Wadala residents say factory fumes are triggering headaches

Several residents in Wadala East have been complaining of nausea, headaches and a burning sensation in their eyes for over a month while attributing it to the fumes emanated from the Rashtriya Chemical Fertiliser (RCF) factory in Mahul.

They claimed that they have been inhaling ammonia fumes from the plant and demanded a redressal of the problem.

In a letter to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board dated September 19, Ruchika Agrawal, a resident of the Lodha New Cuffe Parade complex claimed that 10,000 families have been impacted by the fumes. “We want to bring to your notice the dangerous and hazardous levels of emissions in the air that are being observed over the last couple of months,” Agrawal wrote. “These usually peak between 9 pm and 9 am and have begun to affect the health of the residents.”

Agrawal claimed there has been no action taken despite several complaints lodged with the authorities concerned.

Mahindra Pattebahadur, MPCB field officer, who inspected the site after the board was contacted said an investigation is underway. “We have conducted an inspection and recorded several readings which have been sent to our supervisors. The yellow fumes are from ammonia plant. We are looking at resolving the issue and will give suitable directions. The RCF has been in existence for 25 years,” Pattebahadur said.

Mirror’s attempts to contact Purnachand Patnaik, RCF executive director, proved futile.

However, JB Sharma, RCF company secretary, in a response to Lodha New Cuffe Parade complex resident Kashyap Mody’s email stated that the plant’s operations are in compliance with all rules. “The RCF is a government of India undertaking which follows statutory norms in true spirit. RCF being an ISO compliant organization, plants are having in built control systems to prevent release of emissions. Apart from this, the air quality is monitored around the factory to check ambient air. All the plants at RCF Ltd. Trombay Unit is running normal and air quality parameters are well within the stipulated limits. The visible stack seen at present is mostly water vapours.We also wish to inform you that RCF Trombay Unit takes utmost care to prevent any abnormal emissions which may pose danger/harm to the society.”

Sharma also added that due to the pandemic, a meeting with residents was not advisable but that a telephonic discussion will be conducted.