HYDERABAD: A lull later, noxious emissions suspected to be that of mercaptan have returned to haunt parts of the city.

Residents from several colonies, particularly in the belt of Balanagar-Kukatpally have complained of a pungent odour that caused uneasiness for the past three days. Similar complaints were last heard in the year 2004 which then resulted in the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) issuing stop-production orders to two industries involved in Ranitidine manufacture.

However, starting Sunday, residents from Kukatpally, Fatehnagar, Balanagar and nearby areas reported experiencing similar pungent odour and complained to the PCB. The problem was felt more during night and it lingered till early hours. A PCB night patrol team that went around the areas failed to identify the source of emissions on both Sunday and Monday.

Health effects

Since Mercaptan emissions are known to cause nausea, headache and irritation, there were apprehensions on possible health effects caused by it. The PCB officials said efforts were on to locate the source of emission and investigators were asked to collect samples in affected areas. The PCB has added another vehicle to its night patrol to intensify efforts in pinpointing the industry involved in release of the gas, said the PCB Member Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari. Two units that are involved in its production were already inspected and while one was not operating on Monday, the other was not into production. The Member Secretary also sought cooperation from people in the hunt for those involved in the surreptitious release. "Locals can share their information and help us in narrowing down units that are behind this," he said. The PCB night patrol could be contacted on 98667 76755.

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