Coimbatore: Farmers in Chinnakallipatti village of Sirumugai block have urged the district administration to take strict action against poultry units allegedly causing pollution and health hazards in the region.
Villagers say they have been raising complaints since 2023 about severe fly infestations and foul odour from nearby poultry farms, but authorities have yet to take concrete action.
Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam district unit president, N. Dhandapani, alleged that several poultry units were openly violating Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines on waste management and odour control. “A committee was formed by revenue authorities to look into the issue, but the inspection was carried out when the poultry sheds were empty, after the breeding cycle ended. This does not reflect the real conditions farmers face,” he said.
Farmers had requested another inspection in August, but their pleas reportedly went unanswered.
Guidelines vs. Reality
According to CPCB norms, poultry farms must ensure:
- Proper treatment and disposal of manure to prevent fly breeding
- Adequate ventilation and temperature control in sheds
- Swift repair of leaks and removal of feed spills
- Prompt disposal of dead birds and broken eggs
- Maintenance of sanitation standards
Additionally, poultry farms are required to maintain a distance of 500 metres from residential areas and 100 metres from water bodies.
However, villagers allege that these rules are not being followed, resulting in the generation of ammonia and sulphide gases, coupled with poor waste disposal practices.
Farmers’ Demand
The residents of Chinnakallipatti are now pressing for immediate and transparent inspections while poultry operations are ongoing, not when units stand empty. They stress that unchecked pollution poses risks not just to farming livelihoods but also to community health.
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