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Public concerns persist over poor air quality levels in Edayar industrial area

11 November 2026

Elected representatives and residents of wards near Edayar industrial area raise concerns over continuing odour and air pollution with the Chief Minister; probe initiated, says Environment Surveillance Centre of the PCB in Eloor

The air quality levels in Edayar measured by private monitoring platforms had shown AQI in the range between 120 and 168 for nearly 10 days in October and November.

Public concerns over the poor air quality levels in localities near the Edayar industrial area remain unresolved amid the demand for a comprehensive action by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) against those responsible for pollution.

Elected representatives and residents of wards near the industrial area in Kadungallor and Eloor have been repeatedly complaining about the continuing odour and air pollution. They have now raised the issue with the Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan seeking a permanent solution to the issue.

“We have urged the Chief Minister to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the polluting sources in the industrial area. Despite bringing up the issue on several occasions, the Pollution Control Board has not been able to act tough against the violators,” alleged Abdul Riyas C.A., member of Eramam North ward in Kadungalloor panchayat.

Officials of the Environment Surveillance Centre of the PCB in Eloor said they have initiated a probe into the complaint. “It is difficult to zero in on any single source for the air pollution levels. We are carrying out regular monitoring in the region. The air quality levels had remained normal to moderate in October,” they said.

However, the air quality levels in Edayar measured by private monitoring platforms had shown Air Quality Index (AQI) in the range between 120 and 168 for nearly 10 days in October and November. As per the standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI of 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’.

T.J. Vinod, Ernakulam MLA, said the Chief Minister has assured a study by an expert committee following concerns over the poor air quality in Kochi city and nearby areas and submit recommendations on the remedial measures. He added scientific studies have to be carried out to find a sustainable solution to the issue.