Smelly pesticides

WHILE contaminated water has occupied centrestage in Udaipur for many years, the Pesticides India plant has been insidiously emitting odorous gases for almost as long. The plant manufactures pesticides, including phorate, all of which are highly toxic. While officials at the plant claim they have taken all possible precautions to prevent leakages, the local people have filed a case under Section 133 of the Indian Penal Code (for creating a public nuisance) and sought relocation of the plant. Alternate sites have been recommended to the state authorities by the regional pollution control board officer, M M Goel.