The Kerala high court has sought the views of state government and the Kerala state pollution control board while hearing a petition challenging the setting up of chemical industries in Edayar industrial area. The petitioner alleged that new chemical industries have been given permission to operate in violation of the high court order issued on June 13, 2012. The Edayar industrial development area covers an area of 435 acres in Kadungalloor grama panchayat. The industrial area is situated on the eastern side of river Periyar near Pathalam bridge. “Indiscriminate industrial pollution and unplanned setting up of industries have resulted in Eloor-Edayar industrial area becoming the 24th critically polluted indus trial cluster in India. The groundwater in Edayar area is not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, drinking water to the petitioner and other residents of Edayar is supplied by Binani Zinc Ltd on the basis of polluter pay principle. The petitioner and other residents of the locality are suffering from various pollution induced ailments,“ petitioner V B Mahesh Kumar submitted. Stating that the court had imposed a moratorium on the establishment of new chemical industries in Edayar following the contamination and pollution of river Periyar, the petitioner said that eight chemical industries, manufacturing urea formaldehyde resin, have started operations. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic and flammable chemical. The exposure to formaldehyde will affect the respiratory system, kidney and liver. The petitioner submitted that residents were suffering from physical distress and respiratory ailments due to the unauthorized operation of these industrial units. These units use fertilizer urea, the sale of which is restricted under Section 25 for purposes other than agriculture. Since this is an infringement of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, the petitioner has approached the high court for appropriate orders. The environmental surveillance centre, which was established for round-theclock surveillance of Eloor Edyar industrial cluster, has inspected the polluting industries alleged to be illegally set up by the petitioner. The petitioner has asked the court to issue orders to the state government to initiate criminal proceedings against these polluting industries.