The fireworks blast site at Mundathikode.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
The presence of hazardous heavy metals in the topsoil at the Mundathikode fireworks accident site has prompted demands for its immediate removal, amid concerns that the contaminants could leach into nearby water sources and pose health risks.
K. Radhakrishnan, MP, has written to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change seeking urgent intervention to remove and safely dispose of the contaminated soil.
The April 21 fireworks accident, which claimed 17 lives, occurred in an area surrounded by paddy fields, waterbodies, houses and wells. Subsequent tests conducted by the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) reportedly detected chromium, copper, vanadium and cyanide at levels exceeding permissible limits in the soil at the site.
The PCB had reportedly submitted its initial findings to the authorities on May 15, before the onset of the monsoon, and recommended that the accident site be treated as a potentially contaminated area. It also recommended the removal of the contaminated topsoil from an area of around 7,000 sq. metres.
Safe disposal of topsoil
According to the recommendations, nearly 1,470 tonnes of topsoil should be removed and transported to the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd. (KEIL) facility at Ambalamugal, Kochi, for safe treatment and disposal.
However, the recommended action has reportedly not been taken. Mr. Radhakrishnan claims the implementation is delayed due to financial implications and inaction by the authorities.
With the monsoon season nearly over, concerns are mounting that contaminants from the site may have already leached into the surrounding soil, wells and other water sources.
The presence of elevated levels of heavy metals and other hazardous substances is particularly concerning given the residential and agricultural nature of the area, with several houses, wells, paddy fields and water bodies located around the accident site.
Mr. Radhakrishnan has urged the State and Central authorities to act immediately to remove the contaminated topsoil and prevent further spread of the pollutants into the surrounding environment.
Published – September 30, 2026 07:31 pm IST
