A STUDY ON THE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

OF EDAYAR INDUSTRIAL UNITS IN ERNAKULAM

Table of Contents
CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................3

Background..................................................................................................................................3

Aims and objectives.....................................................................................................................5

Rationale......................................................................................................................................5

Overall problem statement.......................................................................................................5

Industrial pollution and its aftermaths......................................................................................6

Water pollution.........................................................................................................................8

Lack of control over odour spreading....................................................................................10

Air-borne diseases..................................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................12

Understanding Industrialization and its impact on Ernakulam District.....................................12

Environmental Degradation from Edayar Industrial Units........................................................14

Socio-Economic Impacts of Industrialization in Ernakulam:....................................................16

Community Perception of Environmental Risks:......................................................................18

Chapter 3: Methodology................................................................................................................21

3.1 Statement of The Problem....................................................................................................21

3.2 Objectives.............................................................................................................................21

3.3 Clarification of Concepts.....................................................................................................21

3.4 Variables..............................................................................................................................22

3.5 Pilot Study............................................................................................................................23

3.6 Population............................................................................................................................23

3.7 Universe...............................................................................................................................23

3.8 Sampling Method.................................................................................................................23

3.9 Tool of Data Collection........................................................................................................24

2
Chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation...................................................................................25

4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................25

4.2 Data analysis and interpretation...........................................................................................25

4.3 Summary..............................................................................................................................60

Reference List................................................................................................................................61

3
List of Figures
Fig 1: Index map of Eloor Edayar Industrial
belt………………………………………………….9
Fig 2: Comparison of air quality degradation from 2001 to 2008 in different regions of Kerala. 10
Fig 3: Increased vehicular emissions in Ernakulum region of Kerala...........................................10
Fig 4: Polluted Periyar River from the industrial activities...........................................................13
Fig 4.2.1: Survey question 1..........................................................................................................29
Fig 4.2.2: Survey question 2..........................................................................................................30
Fig 4.2.3: Survey question 3..........................................................................................................31
Fig 4.2.4: Survey question 4..........................................................................................................32
Fig 4.2.5: Survey question 5..........................................................................................................33
Fig 4.2.6: Survey question 6..........................................................................................................34
Fig 4.2.7: Survey question 7..........................................................................................................35
Fig 4.2.8: Survey question 8..........................................................................................................36
Fig 4.2.9: Survey question 9..........................................................................................................37
Fig 4.2.10: Survey question 10......................................................................................................38
Fig 4.2.11: Survey question 11......................................................................................................39
Table 4.2.12: Survey question 12..................................................................................................39
Fig 4.2.12: Survey question 12......................................................................................................40
Fig 4.2.13: Survey question 13......................................................................................................41
Fig 4.2.14: Survey question 14......................................................................................................42
Fig 4.2.15: Survey question 15......................................................................................................43
Fig 4.2.16: Survey question 16......................................................................................................44
Fig 4.2.17: Survey question 17......................................................................................................45
Fig 4.2.18: Survey question 18......................................................................................................46
Fig 4.2.19: Survey question 19......................................................................................................47
Fig 4.2.20: Survey question 20......................................................................................................48
Fig 4.2.21: Survey question 21......................................................................................................49
Fig 4.2.22: Survey question 22......................................................................................................50
Fig 4.2.23: Survey question 23......................................................................................................51
Fig 4.2.24: Survey question 24......................................................................................................52

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Fig 4.2.25: Survey question 25......................................................................................................53
Fig 4.2.26: Survey question 26......................................................................................................54
Fig 4.2.27: Survey question 27......................................................................................................55
Fig 4.2.28: Survey question 28......................................................................................................56
Fig 4.2.29: Survey question 29......................................................................................................57
Fig 4.2.30: Survey question 30......................................................................................................58
Fig 4.2.31: Survey question 31......................................................................................................59
Fig 4.2.32: Survey question 32......................................................................................................60
Fig 4.2.33: Survey question 33......................................................................................................61
Fig 4.2.34: Survey question 34......................................................................................................62
Fig 4.2.35: Survey question 35......................................................................................................63

List of Tables
Table 4.2.1: Survey question
1………………………………………………………........................31
Table 4.2.2: Survey question 2......................................................................................................32

Table 4.2.3: Survey question 3......................................................................................................34

Table 4.2.4: Survey question 4......................................................................................................35

Table 4.2.5: Survey question 5......................................................................................................35

Table 4.2.6: Survey question 6......................................................................................................36

Table 4.2.7: Survey question 7......................................................................................................37

Table 4.2.8: Survey question 8......................................................................................................38

Table 4.2.9: Survey question 9......................................................................................................39

Table 4.2.10: Survey question 10..................................................................................................40

Table 4.2.11: Survey question 11..................................................................................................41

Table 4.2.12: Survey question 12..................................................................................................42

Table 4.2.13: Survey question 13..................................................................................................43

Table 4.2.14: Survey question 14..................................................................................................44

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Table 4.2.15: Survey question 15..................................................................................................45

Table 4.2.16: Survey question 16..................................................................................................46

Table 4.2.17: Survey question 17..................................................................................................47

Table 4.2.18: Survey question 18..................................................................................................48

Table 4.2.19: Survey question 19..................................................................................................49

Table 4.2.20: Survey question 20..................................................................................................50

Table 4.2.21: Survey question 21..................................................................................................51

Table 4.2.22: Survey question 22..................................................................................................52

Table 4.2.23: Survey question 23..................................................................................................53

Table 4.2.24: Survey question 24..................................................................................................54

Table 4.2.25: Survey question 25..................................................................................................55

Table 4.2.26: Survey question 26..................................................................................................56

Table 4.2.27: Survey question 27..................................................................................................57

Table 4.2.28: Survey question 28..................................................................................................58

Table 4.2.29: Survey question 29..................................................................................................59

Table 4.2.30: Survey question 30..................................................................................................60

Table 4.2.31: Survey question 31..................................................................................................61

Table 4.2.32: Survey question 32..................................................................................................62

Table 4.2.33: Survey question 33..................................................................................................63

Table 4.2.34: Survey question 34..................................................................................................64

Table 4.2.35: Survey question 35..................................................................................................65

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CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION
Background
Industrial units have both positive and negative impacts on the societal and environmental levels
of a country. According to the researchers, the establishment of an industrial unit generates
income and contributes to the economic development of a region while there is worldwide
evidence of destruction of natural habitats from the waste materials of factories (Purchase et al.
2021). The Edayar Industry of Ernakulam district of Kerala is not an exception in this case. This
current research will highlight both the positive and negative effects of the industry through
stakeholder interaction and analysis of secondary data. The Ernakulam district of Kerala is
widely known as an agriculture-based district in the southern part of India. According to the
researchers, more than 0.25 lakh hectares of paddy cultivation fields are present in this district.
However, Ernakulam is also famous for the cultivation of huge amounts of rubber (Kerala,
2023). Due to industrialisation in areas like Edayar, the dependency on an agriculture-based
economy has decreased as more than 47 heavy industries and 12619 micro-manufacturing plants
are present in this district (Kerala, 2023). With the presence of heavy industrial units in regions
like Edayar, the per capita income of Ernakulum has reached 94392 INR which has a significant
contribution in increasing the overall per capita income of Kerala up to 1,74,214 INR in the
2022-23 financial year. According to the data of the government portal, one of the biggest
industrial townships in Kerala, the Edayar Industrial Area directly employs close to 5000 people,
and it is home to the company that outputs "Aranmula Kannadi," a product that is a
representation of Keralan workmanship (Msmedithrissur, 2019). From polymer processing to
chemical manufacturing and aluminium processing to wood seasoning, petroleum refining and
Steel plants, the Edayar industry provides huge employment to the local people and other people
from different states of India. Therefore, from the social perspective like employment generation
and economic development, the Edayar industry has a huge impact in Kerala.
However, the Edayar industrial units are infamous for environmental destruction too. According
to the data, a strong stench emanated from twenty meat and rubber production facilities in the
Edayar industrial district in Eloor, as a result of greater emissions of "volatile organic compound
(VOC)". The NIIST research, which was reviewed by the "Pollution Control Board (PCB)",
assessed gas turbine biological filters and found that the filters placed in businesses were

7
inefficient. The study also mentioned that the bio filters' effectiveness was below the required
levels, which resulted in smell emission. On the other hand, The Periyar river turned discoloured
on September 7 as a result of unlawful pollutants being released by "Sud-Chemie India Pvt Ltd"
in the Edayar industrial region, according to the PCB on December 7 of 2023 (Satheesh, 2020).
After activists and locals told board officials about the colour change, samples were taken.
Chromium was found in the tests done at the board's central lab in Ernakulam. This showed that
the flow came from the industrial unit. The illegal flow took place through the stormwater drain,
which is only supposed to let rainwater out.
On the other hand, according to the expert panels of environmentalists, the wastewater and
chemical hazards of Edayar industrial units are destroying the local agricultural fields too. The
high presence of metals like Chromium is getting dissolved in the water bodies adjacent to the
company premises (Thehindu, 2023). As a result, the companies in this particular region are
responsible for the violation of environmental protection laws and waste management laws of the
Indian government. The situation is also alarming as the pesticide manufacturing plants in the
Edayar industry are also exerting a huge negative impact on the overall health of the people in
the Ernakulam district of Kerala. According to the data more than 5000 people have already
become victims of the endosulfan pesticide used in the paddy fields of Ernakulam (Downtoearth,
2017). In the previous section, it has been seen that the Edayar industrial units are generating
income for local people but the data also shows that it is not an unmixed blessing like other
industrial units of the world. The pesticides produced in the companies of Ernakulam have been
found to be responsible for mental and psychological disorders due to their decade-long spraying
in cashew fields. Pollution has become a daily burden for the residents of Edayar township and
the Eloor region of Ernakulum. Reports also indicate the incidents of acid rain in this region in
2016 which placed this region as one of the most critically polluted areas of India (Cpcb, 2023).
However, the lack of strict implementation of the laws, corruption in higher authorities like state
pollution control boards and lack of alternative employment are deteriorating the situation more.
Despite continuous alarm calls, necessary steps are yet to be taken to stop the emission of
harmful greenhouse gasses, volatile organic compounds and unplanned disposal of chemical
hazards. The current research will try to provide different aspects of the Edayar industry through
interaction with local people and collecting data from government portals and archives. It will be

8
helpful to provide the necessary recommendations to stop the negative environmental impacts of
those industrial units with alternative employment opportunities.
Aims and objectives
Aim
The project aims to present the actual scenario of the social and environmental conditions in
Ernakulum district due to the impact of Edayar industrial units through interaction with local
people. The project also aims to identify the loopholes in the activities of higher authorities and
to provide them with better recommendations.
Objectives
● To examine the socio-economic profile of the residents in Ernakulam
● To understand the various health issues caused by the working of Edayar industrial units
among the natives.
● To understand the opinion of the residents about the environmental impact caused by the
Edayar industrial units.
● To find out the suggestions from the residents about measures adopted to overcome the
issues created by Edayar industrial units.
Rationale
Overall problem statement
India uses about 230 cubic kilometres of groundwater every year, more than any other country in
the world. However, because of high rates of mining, groundwater replenishment hasn't been
able to keep many aquifers full. India's water security, food security, health, and people's ability
to make a living are all severely affected by this loss. India's groundwater resources are getting
worse because of pollution from cities, factories, and other things that people have made, which
are growing quickly. The race against time has turned into a race against growing population and
water management. Groundwater and water in the river Periyar are getting worse because of how
non-scientific industrial waste is dumped in Eloor, which is Kerala's biggest industrial belt. It is
very scary, and Kerala is now known as a "toxic hot spot" because of it. People are trying to look
into how to clean up the polluted groundwater in an area 500 meters around the Industrial Zone
(Aditya et al. 2023).
Eloor –Edayar Industrial Belt: Eloor is the industrial centre of Kerala. It is an island in the
Ernakulam district that is home to more than 40,000 people. The Idukki hydropower project,

9
which is the state's biggest, is located in the Eloor-Edayar industrial belt, which is on the banks
of the Periyar River. This area is very important to the state's economy because it provides
drinking water for many major cities. On the banks of the Periyar, there are chemical businesses
that make petrochemical products, rare-earth elements, pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals for
processing rubber, zinc and chrome products, and leather goods. The river is used by factories to
get processed water and get rid of wastewater that contains DDT, Endosulfan, heavy metals,
water nutrients, and more than one hundred other chemical compounds. With these pollutants,
Eloor is the 35th most dangerous hotspot in the world, and it's more than 5 mg/l, which is the
limit allowed by drinking water guidelines (Aditya et al. 2023). The study discovered that
effluents stored in dumping yards and ponds got into the groundwater table through infiltration
and rainwater. The pollution control board sent a letter to the suspected companies asking them
to explain the illegal release and what would be done to stop it from happening again. A report
made by the PCB in June 2022 revealed that untreated wastewater had been illegally dumped
into Edayar's stormwater drains through about 15 of them (The Hindu, 2023). It was also said by
the board that the water near the "Kadavu" across from where the discolouration was found was
cloudy when samples were taken, which could have caused the colour change.

Fig 1: Index map of Eloor Edayar Industrial belt

(Source: Aditya et al. 2023)
Industrial pollution and its aftermaths
Ernakulam district is infamous for its poor quality of air due to continuous industrial emissions,
poor planning of housing complexes and lack of screening of waste disposal activities of
industrial units. For example, like other industrial units of Ambalamugal, Edayar industrial units
have also been accused of deterioration of air quality. The data collected from the government

10
portal shows that from 2001 to 2008, the emission of Sulphur dioxide, and nitrous oxide
increased from 2 ug/m3 and 6.49 μg/ m3 to 4.1 and 18.8 μg/ m3 (Krishnan and Firoz, 2021).

Fig 2: Comparison of air quality degradation from 2001 to 2008 in different regions of
Kerala
(Source: Krishnan and Firoz, 2021)
On the other hand, the amount of suspended particulate matter has also increased in air which is
one of the main reasons for air quality degradation in Ernakulam district. Electric utilities,
particularly those that burn coal, are primarily responsible for the majority of sulphur dioxide
emissions into the environment in the Ernakulum region (Finkelman et al. 2021). Other factories
that produce sulphur dioxide include those that process and smelt metal, make cement, make
paper pulp, and refine petroleum. On the other hand, due to industrial activities, the number of
vehicles has increased enormously in the Edayar industrial units. According to the data, from
1998 to 2004, the number of vehicles increased from 1.5 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs and most of them
were commercial vehicles used in the export and import of goods. The data also revealed that by
burning fossil fuels due to increased vehicle activities, 1l0 tonnes of CO are released every year
in Ernakulum district.

Fig 3: Increased vehicular emissions in Ernakulum region of Kerala

(Source: Krishnan and Firoz, 2021)

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Due to increased industrial activities and vehicle activities, the noise pollution of Ernakulam is
also beyond the safety level. According to the survey of 26 different regions of Ernakulam, it has
been found that especially in commercial zones, the noise level is approximately 78.5 decibels
and in some regions, it is 76.55 decibels which is quite higher than the permissible level. As a
result, the workers and residents of the commercial township of Ernakulam are affected by
auditory dysfunctions (Scaria et al. 2023). The lack of necessary interventions from the pollution
control board is clearly present in the above-presented data. Not only the degradation of air
quality but also the degradation of the overall health of the people in the Ernakulum region is one
of the main problems of the Kerala government. Immediate steps must be taken to control the
emission to save the next generation from having airborne and auditory diseases.
Water pollution
The central lab board of Ernakulam has recently conducted a survey on the overall quality of
groundwater in the Ernakulam region. The board emphasized the groundwater sources which are
presented closely to the commercial zones. The central lab has found that due to the discharge of
hazardous chemicals from chemical manufacturing units in Edayar industrial units, the
groundwater sources are getting heavily polluted by high levels of chromium. As a result, the
Periyar River, the lifeline of Ernakulam has recently been discoloured from a high level of
pollutants. On the other hand, groundwater sources near Kadavu have also been found to be
affected by chemical discharge from nearby companies. The presence of pollutants has also been
found in almost 15 stormwater sources in Ernakulam too. High levels of biological oxygen in
water bodies are resulting in eutrophication which is deteriorating the quality of drinking water
sources. On the other hand, the discharge of volatile organic compounds from meat processing
industries in Edayar is destroying the biodiversity of water bodies. As a result, due to the
contamination of freshwater sources, local people are getting affected by water-borne diseases.
Researchers have also found that the unplanned drainage system of Ernakulam city is resulting in
the disposal of organic loads of approximately 34820 kg per day in the freshwater bodies
(Krishnan and Firoz, 2021). The increasing population of the city from industrial activities have
also been found to be responsible for water pollution.
According to the report, the community's ecology and health are severely impacted by drinking
water contamination in the "Eloor-Edayar industrial area". When wastes are kept in ponds or
piles, they frequently leak into surface waters during the monsoon season or combine with

12
rainfall that seeps through and reaches the groundwater table, seriously compromising its quality
(Mishra, 2023). Periyar's water is slow and has a deep black, crimson, or yellow tint due to
decades of uncontrolled or inadequately treated wastewater discharge. The presence of these
contaminants in groundwater and surface water has led to an outbreak of a variety of systemic
problems as well as an increase in the prevalence of illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis,
infections of the skin, and even cancer among users (Ambily and Jailakshmi Menon, 2019).
Children in the area are more likely to experience malformations as a result of chromosomal and
congenital abnormalities brought on by pollution. The environment is severely impacted by the
area's levels of pollution. Vegetables, eggs, and cow's milk are all exhibiting concerning levels of
chemical contamination. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the region's aquatic
biodiversity has suffered greatly as a result of wastewater discharge. Huge In the contaminated
sections of the Periyar River, fish deaths of both bigger and smaller species are frequent
occurrences. Similarly, in the case of air pollution, the lack of effective steps from the pollution
control boards is worsening the situation. As a result, despite decade-long contamination, a
monitoring system to check the quality of groundwater water is yet to be established. Without
proper interventions of the government, the people of Ernakulam and adjacent people will not
get relieved from the evil of the pollution.
Aditya et al.'s study from 2023 looked at five wells that were within 150 meters of an industrial
zone. The pH of the water was lower than what was allowed, which means that acidity from
industry pollutants was present. The amount of zinc and sulphate in well 41 was higher than
what was allowed. It was discovered that the water was slightly acidic and high in sulphates,
which means that pollution was moving through the groundwater. The water was also a little
salty and full of sulphates. It was found that the water was dirty because filthy water from the
Periyar River got into it. Most of the wells weren't good for drinking or cooking with, and about
half of the people who lived there treated the water in some way, like by adding lime and
potassium permanganate. If the flow of pollutants in the northeast direction is not properly
managed, things could get worse. Pollution of the groundwater in the Eloor-Edayar industrial
belt is very bad for both people and the environment. During the monsoons, trash from ponds or
heaps mixes with rain and enters surface water, which changes the groundwater table. The
Periyar River flows slowly and turns black, red, or yellow because of effluents that have not been
treated or have only been partly treated. This pollution makes it more likely for people to get

13
bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases, cancer, and other systemic illnesses (Divya et al. 2021).
Children in the area are more likely to be malformed because of birth defects and genetic
problems. Foods like eggs, vegetables, and cow's milk that are contaminated also hurt the
environment. The release of effluents has been terrible for marine life, killing a lot of fish and
lowering the number of fish in the area. In 1980, there were 35 different kinds of fish in the
Periyar, but now there are only 12.

Fig 4: Polluted Periyar River from the industrial activities

(Source: Ambily and Jailakshmi Menon, 2019 )
Lack of control over odour spreading
Twenty meat and rubber processing units in the Edayar industrial area near Eloor are putting out
more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which make the area smell bad. A study by the
National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) found that the industrial
gas biofilters that were put in place in the companies were not working well, which caused
smelly fumes. The study also said that there was no Indian standard on the emission of smells.
The report was made public by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) after Eloor Municipality
councillors asked them not to. VOC should not be more than 0.25 ppm, but most businesses have
more than 80 ppm. According to the Rhodium Group, US greenhouse gas emissions went down
1.9% in 2023, mostly because the power sector cut its emissions by 8% (The Times of India,
2024). On the other hand, despite several urges from environmentalists, the local authority has

14
not implemented protective liners to stop the disposal of chemical wastes from the companies in
freshwater ponds. The government must establish an eco-friendly green zone to protect the
natural flora and fauna of the Ernakulum region.
Air-borne diseases
Air is a part of man's immediate surroundings and is necessary for all living. Health issues and
even mortality result from breathing in air contaminated by smoke, dust, hazardous gases, and
chemical vapours. Air pollution has both immediate and long-term health effects on the
inhabitants of the Ernakulum region. The long-term consequences that are most frequently
associated with air pollution include respiratory allergies, bronchial asthma, and chronic
bronchitis.

15
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Understanding Industrialization and its impact on Ernakulam District
One of the greatest important things that has changed markets, states, and places all over the
world is industrialization. People can see how industry has changed society, the economy, and
the environment in the Ernakulam area of Kerala by looking at its past. Before writing this paper,
it wants to look at other studies that have been done on how industry has changed Ernakulam in
many ways, mainly in the Eloor region. It tries to give a true picture of how industry has changed
the social and economic situation in Ernakulam district over time by putting together different
points of view.
When it looks at industrialization through the lens of history, it can learn a lot about how
societies and economies change over time. A lot of study has been done on this subject by people
like Hobsbawm (1962) and Landes (2003), who can explain where industrialization came from,
what caused it, and what effects it had. We can get a full picture of how industrialization
changed economies, made more people live in cities, and sped up social change from their
important works. The many things that led to industrialization, new technologies, changes in
work habits, and the accumulation of capital worked together, according to these researchers.
They did this by looking at case studies from the past and long-term trends. Through their careful
research and nuanced points of view, they have helped us understand how important industry
was in the past and how it has affected societies all over the world for a long time.
In Kerala, the story of business is not the same as the story of any other place in the world.
Kerala stands apart from many other places that have grown more industrialised as it was
affected by a mix of historical, political, and physical factors. In Kerala, leaders like His
Highness Sri Chitira Tirunal Balarama Varma and Diwan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Ayyar set up
companies that made things, which cleared the way for other businesses to grow. Eloor, a town
in the Ernakulam district, used to be a farming town yet is now becoming an industrial hub. At
important times in Kerala's history, important businesses like the Fertilizers and Chemicals
Travancore Ltd (FACT) and the Indian Aluminium Company (IAC) were set up. This local event
shows how memories of the past, attempts by the government, and economic needs have all
shaped Kerala's industry scene.
One way to learn a lot about how development works and what effects it has is to look at how
different businesses have changed over time. By looking at specific cases, researchers can study

16
what makes industries grow, how economies change over time, and how changes in industries
affect people's lives and culture. That's a better picture of how businesses start up, grow, and
adapt to new times thanks to these case studies. They show us both the good and bad things that
happen in places as they become more industrialized. They also show how local groups,
government policies, and the world economy all affect the way businesses move forward. Case
studies can help experts learn from past mistakes, find the best ways to do things, and spot
potential issues. This helps people in charge of making policies decide what to do and how to
plan for long-term growth. Case studies are a good way to show how difficult economic change
is and what it means for different societies and countries around the world.
A lot of the time, industrialization hurts the environment in big ways, like damaging it, killing
places, and using up resources. More pollution gets into the air, water, and land when businesses
grow quickly. Greenhouse gasses, particulate matter, and dangerous chemicals are some of these
pollutions. Natural places are also often invaded by industrial activities, which harms ecosystems
and reduces the number of species that live there. People's health, animal health, and the ability
of communities to stay healthy in general are all hurt by these changes to the environment. To fix
the damage that growth does to the environment, we need to do good things like enforce tight
rules, use cleaner technologies, and plan for long-term resource management to lessen the bad
effects and encourage people to take care of the environment.
Many changes happen in society and culture because of development, as Rajan (2005) and
Menon (2012) found in Kerala. In their study, they look at how people organize to work, how
groups make sense of themselves, and how cultures change in workplaces. Careful analysis of
these studies sheds light on the culture and social effects of industry on nearby towns. They
stress how much industrial work has changed old ways of life and how it has created new social
networks. This study taught us more about how businesses can change social networks, cultural
norms, and neighborhood ties in some places and times.
There is a big effect on the environment and the growth of development that is caused by
government rules and policies. Mathew (2016) and Thomas (2008) looked into how well
environmental rules and actions by the government help Kerala's businesses grow in a way that
is sustainable. These studies show how important it is to have good government to handle the
natural, social, and economic issues that arise as a result of growth. They help us figure out how

17
to make economic growth in the area more stable and long-lasting by showing us the outcomes
of governmental changes and community-based projects.
For small towns, industrialization is like a double-edged sword: it brings both huge problems and
chances for economic growth. When people talk about Kerala's path to development, they often
talk about how everyone should be able to share in the benefits and how the state can stay viable
in the long run as it grows industrially. Scientists study the tangled links between business,
people, and the world. That helps us figure out how these various things affect budgets and daily
life in the area. By taking a critical look at these tough problems, researchers add useful new
details to bigger discussions about sustainable development and progress that benefits everyone
in areas that are becoming more industrialized. It is important to handle progress in a way that
protects the environment, helps the economy and society grow, and is fair to everyone, as shown
by their work.
This study of literature paints a full picture of how industry has changed the Eloor area and the
Ernakulam district in Kerala over time. There are different views from environmental, social,
political, and policy studies in this review. It shows how industrialization works and what effects
it has on communities and the environment. We need to study more and work with people from
different fields to think about the pros and cons of business and plan for long-term growth in
Ernakulam and beyond. (Nitha Thankam, G., 2020. Community Preparedness among residents
living in a chemical Accident-prone Industrial area in Ernakulam District)
Environmental Degradation from Edayar Industrial Units
The place Edayar is a quiet spot in Kerala, India, that is surrounded by lots of plants. It tells an
odd story of growth that is hurt by damage to the environment. However, the manufacturing
units in the area have been the main cause of damage to the environment. They have been very
important for economic growth and progress. For the first time, this piece talks about the many
environmental problems that Edayar's business activities cause. It talks about problems like
pollution, cutting down trees, and losing land, as well as how these issues hurt people's health
and the environment.
Factory pollution is the main cause of environmental problems in Edayar. Rivers and streams
that used to be clean are now filthy and dangerous because people dump raw sewage into them
without any controls. Worrying new data from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board
(KSPCB) shows that the Periyar River water has a lot more heavy metals than is allowed

18
(Satheesh, 2020). These metals include lead, mercury, and chromium. As an example, there is
almost ten times as much lead as is safe. This is bad for people's health and sea life.
Another clear result of the industries in Edayar is that they pollute the air. Companies are putting
out poisonous gasses and particles (PM10 and PM2.5), which makes the air quality in the area
very bad (World Health Organization, 2021). There is smog everywhere. Monitoring stations
have found amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air that are very
high. There is a big health risk for people in the area because these amounts are too high.
The damage that industrial waste does to the earth lasts for a long time. It throws off delicate
balances and changes how environments work. People in the area depend on aquatic wildlife, but
it is in danger of going extinct because of dirty water, ruined ecosystems, and changes in the
natural balance.
The rise of Edayar's industrial infrastructure has done a lot of damage to the country's natural
surroundings and animals. A lot of trees have been cut down to make room for companies and
other business buildings. This has killed many areas and forests. Over the last ten years, there has
been a huge drop in the amount of forest growth, as seen on satellite pictures (Coops et al. 2020).
There are now concrete manufacturing sites where there used to be green grass. It's not just
species that die when woods are cut down. It also changes the way water moves, gets rid of dirt,
and stores carbon. When trees are cut down, they throw off the delicate balance of ecosystems.
This makes them more likely to break down and makes climate change worse. Also, when trees
are cut down, big parts of the environment are lost, like the ability to control water flow, keep the
land healthy, and store carbon. It's harder for towns to get back on their feet and the damage to
the world gets worse.
Edayar's factories have made the water and air dirty, and they have also hurt the quality and
wealth of the land. Heavy metals and dangerous chemicals were thrown away from companies in
the wrong way, which has made a lot of farms dirty and less useful. Environmental groups look
at the dirt and find that it has a lot of dangerous chemicals in it, such as cadmium, arsenic, and
cyanide (Shahi Khalaf Ansar et al. 2023). There are big health risks for people who work with
this dirt and it can't be used for gardening. Soil degradation affects more than just the crops that
can be grown. Environmentally, it changes things like the types of plants and animals that live in
the soil, makes it less able to hold water, and makes it more likely to wash away. The use of
chemicals and taking down trees makes soil runoff worse and further breaks down land

19
resources. There are more mountains, less farms, and more harm from natural events like
earthquakes and storms because of this.
People in Edayar are suffering from poor health because the climate is getting worse. This is a
large and deep problem. An important link has been found between being exposed to industrial
pollution and people living close having worse health results. This link is often found in
demographic studies. Dirty air and water, along with using dirty goods, have caused more people
in the area to get lung diseases, heart diseases, and cancer (Chukwuemeka et al. 2021). Groups
that are more likely to get sick from pollution include children, the old, and towns that are
already struggling. These groups must bear the brunt of environmental damage. People in these
groups are more likely to get sick or die because they are more vulnerable. Inequalities in health
results are made worse by uneven sharing of environmental duties. This, in turn, keeps people in
poverty and on the edges of society.
Environmental damage caused by industrial activity in Edayar is a stark reminder of how
important it is for natural resources to be managed responsibly and for development to be
sustainable. It is imperative that we work together to solve the root causes of environmental
degradation, lessen its harmful effects, and improve ecosystem resilience and human well-being.
This essay has given ample proof to support this claim. Edayar needs a comprehensive plan that
includes strict laws, new technologies, community involvement, and teamwork between all
stakeholders in order to successfully solve the environmental problems they are trying to solve
(GAYATHRI, 2023). Policymakers, industry players, civil society groups, and local
communities need to work together to take proactive steps to protect public health, cut down on
pollution, protect wildlife, restore environments that have been damaged, and protect pollution.
The people who live in Edayar are essentially responsible for what happens to the place where
they live. Everyone needs to work together to find a way for business growth and environmental
protection to live together in peace. The only way for Edayar to achieve its goal of a future in
which economic success and ecological integrity coexist at the same time is by concentrated
efforts and collective commitment. This will ensure that future generations will inherit a legacy
that is sustainable. (Satheesh, S., 2021. Fighting in the name of workers: Exploring the dynamics
of labor-environmental conflicts in Kerala. The Palgrave Handbook of Environmental Labour
Studies, pp.199-223.)
Socio-Economic Impacts of Industrialization in Ernakulam:

20
Industrialization in Ernakulam is having big effects on the area's economy, jobs, and social
structure. The change from a farming-based economy to an industrial hub has given the people
who live there both chances and difficulties. According to data obtained from the government,
the Ernakulam district, which formerly relied mostly on farmland, experienced a lot of industrial
growth with the establishment of many new factories, including the well-known Edayar
Industrial Units. The campaign for development has produced a big rise in the income of each
person. In the 2022–23 fiscal year, the district's per capita income touched 94392 INR, which
forms an element of Kerala's total per capita income of 1,74,214 INR (Bureau, 2024). Also, the
Edayar Industrial Area alone immediately uses about 5,000 people, offering the people in the
area a way to make a living and keeping the economy stable. As a country has become more
industrialized, it has also improved its infrastructure, which has brought in investments and made
it easier for businesses to grow.
Nevertheless, along with these economic benefits, industrialization has additionally brought
about changes and problems in society and the economy that need to be diligently looked at. One
of these problems is that the social and economic backgrounds of people who live in Ernakulam
are changing (Mondal and Lizy, 2020). It is undeniable that development has provided jobs, but
it has also changed the organization of jobs, moving people from traditional farming jobs to
industrial jobs. People's social and economic lives have shifted because of this, and it is harder
for those who used to work on farms to make a living. Even though the number of jobs in
industry has grown, this may not always mean consistent pay or job security. This might result in
gaps in income and social status and make some groups of people more likely to be hurt. People
from rural areas have migrated to towns in search of work, which has led to urbanization and
changes in the population in Ernakulam. Due to this large increase of people, city infrastructure
and services are under a lot of stress. This has resulted in issues like not enough homes, bad
healthcare facilities, and more people using public places. To address these issues and help cities
keep growing, census and survey findings show that cities need to be carefully planned and their
infrastructure requires enhancement.
Development has impacted the air quality and health of people in Ernakulam. More waste has
been made by the Edayar Industrial Units along with other industrial units that have grown. This
has harmed the health of the air and water in the area. The air is full of toxins, like sulphur
dioxide, nitrous oxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is demonstrated by studies

21
and reports on the environment. The pollutants like these are dangerous for its health, especiall
for lungs (Maung et al. 2022). There are also worries about the Periyar River and other bodies of
water that are polluted with harmful chemicals and substances. These worries have been
connected to water quality and public health. Researchers have found a link between pollution
from industries and health problems in people who live near factories, such as respiratory
illnesses, infections of the skin, and even cancer. The damage that industry waste does to the
environment can have big impacts on both the business and society. Degradation of
environments and natural resources not only hurts people who rely on agriculture and
aquaculture for a living, but it also hurts the long-term health of the region's economy (Pedersen
et al. 2020). Also, the health effects of industrial pollution can put a strain on health care
facilities and cause people and the government to spend more on healthcare. In summary,
industrialization has helped Ernakulam's economy grow and created jobs, but it has also caused
social, economic, and environmental challenges that need to be carefully thought through and
dealt with. Data-driven analysis shows that industrialization has had many effects on the area
(Tsai et al. 2021). This indicates how important it is to have complete policy frameworks that
balance economic growth with social justice and natural sustainability. To make sure that every
person can benefit from and long-lasting growth in Ernakulam and beyond, the government,
business partners, and civil society need to collaborate together to solve these problems. (MS, A.,
2023. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
ERNAKULAM DISTRICT (Doctoral dissertation, St Teresa's College (Autonomous), Ernakulam)
Community Perception of Environmental Risks:
In recognition of risk management and decision-making to work well, it's important to know how
those in the community feel concerning environmental risks. How communities see
environmental problems affects how they deal with them and how willing they are to take steps
to reduce or adapt to such problems. But people have a lot of different and complicated ideas
about environmental risks. Social influences, anxiety, culture, and socioeconomic level are some
of the factors that shape them. Research by Tsai et al. (2021), shows that perception of people on
environmental hazards are affected by their knowledge about science. People who are aware
about science and have access to different science related information are more aware of natural
risks and other environmental concerns. Because they can't see and understand natural dangers
without easy access to science data, communities might not be as ready. According to Smith et

22
al. (2017), cultures with more educated people were more likely to do something about climate
change.
Sometimes social communities can respond differently to environmental degradation depending
on their culture and their living habits. For example, Native Americans may see environmental
risks differently depending on their spiritual views and folk tales (Long et al. 2020). It is also
applicable here in the case of the Indian cities. Local conditions and social networks may also
change how people see threats. As a result of how much people believe businesses, how eager
they are to work together, and how they prefer to talk, different groups react differently to natural
disasters. Environmentalists who had a lot of friends and a good opinion of their town's leaders
were more likely to work together, according to a study by Brown et al. (2018). People's ideas
about how dangerous a place is depended on how rich it is. People who live in places with lots of
natural resources might see environmental risks differently than people who live in places with a
wider range of income opportunities. Whether or not people in a community care about
protecting the environment relies on a lot of things, like how many jobs, income, and supplies
are available. Bocken and Short (2021) found that governments in places where environmentally
damaging businesses were important were often given false information about the risks that
came with these businesses. It's hard to work hard at making money and taking care of the earth
at the same time.
The way people in a community think about possible dangers is also affected by psychological
factors like how they feel and how they see risks. Fear, worry, and confidence can change how
people see danger and how they respond to them. There are also cognitive flaws, such as
positivity bias or the desire to lower personal risk, that can make people dismiss environmental
threats. A research study, for instance, found that people generally believe the risks of doing
something known and voluntary, like driving, are lower than the risks of doing something new
and required, like harming the environment (McDonald‐Harker et al. 2022). These psychological
factors may be part of the reason why measured risk ratings and community assessments of
environmental risks don't always match up. Importantly, how people in a community think about
environmental risks doesn't stay the same over time. It can change in reaction to changes in the
environment, in society, or in events occuring outside the community. Effective risk
communication strategies that involve communities and encourage discussion are needed to help
people have accurate ideas about risk and encourage them to take action to control it.

23
Policymakers and other interested parties can make more focused and effective efforts to solve
environmental problems and support sustainable development if they understand all the variables
that affect how people in a community see environmental risks.
In summary, how people in a community think about environmental risks is affected by many
research, cultural, social, economic, and psychological forces working together. To make plans
that work in different situations to deal with environmental problems and make communities
stronger, it's important to understand these things. By using local information, customary
assumptions, and socio-economic factors in risk management, lawmakers and stakeholders can
get more people in the community involved and work together to protect the environment.
Ultimately, raising knowledge, encouraging conversation, and giving citizens the power to take
part in making decisions are important steps towards achieving sustainable growth and
effectively dealing with environmental risks. (Imperiale, A.J. and Vanclay, F., 2021.
Conceptualizing community resilience and the social dimensions of risk to overcome barriers to
disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 29(5), pp.891-
905.)

24
Chapter 3: Methodology
3.1 Statement of The Problem
Through operational activities, industrial facilities in Edayar, Ernakulam, have created a variety
of social and environmental issues that this study aims to thoroughly address. The primary
objective is to investigate the perceived effects of these industrial zones on the environment for
the people who live nearby. Furthermore, it will meticulously investigate the socioeconomic
background of these people, questioning them about health-related complaints, gathering
differing viewpoints, and requesting their priceless advice on how to handle and lessen the
extensive variety of difficulties that come with living in an industrial environment.
3.2 Objectives
General Objective
To study about the environmental impacts caused by the functioning of Edayar industrial
units in Ernakulam
Specific Objective
● To examine the socio-economic profile of the residents in Ernakulam
● To understand the various health issues caused by working of Edayar industrial units
among the natives.
● To understand the opinion of the residents with regard to the environmental impact
caused by the Edayar industrial units.
● To find out the suggestions from the residents with regard to measures adopted to
overcome the issues created by Edayar industrial units.
3.3 Clarification of Concepts
Theoretical Definition

Environmental impact is a term used to describe both the positive and negative consequences and
is defined by the effect that human activities have on the natural environment. These
consequences may be related to different aspects of the environment and can range from changes
in the composition of water and the atmosphere to alterations in climate patterns and a decline of
biodiversity . The environmental benefits of conservation programs, sustainable resource
management practices, and renewable energy programs, all of which help maintain and ideally
even enhance ecological connections and ecosystem help structures, are examples of

25
environmental effects (Lu et al. 2020). Describes hazards that are both catastrophic to human
health and damaging to the long-term health of entire ecosystems . Habitat reduction,
deforestation, water and air destruction, and carbon emissions are all examples of environmental
pollution. To grasp the overarching impacts of environmental influence, identifying the tangled
relationships between human and natural systems, as well as the interrelations between
environmental, social, and economic processes, is critical to grasp the basic principles. It
evaluates levels of existing motivations or proves to leverage how stakeholders can be further
involved in environmental stewardship or develop sufficient licenses on such a field vis-à-vis
global environmental challenge.

Operational Definition
"Environmental impact" in this research particularly refers to the observable effects of industrial
activity in the Edayar industrial belt. These includes the following
Health Problems among Residents:
Several health problems that people living close to the Edayar industrial belt report having, such
skin conditions, lung conditions, and other adverse health consequences linked to being exposed
to pollutants released by industrial activities (Schraufnagel, 2020).
Air and Water Pollution:
Environmental deterioration that is visible, such as pollutants in the air and water sources around
industrial areas, which are caused by emissions, effluents, and waste disposal methods related to
industrial operations (Munsif et al. 2021).
The study intends to measure and characterise the concrete impacts of industrial operations on
the health and welfare of locals, as well as on the quality of the surrounding air and water, by
operationalizing environmental impact in this way.
3.4 Variables
Dependent Variable
The environmental effect of industrial activity in the Edayar region is the dependent variable in
this study, with an emphasis on health difficulties among the local population as well as
environmental problems such as pollution of the air and water.
Independent Variable
Demographic characteristics like inhabitants' age, marital status, income, and educational
attainment are among the independent variables.

26
3.5 Pilot Study

In advance of the primary data collection, the pilot study among a small number of local people
from the Edayar industrial belt should be conducted. The pilot study should help assess the
effectiveness and feasibility of the questionnaire, identify any issues or misunderstandings that
may arise, and modify the research instruments as required (Noor Hanita et al. 2022). To ensure
that the survey questionnaire accurately reflects the target constructs and does not yield precise
data for the large-scale research, the input of the pilot-testing respondents would facilitate the
development of the survey’s ease, appropriateness, and readability.

3.6 Population
Some wards from Eloor Municipality and Kadungalloor Panchayath will be picked on purpose to
be the nearest to the Edayar industrial complex. The people who will be most affected by
industrial activity will be chosen based on how close these areas are to the industrial area. Later,
100 responders will be picked at random from each of the wards using a simple random selection
method. The goal of this method is to put emphasis on the environmental and social effects that
the local population faces by gathering a diverse group of people who live close to the industrial
zone.
3.7 Universe

The universe to which the study is conducted is people living in Eloor Municipality. It refers to
everyone irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and other demographic
characteristics living within the official borders of Eloor Municipality. To understand the social
and environmental consequences of the industrial operation within the area and its impact on the
entire community, the study will be on the whole population of Eloor Municipality. It is through
the above method that the results and recommendations of the study are applicable to the broad
range of people living under the local administration.

3.8 Sampling Method

An important measure incorporated in this study is the purposive selection of the one or two
wards closest to the Edayar industrial unit. This sampling strategy is necessary to ensure that the
most affected people from the industrial activities are included in the sample (Campbell et al.

27
2020). A random selection of 100 respondents will be drawn from these two wards. This
technique strikes a balance between accuracy and randomness in addition to the proximity of the
industrial zone to the opinions under study. This technique captures the views of the locals who
have been directly affected by the industries, which still enables generalization of the results to
other settings. It makes it easier to understand the dimensions of the social and environmental
issues within the study area.

3.9 Tool of Data Collection

For this study, the data collection tool will be a Google Forms-based survey. The internet-based
instrument makes it simple to manage data and gives it feasible to make adjustments. This
safeguards privacy, accuracy, and ease of access, which keep the research process more reliable
and valid, which is necessary for any research.

28
Chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation
4.1 Introduction
The survey responses are going to be evaluated in the data analysis chapter of this study. It helps
to learn more about how the socio-economic activities in Edayar, Ernakulam affect people and
the environment as a whole. The objective of the study is going to be achieved through this
extensive data analysis section which enables researchers to identify patterns in the collected
data set and make necessary conclusions from the research.
4.2 Data analysis and interpretation

Q1: Age of the respondent

Options Responses Total respondents

15-25 11

26-35 24

36-45 23 100

46-55 20

55 above 22

Table 4.2.1: Survey question 1

The respondents include a diverse range of age groups, with 24% falling within the 26-35 age
range, 23% within the 36-45 age range, and 11% each between the 15-25 and 55+ age categories.
The presence of a broad distribution in Edayar allows a full examination of the social and
environmental consequences associated with industrial activity.

29
Fig 4.2.1: Survey question 1

Q2: Education of the respondent

Options Responses Total respondents

Below SSLC 12

SSLC 18

SSC/ HSC 22

Graduate 23

Post graduate 2 100

Professional 1

Technical 21

Other 1

Table 4.2.2: Survey question 2

The respondents exhibit a range of educational attainment, with a significant proportion having
attained technical education (21%) and undertaken Graduate courses (23%). Nevertheless, the
data reveals a much lower proportion of participants possessing Postgraduate degrees (2%) and

30
Professional credentials (1%). Significantly, none of the participants indicated possessing
"Other" knowledge. The inclusion of individuals with diverse educational backgrounds enhances
the study's viewpoint on the effects of industrial activities in Edayar.

Fig 4.2.2: Survey question 2

Q3: Occupation of the respondent

Options Responses Total respondents

Self employed 13

Government service 3

Private Sector 27

Homemaker 26

Unemployed 12 100

Other 19

Technical 21

Other 1

Table 4.2.3: Survey question 3

31
The analysis of respondents' occupation distribution reveals a diverse workforce, characterized
by notable participation from the Private Sector (27%) and Homemakers (26%). Furthermore,
there is a significant presence of technical positions (21%) and Self-employed workers (13%).
Nevertheless, the Government Service (3%) and Unemployed (12%) groups have a restricted
presence. Different elements present in Edayar provides valuable insights into the socio-
economic composition and employment patterns influenced by industrial operations, which is
valuable for the current research.

Fig 4.2.3: Survey question 3

Q4: Marital status

Options Responses Total respondents

Single 36

Married 63

Divorced / separated 1

other 0

100

Table 4.2.4: Survey question 4

32
The responses about marital status indicate that the majority of the people who answered were
married (63%), while only 36% of the participants were single. Notably, a single individual who
was by themselves said they were divorced or separated, but there was no one in the "other"
category. The study's goal of looking into the socioeconomic profile and how it affects the
economy in Edayar fits with what is known about the interviewees' marital status.

Fig 4.2.4: Survey question 4

Q5: Family type

Options Responses Total respondents

Joint 31 100

Nuclear 69

Others 0

Table 4.2.5: Survey question 5

The survey findings also indicate that a major section of households in Edayar are nuclear
families, which is exactly the 69% of the respondents. This data indicates that there is a presence
of a dominant family structure that is also valuable to understand the socio-economic structure of
a particular region.

33
Fig 4.2.5: Survey question 5

Q6: Annual income

Options Responses Total respondents

Less than 50,000 5

50,000 - 1,00,000 26

1,00,000 - 2,00,000 31

2,00,000 - 3,00,000 22

More than 3,00,000 16 100

Table 4.2.6: Survey question 6

The survey results show that a major proportion of individuals falls within the income range of
50,000 - 2,000,000 which suggest that the middle-income group is most impacted by industrial
activities. It is necessary to comprehend the socio-economic inequalities that arise as a
consequence of industrialisation in order to evaluate the wider social and environmental
consequences.

34
Fig 4.2.6: Survey question 6

Q7: Have you ever noticed any discoloration or unusual taste in your tap water?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 94
100
No 6

Table 4.2.7: Survey question 7

The survey result also indicates that a large number of participants have personally experienced
changes in colour and taste of tap water (94%), and this problem is extremely serious and,
apparently, directly connected with the activities of local industry in Edayar . Consequently,
these problems with water quality should be addressed to maintain public health and a
sustainable environment in Edayar.

35
Fig 4.2.7: Survey question 7

Q8: Do you ever feel any unpleasant Odor in your tap water?

Options Responses Total respondents

Always 2

often 7

sometimes 45 100

rarely 43

never 3

Table 4.2.8: Survey question 8

The outcomes reflected in the survey show that there are highly different reports of experiencing
an foul smell in tap water. While a negligible number of people permanently complain about
smelling all the time and a low proportion although consistently experience it often , a
considerable part claim it happens sometimes. The vast majority of participants with rare one-
time complaints and the minority , who never complained about smelling, characterize this way.
Thus, the problem is prevalent but sporadic, and the concern about water quality is complicated
and fluctuating due to its reception from the production operations in Edayar.

36
Fig 4.2.8: Survey question 8

Q9: Have you been any reports of waterborne illness or contamination in your
community?

Options Responses Total respondents

Always 0

Often 4

sometimes 59

rarely 35

never 2 100

Table 4.2.9: Survey question 9

The study reveals that although a significant number of respondents (59%) have occasionally
come with waterborne sickness or problems with contamination, there are no common instances
of these in their community. The result indicates a correlation between the industrial activities in
Edayar and the sporadic but pervasive concerns about the water's quality and possible adverse
health effects. The sporadic nature of these occurrences is shown by the large number of people
(35%) who report a few instances and the little proportion (2%) who never experience such
complaints. This highlights the necessity of ongoing monitoring and corrective action.

37
Fig 4.2.9: Survey question 9

Q10: Have there been any reports of fish kills or the decline of aquatic life in the water
bodies nearby?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 80
100
No 20

Table 4.2.10: Survey question 10

The following findings also reveal that a huge number of participants (80%) recognize the
existence of fish deaths or a decrease in aquatic life, which can be a major concern from an
environmental point of view. It is crucial to tackle these issues in order to safeguard aquatic
habitats and guarantee environmental sustainability in the area.

38
Fig 4.2.10: Survey question 10

Q11: Did you ever observe a decrease in the availability of clean and safe water for
domestic use?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 91
100
No 9

Table 4.2.11: Survey question 11

Nearly all of the people who took the poll had seen a decrease in the availability of safe drinking
water for their homes (91%). What this means is that industrial activity in Edayar is probably
influencing a large-scale worry. It is essential to guarantee supply of clean water, which can be
necessary to give people a healthy lifestyle.

39
Fig 4.2.11: Survey question 11

Q12: Do you believe that the industrial activities are significantly impacting the long-
term sustainability of water resources in your village?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 41

often 39

sometimes 18 100

rarely 2

never 0

Table 4.2.12: Survey question 12

A considerable percentage of participants express notable apprehension regarding the enduring
viability of water resources as a result of industrial operations in their village. Specifically, 41%
consistently hold the belief that industrial activities have an impact on the sustainability of water
resources, while an additional 39% frequently hold this belief. This highlights the perceived
gravity of the problem.

40
Fig 4.2.12: Survey question 12

Q13: Are there visible signs of air pollution (increased levels of smog, haze, or particulate
matter)?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 100
100
No 0

Table 4.2.13: Survey question 13

In Edayar, 100% of respondents reported air pollution, including fog, haze, or particulate matter,
which shows a prominent environmental concern. The overwhelming consensus shows that
industrial activity significantly impacts air quality. Reducing visible pollution indicators protects
community health and the environment. This requires quick industrial reductions in emissions
and air quality regulations.

41
Fig 4.2.13: Survey question 13

Q14: Did you experience any unpleasant or unusual Odors in the air?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 72

often 28

sometimes 0
100
rarely 0

never 0

Table 4.2.14: Survey question 14

Another finding of the survey among 72 percent of people is the often occurrence of bad smells,
which is likely to be a result of the industrial activity in Edayar. It indicates the high level of air
contamination and associated health threats to the population. The elimination of Odors and
significant improvement of the air quality remains one of the points to target to enhance the
people’s health and life in an industrial emission-affected area.

42
Fig 4.2.14: Survey question 14

Q15: Do you believe that industrial activities are impacting the overall well-being and
quality of life in the village?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 58

often 20

sometimes 12

rarely 0

never 0 100

Table 4.2.15: Survey question 15

Furthermore, based on the survey arranged, the results show that people generally feel that the
industry significantly affects the overall welfare levels and lifestyle quality in the area. The
obtained survey data indicate that 58% of the participants feel that this is always the case, and
20% state that it often happens. This accounts for the significant influence industrialization has
on the communities’ welfare.

43
Fig 4.2.15: Survey question 15

Q16: Have you encountered any issues with waste disposal (illegal dumping or improper
sewage treatment) in your neighbourhood?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 1

often 5
100
sometimes 74

rarely 20

never 0

Table 4.2.16: Survey question 16

According to the findings of the study, a high percentage of participants, 74 per cent, suffer from
occasional issues linked to waste management in the community. Very few participants always
experience the lack of proper disposal methods or witness the unauthorized dumping of sewage
in, and around 1 per cent, or 5 per cent often do. However, such a considerable percentage

44
indicates a widespread concern. Such problems need to be addressed to ensure environmental
sanitation remains clean and can ensure the local community’s health.

Fig 4.2.16: Survey question 16

Q17: Do you think that improper waste management from industries has a severe impact
on the environment in the area?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 89
100
No 11

Table 4.2.17: Survey question 17

A significant majority of participants (89%) hold the belief that inadequate waste management
practices originating from industrial activities have a substantial adverse influence on the local
ecosystem. This observation suggests a prevalent apprehension among inhabitants about the
ecological ramifications of industrial waste, underscoring the need for enhanced waste
management strategies to alleviate detrimental effects on the surrounding ecosystem.

45
Fig 4.2.17: Survey question 17

Q18: Did you notice any health issues due to the pollution from the industries?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 98 100

No 2

Table 4.2.18: Survey question 18

The report conclusively finds that a significant percentage of participants, comprising 98% of the
sampled population, considers health problems will be witnessed due to pollution caused by the
operations of industries. It confirms the urgency of addressing the pollution levels in the
nonhuman setting to salvage an already deteriorating condition in human settlements near
industries.

46
Fig 4.2.18: Survey question 18

Q19: Are there any health surveys conducted here to investigate the health impacts of the
nearby factories?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 1

often 0

sometimes 11 100

rarely 20

never 68

Table 4.2.19: Survey question 19

The data reveals a harsh truth about health surveys in the region affected by the presence of local
enterprises. Only 1% of participants claim that these surveys are consistently carried out, while
none mention their frequent frequency. Only a minority (11%) of respondents acknowledge the
occurrence of occasional surveys, while a substantial majority (68%) assert that these surveys are
never carried out. These findings underscore a significant deficiency in the surveillance of health
effects, underscoring the need for immediate action to safeguard the welfare of the population.

47
Fig 4.2.19: Survey question 19

Q20: Is there any noticeable change in the frequency or severity of health issues after the
establishment of industry?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 95 100

No 5

Table 4.2.20: Survey question 20

Moreover, a large share of the respondents describes changes in the frequency or severity of the
health problems they experience within the region after the industry-related activities have
started, which encompasses 95%. This indicates a strong correlation between industrial practices
and the trends of local residents’ deteriorating health. Therefore, addressing these issues is one of
the most critical steps in preventing the negative health effects related to industrialization and
preserving the general well-being of the community.

48
Fig 4.2.20: Survey question 20

Q21: Have you or anyone in your family experienced any health issues that you believe
may be related to the nearby industrial activities?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 73
100
No 27

Table 4.2.21: Survey question 21

It is also worrying that many people in the community fear the negative consequences of the
industrial activity that are followed by severe health problems. The people in the community
suffer from various health issues and illnesses and most of them reported 73% that their health
conditions are/ were caused by the nearby industrial activities. Hence, it is important to alleviate
the risk related to industrial pollution and protect the local population.

49
Fig 4.2.21: Survey question 21

Q22: Do you observe any health issues for the new born children in this area due to the
pollution from the industries? Do you observe any health issues for the new born
children in this area due to the pollution from the industries?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 74
100
No 26

Table 4.2.22: Survey question 22

Pollution from nearby industry is the root cause of health problems in infants, according to 74%
of respondents to the study. The negative effects of industrial pollution on the health of infants
are clearly a major problem, as this shows. It is very necessary to take immediate action to
reduce industrial pollution in the neighbourhood in order to address these health concerns and
ensure the safety of at-risk groups.

50
Fig 4.2.22: Survey question 22

Q23: Do you think the pollution from the nearby industries is the reason for any of the
chronic diseases seen in this area?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 90
100
No 10

Table 4.2.23: Survey question 23

The investigation shows that most people agree that pollution from adjacent industries is a major
cause of chronic illnesses in the region. 90% of respondents made this assumption. All the more
reason to worry about the correlation between industrial pollution and people's health. A
reduction in the incidence of chronic illnesses and an improvement in the general health of the
community's inhabitants as a whole can only be achieved if these issues are adequately
addressed.

51
Fig 4.2.23: Survey question 23

Q24: Do you think that local authorities are effectively addressing environmental
concerns related to air and water pollution in your area?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 0

often 1

sometimes 4 100

rarely 24

never 71

Table 4.2.24: Survey question 24

The data presented suggests a notable deficiency in trust about the efficacy of local authorities in
tackling environmental issues pertaining to air and water pollution. Only 1% of respondents
indicate that authorities often tackle these concerns, while a substantial majority (71%) assert
that they never do. Furthermore, 4% of respondents indicate that their solutions are sometimes
efficacious, while 24% report often addressing these problems.

52
Fig 4.2.24: Survey question 24

Q25: Did the local authorities make any efforts to monitor or mitigate potential health
hazards?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 0

often 0

sometimes 11 100

rarely 28

never 61

Table 4.2.25: Survey question 25

The information emphasises how little local government is seen to be doing to prevent or
monitor any health risks in the neighbourhood. There seems to be a large gap in governance and
public health measures, since the majority of respondents (61%) state that authorities never make
such attempts. There is an urgent need for authorities to prioritise health hazard mitigation in

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order to protect the well-being of the population, since just 11% mentioned occasional attempts
and none reported continuous initiatives.

Fig 4.2.25: Survey question 25

Q26: Have you noticed any government-led initiatives or programs aimed at mitigating
the environmental impacts of the industrial activities in your community?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 100
100
No 0

Table 4.2.26: Survey question 26

Based on the findings, all respondents (100%) agreed that there should be government-led
programmes or efforts in place to lessen the negative environmental effects of local industry.
This implies that government agencies should take an active role in resolving environmental
issues brought on by industrialization. To determine if these measures are sufficient and
successful in meeting the environmental requirements and concerns of the community, further
research may be necessary.

54
Fig 4.2.26: Survey question 26

Q27: Have you observed any enforcement actions or penalties imposed by the
government on industries for violating environmental regulations?

Options Responses Total respondents

always 1

often 0

sometimes 2 100

rarely 27

never 70

Table 4.2.27: Survey question 27

The data demonstrates that the public does not trust the government punishes or enforces those
breaking environmental rules. Rather, 70% of the respondents to the survey, have never seen or
heard of such things happening. However, few people, only 1%, claim to, “always follow law
enforcement steps,” meaning that more enforcement is necessary to ensure businesses attain
environmental rules and decrease the environmental damage in the community.

55
Fig 4.2.27: Survey question 27

Q28: In your opinion, is the current level of interference and regulations by the
government adequate to safeguard the health of the community?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 99
100
No 1

Table 4.2.28: Survey question 28

A huge majority of respondents (99%) think that the current amount of government involvement
and rules is enough to protect the community's health. There is a lot of trust in the government's
regulatory actions and steps to deal with health issues caused by industry operations. There is,
however, a small group (1%) who are unhappy, which suggests that the situation needs to be
looked at more closely and possibly made better in terms of how the rules are enforced to protect
everyone's health.

56
Fig 4.2.28: Survey question 28

Q29: How aware are you of the environmental regulations and standards set by the
government for industries activities in your area?

Options Responses Total respondents

very aware 0

somewhat aware 5

neutral 23

not very aware 26

not aware at all 46 100

Table 4.2.29: Survey question 29

The data indicates that respondents are not well-informed about the environmental rules and
regulations regarding the government’s regulations on businesses in the area. 72% of individuals
agree they are somewhat informed, while 46% report being unaware. The data evidently
illustrates that most people know little about environmental laws. Therefore, it need to be more

57
informed and educate people about these laws to ensure that people obey the rules and save the
environment.

Fig 4.2.29: Survey question 29

Q30: Have you or anyone you know ever participated in community awareness programs
or initiatives related to environmental protection and industrial impact in your
municipality

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 10
100
No 90

Table 4.2.30: Survey question 30

The survey showed that only 10% of people who answered said they were involved in
community learning programmes about protecting the environment and the effects of industry.
People in this town don't seem to be very involved in projects that aim to make people more
aware of environmental problems and how they affect public health. For a community to be able
to fight for environmental protection and healthy growth, more people should be encouraged to
take part in these kinds of programmes.

58
Fig 4.2.30: Survey question 30

Q31: How would you rate the transparency of information provided by local authorities
regarding the environmental impact of industrial activities in your municipality?

Options Responses Total respondents

very transparent 0

somewhat transparent 0

neutral 7

not very transparent 33

not at all transparent 60 100

Table 4.2.31: Survey question 31

Local governments' environmental impact information is in doubt, according to the data. 93% of
respondents found the data confounding or not clear. Local governments must be transparent
about the environmental impacts of economic operations.

59
Fig 4.2.31: Survey question 31

Q32: Do you believe that public participation in decision making processes related to
industrial activities and environmental regulations is crucial for sustainable
development?

Options Responses Total respondents

strongly agree 47

agree 39

never 9

disagree 3

strongly disagree 2 100

Table 4.2.32: Survey question 32

The results show that a lot of people (86%) really think it is important for healthy growth for the
public to have a say in decisions about business activities and environmental rules. This shows
how important people think it is for communities to have a say in creating policies and
programmes that protect the environment and improve people's lives.

60
Fig 4.2.32: Survey question 32

Q33: How satisfied are you with the overall living conditions in Eloor Municipality,
considering both the positive and negative impacts of industrial activities?

Options Responses Total respondents

very satisfied 0

satisfied 2

neutral 27

dissatisfied 33

very dissatisfied 38 100

Table 4.2.33: Survey question 33

The survey identified 71% of respondents unhappy with Eloor Municipality's living
circumstances. Industrial operations' pros and cons for the neighbourhood may explain this. The
high dissatisfaction rate highlights the need for resident-focused initiatives.

61
Fig 4.2.33: Survey question 33

Q34: Are there any initiatives or projects happening in this area to reduce the pollution
from the industrial belt?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 0
100
No 100

Table 4.2.34: Survey question 34

The majority of respondents (71%) are unhappy with their living circumstances in Eloor
Municipality. This is likely due to industrial negative consequences. There are no industrial belt
pollution reduction programmes, according to 100% of respondents. It seems that the area's
environmental issues are being ignored.

62
Fig 4.2.34: Survey question 34

Q35: Are there any mass movements or protests happening in this area against the
environmental pollution due to the working of the industries?

Options Responses Total respondents

Yes 13
100
No 87

Table 4.2.35: Survey question 35

The survey result also shows that the 13% of those who answered say that there are currently
significant campaigns or protests going on to stop pollution from factories. On the other hand,
87% of those who answered say that there aren't any such programmes, which shows that there
isn't much community action or organized work to stop industry pollution in the area.

63
Fig 4.2.35: Survey question 35
4.3 Summary
The analysis part looks at all the survey answers in detail and sheds light on how economic
operations in Edayar, Ernakulam affect people and the environment. Through data analysis, it
shows how people feel, what they've experienced, and what worries them about pollution, health
effects, and government involvement. This gives policymakers and interventionists useful
information for making decisions.

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Chapter 5: Findings and conclusion
5.1 Findings
The results of the survey give different important information about how companies in Edayar,
Ernakulam, affect people and the environment, which is in line with the study's goals. The main
goal of the survey was to find out how wealthy or poor the people in the area were. It was clear
from the answers that most of the people who did that were married and worked in the private
sector. This list of people living in the area shows that it is steady and linked to the nearby
economy. This is important for knowing how the activities of the businesses affect the lives of
the people who remain there (Demirović Bajrami et al. 2020). That's not all. The study
additionally looked into what health issues the locals were having because of the industrial units.
These numbers showed that being around industrial pollution makes a lot of people sick in other
ways, too, like skin conditions, breathing problems, and other health problems. A lot of health
problems happen to people who live near industrial zones. This shows how important it is to act
right away and keep an eye on things.
The third question of the surveyed asked people what they thought about how the factories
affected the environment. Most of the people who answered said that water and air pollution
were a problem in their area. This shows that actions in business are hurting the environment a
great deal. People are also afraid about the long-term health of water sources, as shown by the
poll (Salehi, 2022). A lot of the people who answered expressed worry about how the businesses
would affect the water sources in the area. Last but not a minimum, the poll asked what people
thought regarding how to fix the issues that industrial units create. Polluters from businesses
were told how important it was to have stricter environmental laws as well as making sure those
laws were followed more often. There were also many calls for the community to have a bigger
say in how businesses are governed. This shows how important it is for everyone to be involved
in environmental government.
People in Edayar, Ernakulam have been impacted by economic growth, damage to the
environment, and poor public health in a number of complex ways. It's clear that pollution is a
big issue, and people who live near factories are worried about their health. But it also shows that
you care about the community and want to take good steps to solve these issues. Going forward,
politicians and other important people need to pay attention to what locals say and move quickly
to lessen the damage that businesses cause to the area (Malin et al. 2022). Certain things that

65
could be done to do this are to tighten rules about the environment, buy tools that stop waste, and
push for more awareness and public participation in the decision-making process. Following
business practices that are good for the environment and help the economy grow and get better is
also a factor that people should do. To do this, we might need to encourage people to make
things in better ways, back alternative energy sources, and invest in green infrastructure.
5.2 Overall conclusion
The study gave an excellent overview of how the people who live in Edayar, Ernakulam are
impacted by the economy as a whole. The fact that pollution is often tied to health problems in
the area shows how badly we need to take focused action to reduce the harmful effects of
industrial pollution on public health. People who responded also said the environment was
getting worse. This finding shows how important it is to have effective regulations and police in
the particular are to stop water and air pollution, which is essential for giving people healthy life.
Not only that, but the results also show how important it is for communities to be active and for
everyone to be able to help with environmental government. The reality that people want to have
a bigger say in choices shows how important it is to have policies that are open, include
everyone, and put the health of the community first. Long-lasting solutions can be found to the
difficult problems that industrial growth brings up by getting politicians, business partners, and
the local community to talk to each other and work together. Going forward, everyone needs to
work together to make big plans that protect the health of people and the earth while
simultaneously expanding the economy. To do this, require a well-thought-out plan that takes
into account what everybody wants and needs. Businesses, policymakers, and people in the
community can all work together to make Edayar's future more stable and fairer, where
companies can run with no putting people's health and safety or the environment at risk.

66
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