Chapter 1 

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Objectives of the study
1.3 Hypothesis
1.4 Scope and Significance of the Study
Contents

1.5 Methodology
1.6 The Study Area
1.7 Period of the study
1.8 Chapter Division
1.9 Review of literature
1.10 Limitations of the study
 Introduction

This study “Historical Analysis of Industrialisation and Its Impact

in the Society with Special Reference to Ernakulam District” undertakes
to unravel the complex and significant saga of industrialisation in
Ernakulum District. It attempts to review the process of industrialisation
in Kerala, and how it established the foundation of a new cultural
paradigm. More specifically, the analysis is an attempt to pin-point the
changes that took place in Eloor and surrounding areas from 1939 to
2010, which resulted in a paradigm shift in all walks of life in Eloor and
Ernakulam District. This pioneering process of industrialisation spread to
other areas of Kerala subsequently, transforming the industrial map of
the state in unprecedented ways.

This topic for the research was prompted by a variety of factors. So

far, no detailed study has been undertaken in this area though some
surveys and studies had focussed on the environmental issues stemming
from the spread of industries. Industrialisation and development are the
two sides of a coin and are inter-related. Industrialisation is the path to
be followed to attain development viz, to fashion a new socio-economic
and cultural order with improved human development indices. However,
Industrialisation alone, despite safeguards against its harmful effects on
the environment, cannot guarantee the integral development of man and
society. Material development encompasses all types of growth. It is
only one of the factors in the growth of the society, and it doesn’t entail
or encompass overall progress. Industrialisation is the process of
transforming the socio-economic order into an industry-dominant one,
reinforced by technological components. The process of industrialisation

2
 Introduction

entails profound social developments and socio-economic upheavals in

the arenas as well as their surroundings where industries spring up.

The aim of the study is to highlight the after-effects of an

unbalanced and frenetic industrialisation. From the academic as well as
the social point of view, the topic deserves great urgency and attention
warranting a thorough analysis.

The process of modern industrialisation in Ernakulam district started

in Kuttikattukara/Kalamassery/Eloor. Almost all the major industries in
Ernakulam District were concentrated in Eloor, which led to a significant
evolution and social transformation in this region. In this micro analysis of
the impact of industrialisation in Ernakulam District, the researcher
intends to concentrate on Eloor area, where the first series of large scale
industries were set up. Eloor became the cradle of industries in Kerala,
which gradually spread to the nearby areas. Subsequent to the starting of
industries and their spread, Eloor was identified as the employment hub of
Kerala. Hence the area came to be known as “Udyogamandal”.1 The
centre of industries of Eloor is known as “companipadi” (Anapara) which
is an important ‘industry’ junction of Eloor from where one can take any
road to reach anywhere else in Eloor. The survey and study about these
sprawling industries in this area have given ample reasons to surmise that
industries in Eloor pose a life threat to the society.

The researcher deals with the impact of the major industries located
in the Eloor area, like The Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore

1 Paul Pothen, “FACT-the early years”, Golden Jubilee Special 1994, p. 29.

3
 Introduction

Limited, a Public Undertaking, Government of India; Hindustan

Insecticides Limited, a Public Undertaking, Government of India; Indian
Rare Earths Limited, Udyogmandal, a Public Undertaking, Government of
India; The Travancore Cochin Chemicals Limited, a Public Undertaking,
Government of Kerala; The Hindalco erstwhile Indian Aluminum
Company (Aluminium Production Company of India/Al Can, a Canadian
Company, a private firm which became operational on 6th March, 1943
was later renamed as the Indian Aluminum Company) and Bombay
Suburban Electric Supply Kerala Power Limited (BKPL), a private firm.
From the random sample survey prior to the detailed study, the scholar
came to know that the most affected areas of Industrialisation in Eloor
Grama Panchayath were in the Ward Nos. I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, XIX
and XX. This study concentrates on these wards where a micro analysis
of the impact of Industrialisation on society is attempted. These major
industries cater to the needs of many hundreds of people directly and
indirectly. They created a new environment and contributed to the
emergence of a new culture in Eloor.

The industries are the prime movers of development in any area,

often leading to cultural transformation. With the beginning of industries,
the pre-industrial culture steadily declined and industries generally
qualified as the ‘culture breakers’ or the ‘pioneers of a new culture’. The
foremost among the ‘culture breakers’ was the Aluminium Production
Company of India, which started in 1939. There are many other public
and private industrial units in this region which helped to accelerate the
momentum of the new culture-“industrial culture”.

4
 Introduction

This study focuses on the impact of industrialisation in Eloor due to

the following factors: a) the first modern heavy and large industry of
Kerala was set up in this region. b) The State/Central Government
industries were set up in this region in the successive years. c) A large
number of labourers are working in these factories. d) These industries
have significant socio-economic and cultural impact on the Eloor society.
e) Eloor witnessed rapid growth due to industrialisation. f) Eloor became
the industrial capital and g) Environmental and health issues in Eloor.

There were 13,238 labourers in the FACT and 3,738 in other

factories at their peak and these firms catered to the needs of a large
number of people in and around Eloor. All these factors prompted the
researcher to undertake a detailed study of the impact of Industrialisation
in Eloor.

The present study concentrates on industries under the jurisdiction

of Eloor Panchayath. Earlier this area was the part of Varapuzha
Panchayath.2 From 1974 Eloor had its own local self-government i.e.,
Eloor Panchayath. Eloor Panchayath was elevated to the status of
Municipality on 1st October, 2010.3

Industrialisation is the local/regional variant of the industrial

revolution of epic magnitude that changed England and the world during
the latter half of the 18th century. Colonisation, the expansion of trade and
the geographical discoveries spread the industrial revolution to the whole

2 Eloor Grama Panchayath: Nineth Five Year Plan Development Report, 1996, p. 4.
3 Kerala Government Gazette Extraordinary Vol. LV, S. R. O. No: 567/2010, dt. 9th
June 2010.

5
 Introduction

world, particularly in British-India. The momentum of the industrial pace

accelerated in India after her independence through the second five year
plan in 1956. Industrialisation brought about fundamental changes in the
methods and organisation of industrial production. It marked a change from
hand work to machine work and a change from work at home to work in
factories. It was indeed, a revolution wrought by a process of evolution
involving slow and gradual changes. It has had its palpable results in India
in general, and in Kerala in particular. It effected far-reaching changes in the
mode of production and the relationship to the factors of production. The
society was highly benefitted, leading to revolutionary changes in the social,
economic, political and even philosophical spheres.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

Industrialisation refers to socio-economic-political and cultural

processes of change in human societies. It affects all forms of life,
sparing no realm of flora and fauna. It primarily seeks to satisfy the
material and other needs of man without causing harm to the eco-system.
It is for the benefit of the human beings in all their aspects, tangible and
intangible. However, industrialisation alone wouldn’t suffice for the
overall development of any nation. Industrialisation is a process of
economic development. This economic process guarantees economic
prosperity which in its turn, makes the life of all organisms including
mankind, free of misery, and makes it pleasant and happier. Keeping this
end in view, the most important thrust of industrialisation is to protect
the environment. Without a good environment, life becomes miserable
and inferior in quality.

6
 Introduction

The yardstick of development is directly proportionate to the

measure of felicity of the individual. One measures not just the increase
in the number of factories or expansion of services, but whether life is
happier and more fruitful and enjoyable for the individual. In doing so,
one has to balance one factor against another.4 The economic and
industrial development of a country involves large scale deployment of
resources. The greater the urge for development and the shorter the lag
to catch with it, the faster the pace of development.

The present study examines the problem from the standpoint that
industrialisation has not, so far, attained its basic objectives though it has
by and large, led to economic progress. Even though Industrialisation
has helped in economic empowerment and financial stability for the
stakeholders, it has failed to protect nature and the environment.
‘Industry without the environment has no root and environment without
industry has no fruit’. Industry and environment are interrelated and
intertwined. If any of these is neglected, automatically the growth of the
society will be always lopsided. This disturbed the entire socio-
economic-political and cultural life-style of the people of Eloor. It only
slowly dawned on the people that industrial development alone cannot
ensure a hassle-free life-style of all organisms. The paradox is that at the
initial phase of industrialisation, the people of Eloor and nearby whole-
heartedly welcomed the industries but after 1980’s, the same people
turned against the factories, resulting in many protest movements. This

4 N.J Udombana, The Third World and the Right to Development: Agenda for the
Third Millennium (Human Rights Quarterly 22 (2000), the John Hopkins
University press, p. 757.

7
 Introduction

study attempts an analysis of this interesting social phenomenon and

makes an effort to find out the impact of industrialisation in the socio-
economic-political and cultural life of the people of Eloor. The present
study also attempts to throw light on the factors which have prevented
the integrated and balanced development of Eloor.

1.2 Objectives of the study

Considering the above facts and figures, it is mandatory to engage

in empirical studies in and around Eloor, the epicentre of industries.
Though the beneficial aspects of industrialisation have been discernible and
copious, much of these are washed away by the effluents from factories.
New problems have taken root in Eloor, posing a real threat to the
ecosystem, raising doubts at the whole idea of progress. The term progress
as usually understood as industrial growth, as far as Eloor is concerned.
This progress has brought many ills and evils unforeseen and apparently
insurmountable. However industrial growth is only a part of progress.

The main objectives of the study are:

1.2.1 To study the history of industrialisation of Eloor.

1.2.2 To analyse the socio, economic, political and cultural structure in

its pre and post-industrialisation periods of Eloor.

1.2.3 To find out the positive and negative impacts of industrialisation.

1.2.4 To analyse the impact of industrialisation, the various aspects of

life of man and environment.

1.2.5 To analyse the overall progress, problems and the solutions.

8
 Introduction

1.3 Hypothesis

Industrialisation has brought prosperity and development in Eloor,

Ernakulam District and paved the way for a new, vibrant culture in the
whole of Kerala. The State Government has considered industrialisation
as the basic ingredient for the development of the society. This led to
the formation of a separate Ministry and Department. Prioritising
industrialisation at the expense of every other sector has created a lopsided
development pattern which has resulted in the neglect of other vital
sectors of development, such as agriculture. There is a considerable
difference in the socio-economic, political and cultural life of the people
before and after industrialisation. It has endangered the environment
which poses a threat to all living organisms.

1.4 Scope and Significance of the Study

The topic “Historical Analysis of Industrialisation and Its Impact in

the Society with Special Reference to Ernakulam District” is of great
significance especially in the present context of the on-going debate on
environment versus development. The pioneering industries in
Ernakulam District which were started in Eloor have become hot beds of
this conflict between environment and development.

The industrial sector certainly contributes more to the development

of the nation substantially adding to the GDP growth, than the primary
sector. However, its contribution to the GDP ironically adds to the
environmental problems bringing forth many health issues posing a
permanent threat to all organisms. The extinction of the many organisms
has already taken place and many are on the verge of extinction. Man-

9
 Introduction

made action has played havoc with nature and the natural defense
systems have been damaged due to the perils of industrial pollution.

Industrial pollution has become a topic of hot-debate among the

developed countries and the U.N members. The UNO has already
initiated the discussions beginning with the Stockholm Conference in
1972 (The United Nations Conference on Human Environment) to
evolve a comprehensive action-plan for the protection of global
environment. This Conference highlighted the need for the sustainable
husbanding of planetary resources and their equitable sharing to foster
development in non-industrial countries facing the acute problem of
poverty and to prevent the degradation of environment in industrialised
countries, not prudent in the use of technology.5 The Conference
identified six priority areas and three functional tasks for the United
Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)6

The six priority areas are:

1) Human settlement, health, habitat and well-being

2) Land, water and desertification
3) Trade, economics, technology and transfer of technology
4) Oceans
5) Conservation of nature, wild-life and genetic resources.
6) Energy.

5 Ignacy Sachs, Environment and Development Revisited, Alternatives – A journal

of World Policy, Sept-1982, p. 383.
6 Gladwin Hill, U.N Environmental Efforts : A Start, A long way to go, Newyork
Times, Oct 20, 1975. & Baumol and Dates, Economics Environmental Policy and
Quality of Life, Prentice Hall Inc, New Jersy,1979, p. 200.

10
 Introduction

The three functional tasks are:

1) Environmental assessment, “earth-watch.”

2) Environmental management.

3) Supporting measures (information, education, training and

technical assistance)

The action-plan evolved in the Conference with these priority areas

and functional tasks provided guidelines to make development socially
equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Regarding development, the Conference brought out a balancing “eco-
development approach”, i.e., development should proceed unobstructed
provided that measures are taken for improving and protecting the
environment side by side.

Industries always need land, infrastructure, resources, market,

waste disposal area etc. It causes change in land and water use patterns
and in some instances these changes mandate displacement of
population. All over the world, the industries generate many ecological
issues though there are many laws and enactments to enforce safety and
security. Environmentalists and social activists are engaged in a running
a battle with many industries in many parts of the world, including Eloor.

Industrial development always engenders two types of people:

sufferers and users. The near-by settlers of the factories
(sufferers/sacrificers) are forced to undergo bitter experiences in the form
of pollution, while the consumers of the produce are blissfully ignorant
of these realities. When the voice of the sufferers becomes strong and

11
 Introduction

strident, the factories may be forced to close down. In Eloor the sufferers’
voice is getting more powerful that may culminate in the closure of many
factories, creating a dent in the progress and development of the nation.

1.5 Methodology

The present study is based on the premise that environmental

problems are the cardinal issues which compelled the people of Eloor to
protest against the arrival of new industries in 1980’s. The study has as
its base an empirical investigation of the living conditions of the people
of Eloor due to industrialisation. With this end in view, primary data,
secondary data, and tertiary data are used for the analysis of the problem.
The pre-tested interview schedule is the major tool used for gathering
information from the respondents. The tools for the data collection
include questions related to the various aspects pertaining to the socio-
economic-demographic-political conditions, sources of drinking water
and its uses, perception of people on atmospheric condition, perception
on health condition and risk habits etc. With the help of the pre-planned
questionnaires, the researcher has collected primary data from households,
the company employees, the factories and from the hospitals.7 Some of the
centres of higher learning in the country were visited. A large number of
books and articles dealing with impact of industrialisation were referred
to and some of the scientists and experts in the field were consulted.
There are a few studies conducted earlier in Eloor area on some aspects
of the problem. They have been consulted and the methodology adopted
by them is improved upon in the present study. These are mainly

7 Appendix. I.i –I.iv

12
 Introduction

concerned with sources of data, sample design and technique, collection

of data and its classification, presentation and analysis. The data for the
study were of appropriate schedules.

1.5.1 The primary data, consisting of government records, proceedings,

reports and departmental analysis were collected from various offices of the
government. Along with these collections, four types of scheduled surveys
were conducted. These were prepared in an inter-related manner to check
the validity of certain data as they were obtained from more than one
source.

1) Factory survey: to identify pollutants in the wastes, effluents

and emissions discharged from the factories.

2) Household survey: to analyse the impacts of pollutants on the

well-being of men and animals in the area and on the natural
vegetation, materials, structures and aesthetics.

3) Employee survey: to collect occupational health hazards and

other related matters, including their family history.

4) Hospital survey: to identify the health impacts of pollutants on

the people and animals.

1.5.2 The secondary data were collected from some of the earlier studies
conducted on Eloor. In addition to those reports, seminar papers
published during the recent years have been referred to. An extensive
survey of literature on the subject helped in analysing the ideas and
information thus collected. The main sources of secondary data were
books, journals, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, administrative
reports, Economic Political Weekly etc.

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 Introduction

1.5.3 For a better understanding of the impact of industrialisation, data

were collected and suggestions and expert opinions were gathered from
the officials of the National Environmental Engineering and Research
Institute, Kerala State Pollution Control Board etc., and non-officials like
environmentalists, social workers, leading politicians, former Trade
union leaders and former Presidents of the Eloor Panchayath. The
electronic media, website etc., were also used to gather information and
for the analysis, the SPSS also was utilised for getting values of the
survey.

1.6 The Study Area

Eloor Panchayath (Municipality) of the Alangad Block is spread

over an area of 11.21 square kilometers and is divided into 20 wards (31
Divisions).8 It is inhabited by a population of 35573, with 17773 males
and 17800 females. For the present study, nine wards viz., I, II, III, IV,
V, VI, VIII, XIX, & XX of the Eloor Panchayath, which are considered
to be the most polluted, were selected on the basis of discussions held
with the officials of Eloor Panchayath and Officials of the Periyar
Malineekarana Virudha Samithi, officials of Green Peace International
and the leaders of socio-political forums. 3105 households, out of 13635
spread over the nine wards of the Eloor Panchayath, formed the area or
basis of the study. This number of households is nearly 23 percent of the
total households of nine wards of the Eloor Panchayath. A survey of the
nine wards of Eloor Grama Panchayath, which is known for its industrial
establishments, was undertaken covering 3105 households, 300 company

8 Eloor Municipality, Administrative Report of the for the year 2011-12, p. 4

14
 Introduction

employees from different factories, 6 factories and 2 hospitals situated in

Eloor/ Udyogamandal.

1.7 Period of the study

The period of the study of the present work is from 1939 to 2010.
The study starts with the beginning of the first modern company, the Al-
Can, in the year 1937 till the change of the status of the Eloor Grama
Panchayath to Municipality in 2010.

1.8 Chapter Division

The present study consists of seven chapters including the

introductory and concluding chapters.

Chapter- 1: Introduction;
Chapter- 2: Eloor, toddling to Industrialisation
Chapter- 3: Growth of Industries
Chapter- 4: The shifting culture of Eloor
Chapter- 5: The Growth of Trade Unions
Chapter- 6: Impact on Environment & Health;
Chapter- 7: Conclusion.

Chapter-I: The first chapter gives an introduction to the topic and its
various effects, the statement of the problem, the objectives of the study,
hypothesis, scope and significance of the study, methodology, the area of
the study, the period of study, the chapter division, review of literature
and the limitations of the study.

Chapter-II: The second chapter deals with the historical analysis of

Industrialistion in Eloor in which an earnest effort is made to highlight

15
 Introduction

the history of Industrialisation in the world in general, Industrialisation in

India, in Kerala, and in Ernakulum District with special reference to
Eloor, starting from the concept to its evolution, and growth. This
chapter deals with the genesis of Eloor and its etymology, topography,
geography, history of local self-government from 1954 to 2010,
demography, pre-industrial and post industrial growth, the beginning or
starting of industrialisation in Kerala and the factors that compelled the
authorities to concentrate in Eloor for industries. It gives basic ideas of the
processes of industrialisation and their different stages of development in
Kerala before the ‘Aikyakeralam’ or the unified Kerala. It gives basic
ideas of the processes of industrialisation and its different stages of
development in Kerala.

Chapter III: The third chapter gives a detailed analysis of the pioneer
industries of Ernakulam district i.e., in Eloor like HINDALCO, FACT,
TCC, IRE, HIL, and BSES and their origin, growth, functioning and
development. This chapter gives a vivid picture of the major industries
and their importance to the society. It also deals with the contributions
of the major industries to the allied industries.

Chapter IV: The fourth chapter analyses the impact of the industrialisation
on Eloor. It is about the gradual change from the agrarian to the industrial
(economy), which led to the cultural transformation of the society. The
change in the mode of production automatically resulted in the change of
the mode of life and this in turn, ushered in a new cultural paradigm in
Eloor society. This chapter gives a brief account of the transition which
caused the emergence of the new culture and the new economy that

16
 Introduction

began to obliterate the agrarian system. The new culture gave more
importance to the industrial economy, secondary sector. As a result of
the progress and growth of industries, there was an increase in the per
capita income and change in the standard of living. The increase in the
per capita income coupled with higher national income helped to
alleviate many problems in the society. The urge for progress was
materialised with the beginning of the industries. It also revolutionised
the agrarian system which automatically uplifted the standard of the
society. The development of industries led to the gradual growth of trade
and commerce and banking business which are considered as the seminal
contributions of industrialisation. In Eloor, there was no banking
business prior to the commissioning of industries. With the coming of
industries the volume of trade drastically changed and it resulted in rapid
trading activities. This automatically accelerated the improvement of the
infrastructural facilities.

Chapter-V: This chapter elucidates the growth of Trade Unions in

Eloor as a result of industrialisation. The trade unions which have been
working for the welfare of the workers of different companies catalyzed
the formation of workers’ association since its formation. The trade
unions played a vital role in enhancing the service conditions and
welfare of the workers. The trade unions have contributed many
leaders to the socio-political life of the nation. The society was
benefitted by the activities of the trade unions and often the unions had
to resort to strikes for achieving their demands with the support of the
political parties.

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 Introduction

Chapter VI: This chapter presents the most adverse results of

industrialiastion in Eloor society. An analysis is made on the environmental
status of Eloor in its pre-industrialisation and post-industrialisation
periods. Due to the change in the mode of life there was a considerable
change in the standard of health. With the beginning of the industries, the
whole area was polluted causing the spread of various types of diseases,
some even fatal. A thorough analysis is made about the harmful impact
of industrialisation on the environment. This includes the study of the
quality of water, soil and air.

The water from wells, rivers and creeks were collected and tested
scientifically which proved its level of contamination and presence of
many harmful chemicals. Similarly the soil and air of the locality was
also tested which reveals the alarming levels of various pollutants. The
hospital records and interviews with doctors (Allopathy & Ayurveda)
reflected that most of the residents of the locality suffered from different
types of diseases due to the adverse environment.

The Eloorians welcomed the industries in its initial phase, later

many factors compelled their relocation to other places due to the
hazardous environment created by the industrial giants. A detailed study
was done about the health situation of Eloorians based on the survey. A
door to door survey was conducted for getting first-hand information.
Many employees were interviewed for forming a balanced version of the
issues related to the health of the people. The important persons like the
union leaders, socio-cultural leaders and environment leaders were also
interviewed. In general, the majority of the people were affected by one

18
 Introduction

or two types of diseases. Ensuring the health of the people is more

important than industrialisation. A healthy population naturally is an
index of a healthy nation.

Chapter VII: The last and seventh chapter deals with the findings and
observations based on the analysis. Industrialisation helps in breeding a
new culture, like economic and social upliftment of the people and
progress of the country. The chapter contains suggestions for tiding over
the problems faced by the people due to the degradation of the environment.
It calls for caution against the rapid, blatant industrialisation without caring
for the primary sector. The primary sector is the vital ingredient to all
industries. Therefore, unbridled progress leads to an uneven development.
Industrialisation alone does not satisfy all the needs of man and other living
organisms. ‘Development’ should mean the integral development of the
society, so that every societal sector should have equal share of growth.

1.9 Review of literature

No comprehensive study in this area has taken place so far. The

important works related to Eloor are the following.

1. Payyappilli Balan: Aaluvapuzha pinneyum ozhuki (Malayalam) &

Aluva Trade Union Prasthanathinte Aadiyanalukal,(Malayalam) 9:
These are the two works related to Eloor which deals with the
political set up of Eloor. It gives some inferences on the general
conditions of Eloor during the pre-industrialisation and post-

9 Payyappilli Balan, Aaluvapuzha pinneyum ozhuki, (Malayalam) Chindha Publishers,

Thiruvanathapuram, 1985. & Aluva Trade Union Prasthanathinte Aadiyanalukal,
(Malayalam) Chindha Publishers, Thiruvanathapuram., 1984.

19
 Introduction

industrialsation period. It also gives some information on the feudal

culture that existed in Eloor prior to the industrialisation. The
author concludes that industrialisation helped the downfall of the
feudal system.

2. Meppally Kesava Pillai Krishnan Kutty Nair (M.K.K.Nair): Aarodum

Paribhavamillathe Oru Kalaghattathinte Katha. (Malayalam) 10: This
is another work related to Eloor. The author of the book was the
Managing Director of the FACT and focuses on its development. He
visualises that ‘Fact is always the fact….Fact is the first name in the
field….Foremost name in chemical fertilisers… Fact a House hold
name’. When he was appointed the Managing Director of the FACT,
he tried his utmost to introduce the diversification of the FACT which
resulted in the beginning of the FEDO, FEW, Cochin Division,
Petrochemical Division etc. The third dream of the FACT: ‘Fact a
Household name’ has not so far materialised. In short FACT became
the mother of industries of the Ernakulam District.

3. Padmanabhan V.T, a) Duranthathinte Noottandileku.(Malayalam)

b)The Number game, A Case study of occupational Health Hazards
at IRE, Alwaye; and c) All within Limits, Radio Active waste
disposal at IRE –I. 11, dwells more on the adverse effects of the

10 M.K.K.Nair, Aarodum Paribhavamillathe Oru Kalaghattathinte Katha, (Malayalam)

D.C Books, Kottayam., 1995.
11 Padmanabhan V.T, Duranthathinte Noottandileku, (Malayalam) Pusthaka Prasadaka
Sanghom, Pandalam, Kerala., 1985.
Padmanabhan V.T, “The Number game, A Case study of occupational Health
Hazards at IRE”, Alwaye; Economic and Political Weekly, March 8-15,1986. &
“All within Limits, Radio Active waste disposal at IRE –I”, Economic and Political
weekly, Feb 28, 1987.

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 Introduction

Indian Rare Earths Limited, Udyogamandal through his three

works. This study draws attention to the threat to all organisms of
Eloor and the Periyar due to the radioactive wastes dumped in the
IRE premises. The author cautions that in the event of a natural
calamity like flood or earthquake the area will face utter doom.

4. Jolly Joseph through his work, A Survey of Ground water in Eloor-

Edayar Industrial Belt12 states that, the ground water of Eloor is
highly contaminated by the effluents from the factories. The
presence of the heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb),
mercury (Hg) etc., in the ground water generates a plethora of
problems in the day-to-day life of the people.

5. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board published two papers

related to Eloor industrial belt 1) Episodal Pollution Caused by a
Bund across Periyar, a case study and 2) Environmental status
Report on Greater Cochin-Kerala13. In these two papers the
KSPCB unequivocally projects that there is an imbalance in the
environment caused by the industries. In the first paper, the Board
states that there is heavy sedimentation of the wastes in the Periyar
due to the lack of the normal current of the water as a consequence
of the bund construction. In the second paper, the Board states that
there is gradual decline in the quality of the environment due to the

12 Jolly Joseph, “Survey of Ground water in Eloor-Edayar Industrial Belt”, Project

Report, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Cochin, 1982.
13 The Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Episodal Pollution Caused by a Bund
across Periyar, a case study, Trivandrum, 1982.
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Environmental status Report on Greater
Cochin-Kerala, 1982.

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 Introduction

effluents from the factories. In Eloor, the presence of all types of

the pollutants are comparatively very high.

6. The Economics and Statistics Department of Kerala through their

Annual survey of Industries14states that the density of the industries
in Eloor-Edayar region is very high. The density of the industries
itself is the cause of the pollution in this region. The Department
recommended to the Government not to give licenses to new
industries in this region. Along with this, the department also
recommended that there should be effective control over the
pollution of this area with the help of the Kerala State Pollution
Control Board.

7. Venugopal P, author of Polluted flows the Periyar and Pollution

seeping into Drinking Water Too15 concentrated on the pollution of
the Periyar. In his works he highlights that the most important
problem of the water bodies is the contamination and presence of
the heavy metals like cadmium(Cd), lead(Pb), mercury(Hg) etc.
All these are the creation of the industries. He argues that even
before the arrival of industries the people depended on the river
water for all purposes including drinking and cooking. His works
focus on only one aspect of industrialisation, i.e., the pollution.

8. Sankaranarayanan K. C & Karunakaran V. in their works Adequacy

of Tools and techniques of evaluating Environmental Impact and

14 The Economics and Statistics Department of Kerala, Annual survey of Industries,

Kerala State 1977-78, Industrial Statistical Unit.
15 Venugopal P, “Polluted flows the Periyar and Pollution seeping into Drinking
Water Too”, Indian Express, Dece.12,1986.

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 Introduction

Economic growth and Environmental Quality16 highlight the need of

understanding more about the impact of industrialisation and its
adverse effects on the society. They stick to the theoretical approach to
understand the environment and are silent on the culture of Eloor.
These authors reiterate the need for a finer perception of Eloor.

9. Shynama C.S. & Balakrishnan K.P. through Save Periyar; Which

Way to Proceed17 highlight the problems of the river Periyar and
the gradual decline of the quality of the water due to the effluents
drained from the factories without any care and proper treatment.
They state that the Periyar has become the storehouse of the wastes,
both degradable and non-degradable.

10. George Mathai Tharakan in his work, Comparative Study on Air

Pollution in the Eloor-Edayar Industrial Belt18, analysed the air of
the industrial belt of this region and concludes that the parameters
of all the components of air like sulphur dioxide (SO2), sulphuric acid
fumes (H2SO4), ammonia (NH3), fluorine (F), carbon dioxide (CO2),
chlorine (Cl), Hydrochloric acid (HCl) etc., are comparatively very
high leading to adverse effects on the human life.

16 Sankaranarayanan K. C & Karunakaran V, “Adequacy of Tools and techniques in

evaluating Environmental Impact”,The National Environment Seminar, January
16-18, Cochin, 1983. & Economic growth and Environmental Quality, Southern
Economist, June 15, 1983.
17 Shynama C.S & Balakrishnan K.P, “Save Periyar; Which Way to Proceed”,
National Seminar on Save Periyar, Association for Environmental Protection,
Alwaye, December 7, 1986.
18 George Mathai Tharakan, “Comparative Study on Air Pollution in the Eloor-
Edayar Industrial Belt”, Project Report, School of Management Studies, University
of Cochin., 1976.

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 Introduction

11. C.A.Antony speaks about the financial estimate of environmental

pollution control and abatement schemes in Eloor Edayar industrial
belt through his work ‘Environomics’19 under the Cochin
University of Science and Technology in 1987.

There are many press releases in the dailies about the various
aspects of Eloor related to its industrialisation. These dailies routinely
project the side-effects of industrialisation in Eloor which cause the
pollution in the Periyar, soil, air and sound pollution of the surroundings.
The fish-kills are common news as far as Eloor is concerned. There is an
article in the Economic Political Weekly about the impact of the
concentration of industries in Eloor. The Office of the Kerala State
Pollution Control Board is situated in the heart of Udyogamandal for
immediate action as and when the factories violate the laws. There are
many reports of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board about the
unscrupulous over-activism of the factories which has resulted in the
crisis.

1.10 Limitations of the study

An important limitation to be pointed out is that the data related to

the health problems were based on the aggrieved peoples’ perception.
Therefore clinical examination or lab investigation has some limitations
probably affecting its accuracy. Moreover, most of the respondents were
women and were not competent enough to provide proper information on
certain queries though their responses were quite candid and unreserved.

19
C A Antony, “Environomics”, Thesis, Cochin University of Science and Technology,
1987

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 Introduction

1.10.1 The non-availability of certain information on account of gaps in

knowledge, especially with respect to the impacts of some of the
pollutants.

1.10.2 The lack of cooperation from the factory managements in

revealing some of the details of their polluting activities.

1.10.3 The inability to obtain certain information even from official

environment protection agencies.

1.10.4 The non-quantifiability of most of the environmental aspects

leading to approximations.

1.10.5 The reluctance of the people to give accurate information also

created some handicaps in the study.

1.10.6 The IRE Eloor functions as per secret act that is classified so that
the information of the IRE could not be accessed directly from
the company or employees.

The study arguably goes a long way to analyse the advantages and
disadvantages of industrialisation in Eloor. The industries have played a
decisive role to improve the economic resources of the nation and
increase the standard of living of the people paving the way for a cultural
metamorphosis. Their extreme density and concentration has caused
palpable adverse effects in nature throwing the life of the same people to
great jeopardy.

Eloor, in Ernakulam District has been a crucible of vexatious

industrial ‘onslaught’ in the history of Kerala. The area has undergone
tremendous progressive transformation in the last few decades, thanks to

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 Introduction

the mushrooming of industries and resultant economic empowerment.

But the glorious sign of progress now, seem to fade into a nightmare of
hazardous consequences. Eloor can be taken as a metaphor for the
double-edged phenomenon of industrial progress. Hence an analysis of
Eloor and its industries can serve as a prototype for the paradox.

…..YZ…..

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