Paradip, Aug. 11: Local residents hit the streets today to protest against rise in air pollution in and around the port town. The protest has apparently forced the Odisha State Pollution Control Board authorities here to take measures to curb pollution.

"We have detected the source of air pollution and issued directions to the Paradip refinery authorities to ensure ambient air quality and stop the odour problem immediately," said regional officer of the pollution control board Parasant Kumar Kar.

The flare chimney at the Paradip oil refinery complex emits an odour intermittently. The foul smell has spread to various areas of the port town. The odour is because of polluting gaseous particles identified as sulphide, a pollution control board official said.

"We have summoned the refinery officials for a detailed discussion on the odour problem to find a solution. The meeting will be held tomorrow," the official added.

The odour problem has emerged as a health hazard for those afflicted with respiratory disorders, alleged environment activist Ayeskant Ray.

"We have launched a signature campaign to mobilise public opinion against the discharge of gaseous substances by the oil refinery. The campaign has evoked a positive response from people," said Ray.

"The odour started spreading to our locality since yesterday evening. It is nauseating. When we come out of the house, the smell hits us more acutely," said a resident of Tarinigada, Dipti Prakash Patnaik.

"The refinery is intent on maintaining ambient air quality. We have been monitoring the air quality online round -the-clock ever since the commissioning of the refinery earlier this year. We have received the pollution control board's directions. Measures are being taken on a war footing to stop the odour problem sourced from the flare chimney. We have pressed into service air quality monitoring vans in various parts of the civil township and adjoining areas to monitor the situation," said senior manager, Paradip refinery (administration and welfare) Manjushree Singh.

During a recent visit, a house committee of the Assembly had expressed concern over air and water pollution in the port town.