CHENNAI: PMK founder S Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government and the Pollution Control Board not to grant permission for the proposed expansion projects of the Chemplast Sanmar company at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Cuddalore, citing serious environmental and public health concerns.

In a statement, the senior leader said that the SIPCOT industrial estate in Cuddalore, functioning since 1971, houses several “red-category” industries handling hazardous substances such as pesticides, paints, dyes, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and PVC. These industries have severely affected residents of more than 50 surrounding villages.

"Chemplast Sanmar, which began PVC resin production in 2009 with a capacity of 3 lakh tonnes, unilaterally increased production to 6 lakh tonnes about one-and-a-half years ago without seeking public consent. The company is now planning to further expand production to 12 lakh tonnes with an investment of nearly Rs.1,000 crore," he alleged.

He added that a public hearing was held in Cuddalore on December 19, but those claiming to stand with the people instead supported the administration and diluted public objections, while PMK cadres firmly voiced the concerns of affected villagers.

Ramadoss warned that approving expansion, raw material production, transport of hazardous chemicals and a desalination plant would endanger the livelihood and health of farmers and fishermen from over 50 villages. He demanded that the public hearing be declared invalid and all approvals be denied.