Kozhikode: Skoda Pinnacle service centre faces backlash
Arothukuzhi residents allege used motor oil drained into soil polluting wells.
KOZHIKODE: Residents of Arothukuzhi near Chettikulam in Kozhikode corporation limits are waging a long battle against Skoda Pinnacle service centre opened three years back. They are demanding the closure of the car service centre as the discharge of used oil and other chemicals pollute their land and water. The 14-acre wetland in the eastern part at Arothukuzhi starts just behind the service centre, and the oil discharge has polluted the land, they allege. “The entire area was storing gallons of water thereby saving the place from floods. We have many indigenous fish species here and fresh water-borne flowers,” says Baiju V., chairman of the ‘Arothukuzhi Neerthada Samrakshana Samiti’.
A private party bought the entire land for the commercial purpose, and the National Highway frontage was leased out for an auto service centre. “Besides discharging the used motor oil to the wetland, they buried the old spare parts and other chemicals in soil. A 2-metre wide drainage was dug to drain out other wastages to the swamp. All these contaminated our wells and other water bodies,” Mr Baiju elaborated. The local community's protest resulted in the shutdown of the auto service centre. But the land was again leased out to Skoda Pinnacle three years back, and yet another trauma began.
“Water in our wells has developed a black layer on the surface. It’s not usable. All fishes disappeared, and flowers never bloom,” laments Sarojini, a homemaker. Though the corporation cancelled the licence of the centre and slapped on them a notice to demolish the illegal extensions on their premises in December 2016, the centre continued functioning on a High Court stay. “Besides, the HC asked six of the Samiti leaders not to enter the premises on behalf of the centre’s false contention that protesters intruded into their space,” says Sajith I., Samiti convener.
Samiti leaders say the entire Elathur area would be affected if the company continues functioning. According to them, spray painting is done there also contaminate the atmosphere. To the charges, Skoda Pinnacle service manager Nishanth K.P. said they were not draining out waste oil but selling it. “A barrel of waste oil fetches Rs 2,000 for us. Why should we lose that money? Car washing is done outside,” he told DC. He added that the problem between the landowner and residents was behind the protests and the centre has no say in it.