The topsoil at the Mundathikode fireworks accident site in Thrissur, Kerala, has been found to contain hazardous heavy metals, prompting calls for its immediate removal. Tests by the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) detected chromium, copper, vanadium and cyanide levels that exceed permissible limits, raising concerns that the contaminants could leach into nearby water sources and pose health risks to residents and farmers.
K. Radhakrishnan, Member of Parliament, has written to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urging urgent intervention to remove and safely dispose of the contaminated soil. The PCB’s initial findings, submitted on 15 May before the monsoon, identified the site as potentially contaminated and recommended the removal of about 1,470 tonnes of topsoil from an area of roughly 7,000 square metres.
The recommended disposal plan involves transporting the contaminated soil to the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd. facility in Ambalamugal, Kochi, for treatment. However, the action has not yet been taken, with delays attributed to financial concerns and inaction by authorities, according to Mr. Radhakrishnan.
With the monsoon season nearly over, there is growing worry that contaminants may have already infiltrated surrounding soil, wells, paddy fields and other water bodies. The area’s residential and agricultural character heightens the potential impact, underscoring the urgency of removing the hazardous topsoil to prevent further environmental and public health risks.
