Residents protest against opening of tar manufacturing plant in Devala

It will cause air pollution and affect people’s health, they say

Residents of Devala near Gudalur staged a protest against attempts to reopen a tar manufacturing unit, citing health concerns on Wednesday.

They alleged that the unit caused air pollution in the area and affected the health of local residents. “The factory was already closed down a few years ago due to the concerns raised by the residents. However, the owner, who claims to have political connections, is attempting to reopen the factory despite local opposition,” said R. Dharman, a local resident and one of the protesters.