INTRODUCTION
India is the largest consumer of groundwater in the world, with an
estimate of around 230 cubic kilo meters per year. As its rate of extraction has
remained high, groundwater replenishment has been unable to sustain water
levels in many of the country’s aquifers. Inadequate rainfall, exceptionally
high-water demand owing to rise in population, urbanisation and rapid
industrialization are the major reasons for the decline in ground water.
Ground water depletion has very severe consequences on India’s water
security, food security, health and the livelihoods of its population. Ground
water resources in India are further deteriorating due to high levels of
contamination from rapid industrial growth, fast urbanization and other man-
made activities. Contamination and over-extraction are compounding
problems. It is currently a race against rising population and managing water
resources and the key is to conserve fresh water resources.
Eloor, located in Ernakulam district of South India is the largest
industrial belt in Kerala with more than 247 chemical industries. It is located
on the banks of river Periyar. These industries have been largely responsible
for degradation of both ground water and water in river Periyar. This can be
attributed to the non-scientific way of industrial effluent disposal. The
situation is so alarming that now this industrial belt is known as “toxic hot
spot” in Kerala.
In the initial phase of industrialization, people of Eloor whole heartedly
welcomed the industries and Eloor witnessed rapid socio-economic growth.
Later on these industries posed a threat to the nature and environment by
degrading the quality of water and air in the surrounding areas. Deterioration
of water quality changed people’s perception on industrialization in the early
1980’s. This forced many of the industries to close down creating a dent in the
progress of development. An attempt is made to study the extent of ground
water pollution in an area of 500 m around the industrial zone and possible
remedial measures are suggested.
Studies have detected high concentration of pollutants, including heavy
metals like zinc and chemicals such as sulphates, in both surface and
groundwater. This contamination has resulted in phenomena like massive fish
kills and a reduction in aquatic biodiversity. Emissions from industrial
activities have deteriorated air quality in the region. Residents have reported
increased respiratory ailments, indicating a direct link between industrial
emissions and public health concerns.
The study reveals that the ground water pollution has serious impacts on
health and environment of the community in Eloor-Edayar industrial belt. The
wastes stored in ponds or heaps often enters the surface water as run off during
the monsoons or mixes with prelocating rain water and reaches the ground
water table disturbing its quality at great concern.
Due to the discharge of untreated or partially treated effluents over
several decades, the water in Periyar is flowing sluggishly, with deep black,
red or yellow colour. Presence of these pollutants in surface and ground water
resulted not only in higher incidences of ailments like bronchitis, asthma, skin
diseases and even cancer for users but also an increase in a wide set of
systematic disorders. The children in the locality are facing higher chances of
malformation due to congenital and chromosomal aberrations caused by the
pollution.
The levels of contamination in the area have disastrous effect on the
ecosystem also. Multiple studies have shown that the discharge of effluents has
been catastrophic for the aquatic life of the region. Massive fish kills are
common seen in the polluted stretches of the river. The contamination of
waterbodies has adversely affected traditional occupations like fishing and
agriculture. Declining fish populations and soil infertility have led to economic
hardships for communities dependent on these livelihoods.
The environmental degradation has prompted local communities to
mobilize against industrial pollution. Movements and protests have emerged,
demanding stricter environmental regulations and accountability from
industries. These grassroots initiatives reflect a growing awareness and
resistance to environmental injustices faced by residents.
The industrial activities in the Eloor-Edayar belt have led to significant
environmental pollution, adversely affecting the health and socio-economic
conditions of local communities. Addressing these challenges requires
comprehensive environmental impact assessments, stricter enforcement of
pollution control measures, and sustainable industrial practices to mitigate
further harm.
