Mangalore: Residents of Kuthethur are concerned over a vent given to the pipeline laid to carry treated effluent from Mangalore Special Economic Zone to the sea. The vent is directed towards the rainwater drain and they fear that release of any effluent through this vent will pollute the Nandini River, which the drain joins.

In addition, they say the seepage of chemicals, if discharged in the drain through the vent, could pollute the groundwater as well.

The residents noticed the vent recently. “Some persons were working on it since the first week of February. I thought it was related to the pipeline. I was shocked to see the vent having an outlet directed to the drain. When I asked the personnel they did not have an answer,” said Taranath Shetty, a resident of Kuthethur, whose house is 50 metres away.

Residents apprehend the likelihood of effluent discharge into the storm water drain. The vent with a controlling valve has been laid and it has been covered by a concrete structure.

“We are already affected by the contamination of water in the drain. If any amount of effluent is discharged into the drain it will have serious consequences not only for us but all those living close to the drain,” said Thomas Fernanedes, another Kuthethur resident.

Mr. Fernandes said they had spoken to MSEZ officials. “We want the MSEZ to remove this vent before the matter gets out of hand. People of seven villages will be affected,” he added.

Residents of Kuthethur carried out a demonstration near the vent on Sunday. Deviprasad Shetty, another local resident, said residents decided to give a week’s time to MSEZ for removing the vent.
Ally fears

MSEZ Deputy General Manager (Human Resource and Relief and Rehabilitation) S.T. Karkera allayed fears of residents about the possibility of release of treated effluents through the vent. “The vent has been laid by the contractor to carrying out vacuum test for checking leakage of pipeline. This test has to be done before handing it over to us.”

Mr. Karkera said there was no question of discharge of treated effluent into the drain which will be violation of pollution control norms. Mr. Karkera said efforts were being made to ally fears of the residents.