Paradip: Emission of toxic gaseous substances from a fertiliser manufacturing unit had led to the burning of leaves and vegetation in the port township area earlier this month, according to a scientific study report.

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board, in its report, has found Paradip Phosphate Limited (PPL) guilty of not adhering to the pollution control norms, bringing in its wake the damage to green cover in Paradip.

Separate scientific test of the worn-out leaves was done at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and at the central laboratory of the board in Bhubaneswar. No pathogens or micro-organism was found during the test at the OUAT. However, the board, in its test, has come out with findings that "sudden exposure of highly concentrated hydrogen fluoride in gaseous form triggered the burning effects on leaves and vegetation".

"Hydrogen fluoride is a highly dangerous gas, forming corrosive and penetrating hydrofluoric acid upon contact with moisture. The gas can also cause blindness by rapid destruction of the corneas. Besides, the water samples collected from the storm water drain of the fertiliser plant had found presence of fluoride and phosphate higher than the prescribed limits of pollution norms under the act. The drain water with fluoride and phosphate contents owed it connectivity to the nearby natural waterbody," said a board official. Tree cover spread around the Paradip gulf course area had earlier worn an emaciated look with formation of black and burnt patches on the leaves. The green cover spread across 150sqft area had been affected by pollution. Its impact has been localised in nature. The standing trees in other areas of the port township were, however, not affected by the suspected pollution. A conveyor belt carrying sulphur from Paradip port to the PPL fertiliser plant in liquefied form is passing over the area. Leakage from the conveyor had apparently debilitated the green cover following the toxic impact of the gaseous sulphur, according to board officials.

"The green cover was definitely hit by toxic of industrial air pollution. Legal action is accordingly initiated against the plant authorities," said the board's Paradip regional officer Mukesh Mahaling.

PPL authorities were not available for comments.