COIMBATORE: Residents of Shakthi Nagar, Gopalakrishna Mills, Iyyappan Nagar, LGB Nagar, Ramakrishna Puram on Monday submitted petition to the District Collector demanding action against Adlon Polimer for releasing toxic substance called Dipline plastic, which they allege has been polluting the area very badly.

According to the residents, they have knocked every door they could to find out a solution to the raging issue. But in vain. “There are a number of schools, colleges and hospitals in these areas. A lot of children are affected because of the polluted air. When we approached the company officials, they didn’t even bother to listen to our woes. They say they have obtained permission from the Pollution Control Board,” they said.

Officials of the factory, owned by one Nanda Kumar, residents allege were rude to them when they approached. “They asked who were we to question them when the pollution board doesn’t ask them anything. They are least bothered about us.”

“When we go to the doctors, they just advice us breathe clean air. They do not prescribe any medicines for us, who are mostly suffering from breathing problems and heart-related issues,” they added.

“This is the last resort. If the Collector does not take any action, then we can go nowhere. We all will end up breathing polluted air and die. It has been affection generations. Even if one person holding responsible position shows sympathy towards us, the problem will be solved. The reason why I say this is a pollution board official told us that he was not sitting there for free,” a resident pointed out.