Air pollution returns along OMR as VOC emissions from SIDCO pharma plant trigger health concerns

CHENNAI: Thousands of residents living in high-rises along Old Mahabalipuram Road in localities like Kelambakkam, Siruseri, Padur and Navalur are once again troubled by air pollution due to a pungent gas at specific times during the day. The residents had faced the same issue last year with even the Chennai Mathematical Institutes dean writing to the Chengalpattu collector about it. Officials of TNPCB conducted a field study in May 2025 and narrowed down the source of the volatile organic compound (VOC) to a pharmaceutical company at SIDCO industrial Estate in Alathur, about 15km north of Mamallapuram. Residents said the stench had then stopped for a while, but has returned about a month ago. Sources said that a sensor used by TNPCB staff a few days ago determined the level of VOC to about 0.5-0.7 ppm, but TNPCB officials were tight-lipped about the findings. Kesavamoorthy, district environmental engineer of Maraimalai Nagar, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, did not respond to calls and messages seeking clarification. Residents in more than 10 gated communities including Valencia apartments, Eden Park, House of Hiranandani, Appaswamy, Arihant Firangipani, Varna Bhoomi and La avenue in the localities have raised a stink. The odour has caused issues like throat irritation and itching, coughing, nausea and eye and skin irritation. The unit functions at SIDCO estate, 15km north of Mamallapuram | Express The residents point out that apart from infants and elders, the issue also affects children studying in multiple schools in the localities. An affected resident in one of the high-rises in Siruseri said they get the smell even at nights. We also confirmed with friends and colleagues living south of us in Padur. They notice the smell a few minutes earlier than us. Some residents in Thiruporur also notice the smell which confirms the TNPCB findings of the source being in SIDCO estate, the resident said. S Amit, a resident of a high-rise in Navalur, said they are consistently getting the smell and it is disorienting and leads to brain fog. We did not get the smell for a few months, but now it has returned, he said. With TNPCB supposedly narrowing down the source of the air pollution, they should not delay taking corrective measures, the residents said.