Tirunelveli: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to act on a complaint alleging serious air pollution and violation of the right to life of residents in Thuraiyur village due to the functioning of a private ethanol manufacturing unit at Gangaikondan SIPCOT. The commission has given the board eight weeks to take suitable action, reports The New Indian Express.
In a letter dated December 16, the NHRC said a complaint filed by environmentalist S. P. Muthraman was placed before the commission, which decided to forward it to the concerned authority for further action. The TNPCB has been directed to conduct an inquiry and inform the complainants or affected residents about the steps taken. The ethanol unit began operations in June 2025 after receiving approval from the TNPCB.
Muthraman has alleged that the ethanol plant, along with a linked thermal power unit, is causing heavy pollution in the area. He claimed that the facility was permitted to operate close to residential areas in Thuraiyur without carrying out a proper environmental impact assessment or holding a public hearing.
He said that the production process releases unpleasant and harmful gases, making it hard for people in the area to breathe clean air. Residents have complained of health problems such as headaches, vomiting, mental stress, anxiety and disturbed sleep. They have also said that the pollution forces them to keep their doors and windows shut.
Although a petition was submitted to the district collector in July, the residents alleged that neither the administration nor pollution control authorities took any action. In his complaint to the NHRC, Muthraman said the emissions from the unit violated people’s right to life, clean air and a healthy environment.
