Petroleum contamination makes wells unusable at Palloor in Mahe

Residents of Palloor in Mahe are protesting against petrol pumps near the Thalassery-Mahe bypass, alleging that petroleum contamination has rendered their wells unusable. They demand the closure of these pumps and a scientific investigation into the contamination. A joint action council has formed, with hundreds participating in the agitation, highlighting the persistent fuel smell affecting their lives. The affected area spans approximately 0.1 square kilometers and includes 11 operational petrol pumps. Residents claim the contamination issue became apparent after an HP petrol pump was relocated to a nearby hilltop two and a half years ago. A BPCL outlet opened less than 100 meters away in September, exacerbating the problem. The Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad has also called for the closure of pumps violating safety norms.