Thrissur: Residents of Varavoor village in Thrissur are up in arms against the ongoing construction of a waste management plant, which they claim poses a severe threat to their lives. The plant, intended for the disposal of slaughter waste, has drawn strong protests from locals who assert that it lacks proper facilities and will soon transform into a hazardous dump yard.
Concerns are also raised about the potential contamination of open wells in the vicinity. Despite numerous complaints, the authorities have yet to take action, prompting the residents to escalate their protest.
Of particular concern is the proximity of the proposed plant to a church and several residential properties. Residents accuse the ruling CPI (M) panchayat authorities of granting permission without due consideration for the welfare of the community. Local bodies, too, have failed to support the residents, despite the potential health risks, including an increased likelihood of cancer, associated with such waste management plant.
Worries persist among the residents regarding the various health problems that may arise once the plant becomes operational. Locals express their refusal to allow the sacrificing of lives for the profit of company owners. They cite a previous incident where the panchayat permitted a plastic disposal center in the area, which left many vulnerable. The current attempt to establish another potentially dangerous facility further exacerbates their concerns. Moreover, residents allege that the panchayat granted permission for the new plant without conducting a proper scientific analysis.
Given the gravity of the situation, the affected residents have resolved to intensify their protests in the coming days, seeking redress for their grievances and urging a thorough reconsideration of the waste management plant project.
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