CUDDALORE: Thirty-five people complained of irritation in the eyes, vomiting and nausea after a collection tank of the effluent treatment plant (ETP) at an industrial unit at Sipcot, Cuddalore, exploded on Thursday morning.They were rushed to the Cuddalore government general hospital for treatment. Two people suffered burns.The explosion damaged 10 houses, and untreated chemical effluent drained into more than 100 houses at Kudigadu village near the industry.

The villagers held the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) responsible for the mishap. They alleged the TNPCB was lethargic in ensuring that the industries at Sipcot followed safety norms.TNPCB engineer G Gajalakshmi said district officials inspected the spot and made preliminary inquiries.“We suspect that the collection tank of the ETP was not maintained properly, and it was corroded, leading to an explosion. We are in the process of investigating the issue and submitting a report to the govt,” said Gajalakshmi.The district CPM unit demanded that the govt order a judicial probe into the incident and extend necessary compensation to the affected people.PMK president and Rajya Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss urged the govt to take immediate steps to remove chemical waste from the affected areas and hold medical camps to screen the people in the vicinity for any ailments.He demanded that the govt appropriately compensate the affected people.