Inspections by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board have revealed major failures in odour control and maintenance across several industrial units in Eloor's Edayar area.

  • Kerala State Pollution Control Board conducted inspections in the Edayar industrial area.
  • Lapses found in odour control measures at bone meal, chicken waste, and rubber units.
  • Seven units have been served notices under the Air Act, 1981.
  • Poor housekeeping and inadequate raw material storage were also noted.

Recent inspections conducted by the Environmental Surveillance Centre of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board in Eloor have exposed critical failures in the efficiency of odour control systems. The investigation targeted bone meal units, chicken waste rendering plants, and rubber processing units within the Edayar industrial area, revealing substandard emission control units and significant shortcomings in the maintenance of existing biofilter systems.

As of September 1, 2026, notices have been officially served to seven out of the 20 inspected units under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This regulatory crackdown follows intense pressure from environmentalists and elected representatives from the Eloor municipality and Kadungalloor panchayat, who demanded immediate intervention against polluting entities.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the failure to maintain biofiltration systems leads to the direct release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. This not only degrades local air quality but poses long-term respiratory risks to the surrounding residential populations, turning industrial zones into public health hazards.

The mere installation of pollution control technology is insufficient; without rigorous operational maintenance, these systems become ineffective shells that fail to protect the environment.

Technical findings indicate that the inefficiency in biofiltration is largely due to the improper selection of filling materials and poor operational management. Furthermore, the inspection highlighted a lack of basic compliance regarding housekeeping. Many units lacked adequate facilities for raw material storage, proper ventilation, and necessary refrigeration systems, which further exacerbates the emission of foul odours during processing.

Historical Background

The issue is not new to the region. A study released in September 2023 by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, had already highlighted that odour and volatile organic compounds were being released due to poor operational efficiency in these specific types of industrial plants.

Did You Know?: Biofilters use living microorganisms to break down odorous compounds in the air, making them a highly effective but sensitive biological tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific failures were found during the inspection?
Answer: The primary failures included poor maintenance of biofilters, improper material selection for odour control, and inadequate storage facilities for raw materials.

2. What action has the Pollution Control Board taken?
Answer: The Board has issued legal notices to seven industrial units under the Air Act, 1981, following the inspection.