GASPING NOW, FLOODED BY 2100S

Alarming for humans, rising temperatures are increasing the sea levels due to fast melting of polar ice and glaciers.

The Climate Action Plan for Chennai prepared by the Greater Chennai Corporation and C40 Cities and Urban Management Centre warned that 16% of the Corporation’s area will be permanently inundated in 2100s due to sea level rise induced by the climate change, with higher risk to the slum areas.

A report prepared by Chennai Breathe Campaign said that at 259.4 micrograms/cubic metre to 199.2 micrograms/cubic metre, PM2.5 levels were highest in samples taken from residential buildings in Kodungaiyur (near the dumping yard) and Manali (Petrochem Industrial Estate). Such levels are categorised as ‘Very Unhealthy’ by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which advises people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid all physical activity.

Areas in north Chennai such as Tiruvottiyur, Chinna Mathur, Kasimedu, Kuruvimedu, Minjur, Seppakkam, Parrys Corner, Vyasarpadi, Athipattu, Burma Nagar and Kattukuppam had PM 2.5 levels ranging from 69.6 to 149.2 micrograms/cubic metre. These areas also showed high levels of crystalline silica, coal ash, re-suspended road dust and other particles during the study period.

While unmindful industrialisation in ecologically sensitive areas makes air unbreathable and destroys other life forms that do not have any part in the destruction process, humans, especially those who are socially and economically voiceless, are also facing the brunt.

Recently, an ammonia gas leak from a fertiliser plant in Ennore sent more than 50 people to hospitals with breathing difficulties. Worse, hundreds of fish washed ashore dead a day after the leak. Now, people are protesting with a demand for permanent closure of the fertiliser plant.