district administration. Following an inspection, the authorities cancelled the plant’s licence due to several violations, including the failure to conduct annual pressure tests on vessels.
Further assessments by the Assistant Director of Industrial Safety and Health found that workers lacked protective gear, medical check-ups were not conducted, and pressure testing had been neglected. A Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) report in October 2024 also cited rust and structural damage in the boiler, leading the Ambasamudram tahsildar to recommend permanent licence cancellation. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court upheld the decision, directing the company to address safety lapses.
Despite this, farmers in Anainthanadarpatti claim the plant remains operational. During an inspection in January 2025, Pappakudi Block Development Officer S. Subbulakshmi reportedly suspected activity at the site. In response to renewed allegations, District Collector Dr. R. Sukumar has directed the district environmental engineer to submit a report on the plant’s status.
However, the plant’s founder, P.N. Sreedeth, has denied that the facility is functioning illegally, asserting that it is only used as a transit point for ammonia cylinders received from Hosur and Kochi. He further stated that the licence is on hold rather than permanently revoked and that all necessary rectifications have been made. According to him, officials have yet to conduct a reinspection or reinstate the licence. He has also announced plans to file a contempt petition over the continued restrictions on operations.
Meanwhile, some local representatives allege that complaints against the plant are politically motivated. Authorities are expected to review the matter once the district environmental engineer submits the latest inspection report.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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