Experts told South First that the deteriorating air quality in areas like Ennore, which have poor AQI and high concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles, places residents at high risk of respiratory ailments, strokes, and heart attacks.
Published Jun 11, 2025 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 23, 2025 | 9:15 AM
The Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited plant in Ennore
Synopsis: Residents of Ennore, Chennai, are facing a fresh health crisis as grey ash-like dust, suspected to be emissions from the newly operated fertiliser unit of Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited, has been settling on homes over the past several weeks. Despite complaints, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has allegedly taken no action, while the company has denied responsibility. Meanwhile, South First found dangerously high levels of pollution, which experts say pose serious health risks.
The northernmost neighbourhood of Tamil Nadu’s capital, Chennai, Ennore has long since transitioned from its dependence on marine life for livelihoods to becoming a heavily industrialised region.
Over the past two decades, more than 20 major industrial units – including Union government-owned oil companies, thermal power plants, and private-sector automobile and fertiliser factories – have established operations in the area.
The rapid industrialisation has not come without drawbacks. The once-thriving coastal fishing community has repeatedly found itself at the epicentre of environmental crises.
Dust particles from the air
In December 2023, during Cyclone Michaung, rainwater flushed oil sludge from the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) into surrounding neighbourhoods and waterways, killing large numbers of fish.
That same month, an ammonia gas leak at Coromandel International’s main fertiliser unit caused several residents to suffer from breathlessness and other health complaints.
Now, residents of Sathiyavani Muthu Nagar in Ennore are raising the alarm over what they describe as ash-like grey dust settling across their homes, triggering a new wave of health concerns.
The suspected source? Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL), a fertiliser plant in the area, now operated by Coromandel International Limited.
While the company has denied any connection to the pollution, South First visited the ground to investigate the conditions first-hand.
K Tamilselvan has lived in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar for well over 40 years. He explained that both Coromandel and Kothari have been running fertiliser plants in the area for over five decades.
Recently, Coromandel acquired the Kothari facility, and about six months ago, a new unit began production at the site.
“Within two months of that unit starting operations, grey dust began settling across our homes – especially in First Street, which borders the factory. It’s reached a point where we can’t even eat in peace,” he told South First.
TNPCB – Air pollution monitoring vehicle
Another resident, S Ammu, shared similar concerns:
“People walking through this street complain of burning eyes. We couldn’t even take our kids outside. This dust was settling even inside our bedrooms. We finally traced it back to emissions from the Kothari plant, especially during nighttime.”
N Fathima Mary, who has lived in the area for 75 years, said, “I’ve spent my whole life breathing fumes from this factory. Every time I fell sick and went to the doctor, they’d say it was because of the pollution. Now, this ash is something new – how long can we keep enduring this?”
Despite the dust persisting for several weeks, residents allege inaction by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).
Tamilselvan said he had lodged a complaint, but no effective measures followed.
Although an air-quality monitoring vehicle was recently stationed on First Street, it lacked technicians or staff to operate it.
Tamilselvan said the vehicle was parked only after weeks of complaints – and notably, since its arrival, the factory has reportedly reduced or paused operations intermittently.
When South First attempted to speak to company representatives at the factory, security guards – including a senior officer in protective gear – declined access.
However, according to a The Hindu report dated 31 May, Coromandel International officially denied any connection between the dust and its factory operations.
During South First’s visit to Sathiyavani Muthu Nagar, a live AQI monitoring device recorded the following:
While not an official sensor, these readings are well above the World Health Organization’s guidelines:
Dr Srinivasan Rajagopala, Clinical Head of Pulmonology at Apollo Speciality Hospital, Teynampet, told South First that the deteriorating air quality in areas like Ennore, which have poor AQI and high concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles, places residents at high risk of respiratory ailments, strokes, and heart attacks.
Ennore Satyavani Muthu Nagar AQI-Live
“PM 10 settles on the skin and causes irritation and rashes. But PM 2.5 is more dangerous – it can bypass the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to serious long-term health problems,” he said.
Environmental activist Prabhakaran Veera Arasu of Poovulagin Nanbargal added::
“PM 2. 5 is 30 times smaller than a human hair and are present in dangerously high levels in areas like Ennore.”
Prabhakaran described the situation as a clear case of environmental injustice. He criticised the TNPCB for its lack of response, noting that no notice had been issued to the company despite over 15 days of complaints.
“This is not a new problem. It’s been going on for more than 50 years. The Ennore–Manali stretch has over 40 red category industries. Why is the state allowing so many hazardous industries in one place?” he asked.
Prabhakaran warned that token fines and superficial warnings would not solve the crisis and pointed out that the majority of Ennore’s population comes from economically and socially marginalised communities, including fishers and daily-wage labourers.
“What’s needed is a comprehensive medical assessment for residents, especially those reporting respiratory issues. Also, stricter penalties and even shutdowns must be imposed on repeat offenders,” he said.
He further stressed that the community is not opposed to industrial development.
“But at the very least, industries here should follow the government’s environmental regulations and operate without destroying natural ecosystems,” he said.
Calling for urgent intervention, he demanded that the TNPCB shut down the offending unit, launch an investigation, and publish a detailed report for public accountability.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
