Ooty: With conflicting versions over the functioning of a needle manufacturing unit in Ketti on the outskirts, the district collector of Nilgiris today ordered an inquiry into the issue.

Claiming that the factory, Needle Industries Ltd, was creating noise and air pollution, particularly during the night hours, about 150 CITU members staged a demonstration in Yellanalli and sought action against it. Even though memorandums in this regard were submitted to Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the district administration, no action was taken against the industry, they said.

Meanwhile, more than 150 persons, some employees and locals, petitioned the collector that the unit was not creating any pollution and appealed to allow its functioning, police said.

To clear doubts over the conflicting versions, Collector P Shankar directed PCB and other officials to inspect the situation and submit a report.