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The Hindu
03-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Chennai's Ennore: Where industrial growth has made life difficult for residents
'Don't ask what problems Ennore has — ask what problems it doesn't have,' says a resident, beginning a long conversation about the area he loves, yet hates to see becoming increasingly unlivable day by day. A highly industrialised region of north Chennai, Ennore and its coastal areas have been bearing the brunt of pollution and its impact for several decades. Residents struggle with pollution on a day-to-day basis, but it gains widespread attention only when a major incident occurs. For example, in December 2023, Ennore witnessed two massive environmental hazards that reflected the residents' decades-long struggles: an oil spill from a public sector refinery during Cyclone Michaung, and an ammonia leak from a fertiliser manufacturing unit. K. Devaki, who has been living in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar since 1975, said that when she first moved to the area, the water quality was very poor, and she had to fetch water from two kilometres away. 'If you take a look at the teeth of my son and daughter, you will understand the impact of polluted water; it turned yellow due to excessive fluoride in water. We struggle with hairfall too. Due to constant inhalation of polluted air, thanks to industrial emissions, many of us have developed breathing difficulty and respiratory issues,' said the 69-year-old. Bhagathsingh, a resident of Ulaganathapuram in Ennore, said their experiences with pollution seem endless — whether it is fly ash from thermal power plants, ammonia leaks from the undersea pipeline of the fertiliser company, or, most recently, yellow and orange residue observed in the backwaters, likely some kind of effluent. 'While industrial development progressed rapidly in and around Ennore, improvements in basic amenities, infrastructure, and transport did not happen at the same pace for residents. This lackadaisical attitude exists largely because Ennore is home to a working-class population. The second generation of families in Ennore is slowly moving out to the city, with pollution being the main factor. Industrial pollution has impacted the health of many,' he said. A number of residents said they were even thinking of selling their houses and moving to a safer place. Manohar, a resident of Nehru Nagar in Ennore, said that air and water pollution remains the top two concerns for residents. 'There used to be dust emissions from factories in the morning and smoke billowing out of chimneys at night. The effluents from factories have been causing health issues,' he said, adding that the groundwater is unfit for drinking in many parts of Ennore. Like Mr. Manohar, several residents of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar noted that while they rely on Metrowater supply for drinking purposes, the groundwater cannot be used even for bathing. 'Sometimes, if we keep the water in a container, we can see a layer of oil on top of it,' a resident pointed out. Loss of livelihood Fishermen from a number of villages rely on the Ennore creek and backwaters — the point where Kosasthalaiyar river, North Buckingham canal, and the sea confluence — for their livelihood. Fisherfolk say that this was once a thriving marine ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity. But industrial pollution has had devastating effects on the creek, thereby affecting fisheries. A resident of Nettukuppam alleged that some industries were discharging industrial waste and hot water into the Ennore creek, destroying marine life and the livelihood of the fisherfolk. 'Who is bothered? No one seems to worry about us or the worsening environment here,' he said. The State government should at least intervene and help the fisherfolk, he urged. D. Venkatesan, a fisherman from Ennore Kuppam, said that Ennore's waters used to be a thriving region for fish, prawns, and crabs but it is no longer so. 'The Ennore creek, which used to be a fishing ground rich in marine life, is suffering due to pollution. Earlier, most fisherfolk used to make a profit of at least ₹1,000 a day but now, many are unable to even meet the expenses. An entire area is being destroyed, and nobody cares. Nearly 13 to 14 fishing hamlets are going through untold misery,' he lamented. With their livelihoods in question, he said some fisherfolk have turned to daily wage jobs. 'It was in the 1990s that permanent jobs at the thermal station were given to residents. Despite the expansion, no permanent jobs have been offered in the years since. We have been continuously demanding permanent jobs and regularly holding meetings with government officials. But they are willing to offer only contractual work. A few from our area have been engaged in cleaning jobs at one of the units. Shouldn't the government step in and provide permanent jobs for the affected people?' he asks. Pointing to a video taken in the backwaters near the Ennore bridge, he said that some kind of a chemical was being discharged into the North Buckingham Canal, turning the water yellowish. 'We complained to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Though they visited the site and lifted samples, nothing has been done so far. Many residents of Ennore raised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure that industries adhered to norms. 'Industries should be monitored to ensure that they follow pollution control norms,' Mr. Bhagathsingh demands. He also raised the need for a complete health screening for residents of Ennore to assess the impact of industrialisation and pollution on their health. Member of Parliament (Chennai North) Kalanidhi Veeraswamy said they have held meetings with companies in and around Ennore and have asked them to set up air quality monitors, including at traffic junctions, where the air quality levels could be displayed. He added that improvement works, including the desilting of Kosasthalaiyar, are in progress.
Business Upturn
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Tamilnadu Petroproducts shares jump 4% as Q4 net profit rises 127% YoY to Rs 24.91 crore
By Aman Shukla Published on May 7, 2025, 09:52 IST Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd. (TPL) witnessed a 4% surge in its stock price during morning trade, following the company's impressive fourth-quarter results for FY25. As of 9:50 AM, the shares were trading 4.11% higher at Rs 78.34. The company reported a substantial 127% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching Rs 24.91 crore, up from Rs 10.96 crore in Q4 FY24. Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 458.51 crore, showing a slight rise from Rs 447.03 crore in the same period last year. TPL's EBITDA also saw a significant jump to Rs 42.04 crore, compared to Rs 21.61 crore in Q4 FY24, reflecting improved operational efficiency. A key highlight was the exceptional income of Rs 12.25 crore, driven by an insurance payout of Rs 26.05 crore for cyclone Michaung, offsetting plant restoration costs of Rs 7.55 crore. For FY25, Tamilnadu Petroproducts posted a full-year net profit of Rs 51.42 crore, marking an 8.8% growth from Rs 42.78 crore in FY24. The company's revenue for the year reached Rs 1,846.71 crore, reflecting a solid 8.8% increase year-on-year. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Business Upturn
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Tamilnadu Petroproducts Q4 Results: Revenue up 2.5% YoY to Rs 458.51 crore, Net Profit rises 127% YoY
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on May 6, 2025, 22:57 IST Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited reported a strong performance in the fourth quarter of FY25, with net profit rising 127% year-on-year to Rs 24.91 crore from Rs 10.96 crore in Q4 FY24. The company's revenue stood at Rs 458.51 crore, compared to Rs 447.03 crore in the same quarter last year. EBITDA for the quarter came in at Rs 42.04 crore, significantly higher than Rs 21.61 crore reported in Q4 FY24. The company also reported an exceptional income of Rs 12.25 crore, largely from an insurance payout of Rs 26.05 crore related to cyclone Michaung, against plant restoration expenses of Rs 7.55 crore. For the full financial year 2024-25, Tamilnadu Petroproducts posted a net profit of Rs 51.42 crore, up from Rs 42.78 crore in the previous year, on revenue of Rs 1,846.71 crore, marking an 8.8% increase YoY. The board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.20 per share, consistent with the previous year's payout. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Medavakkam residents demand restoration of lake filled with refuse
Chennai: Till 2010, residents of Medavakkam collected water from the Chinna Eri lake. However, over the years, unchecked encroachments, garbage dumping, and the discharge of untreated sewage turned the waterbody into a picture of neglect. In the coming months, however, it may finally see a revival. Spread across five hectares, Medavakkam Chinna Eri is located in Survey No. 174 in Chengalpet district. During summer, when the lake dried up, public and authorities alike began treating it as a dumping ground for garbage and sewage, worsening its degradation. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai "For the past ten years, there has been no maintenance, and encroachments drastically reduced the lake's area. It continues to suffer from severe ecological degradation due to unchecked stormwater pollution and rampant encroachments, despite repeated appeals from local residents," said Arjun Shankar, a resident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like News For Jack Nicholson, 87, He Has Been Confirmed To Be... Reportingly Undo Prasanna, a member of SSJ Association, said the stormwater drain (SWD) channel from Tambaram – Velachery Main Road carries sewage directly into the lake. "Now, the waterbody is choked with hyacinth. Poultry shops and local residents also dump their waste into the lake," he said. Arjun Shankar recalled that during Cyclone Michaung in 2023, the area was severely submerged. "Following the disaster, we launched a campaign and submitted a detailed representation to the state chief secretary in May 2024. Yet, no concrete action has been taken so far," he said. Recently, officials from the Medavakkam revenue department, including the village administrative officer (VAO), removed a minor encroachment after persistent petitions from the community. However, residents stressed that piecemeal actions are insufficient, and only a comprehensive eco-restoration effort can prevent further encroachments and mitigate flooding risks. Citizens are urging the authorities to undertake a full-scale restoration of Medavakkam Chinna Eri; reconnect its surplus channel to Pallikaranai marsh to restore natural water flow and install a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the inlet to prevent untreated sewage from polluting the lake. A block development officer said the revenue department will soon conduct a survey to demarcate the lake boundary. "Following this, EFI, an NGO, will desilt the lake, strengthen the bund, and deepen the waterbody. The sewage inflow will be clipped, and an STP is being planned," the official said.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
INHAF launches Chennai disaster study, seeks citizen stories
The Habitat Forum (INHAF), a non-profit organisation working in the area of human settlements development, has announced a new study to document Chennai's struggle and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. The study, Disaster Response in Chennai: Learning from the Past, and Learning from the People, is part of the ongoing ClimACT-Chennai initiative and spans the years 2015-2024. At least 350 lives were lost during the devastating floods in Chennai in 2015. But behind each number lies a personal story because disasters, at their core, are lived human experiences. To document these stories, INHAF is inviting Chennai residents to share their memories, photographs, videos, and reflections. These contributions will help build a comprehensive, people-centred history of how the city has faced and responded to disaster over the past decade. Preliminary findings of the study, led by D. Raghunandan, project lead, ClimACT-Chennai, reveal both challenges and progress. The INHAF says that among the key events documented are the catastrophic floods of 2015 and Cyclone Michaung in 2023 – both of which left lasting impacts, particularly on low-income and informal settlements. While Chennai's disaster response has evolved to include improved early warning systems, evacuation protocols and desilting operations, vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of repeated displacements and economic losses. A positive trend, however, is the growing role of coordinated, community-driven efforts in disaster management, supported by civil society groups, academic institutions, and the private sector, points out Mr. Raghunandan. By incorporating citizen input, the final report aims to present an integrated, ground-up understanding of disaster resilience in the city. The information can be sent to nitha@
