The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ordered that all animal farms which operate without the consent of the State Pollution Control Boards (PCB) and pose a danger to public health and the environment be shut down.
Reni Antony, a member of the Commission, issued Wednesday’s direction to the Chief Secretary and State Police Chief as well as the local self-government secretary.
The commission directed Kollam District Collector, local self-government secretary, and Melilagrama Panchayat Secretary to immediately close Upasana dairy farming in Melilagrama panachayat because it was illegally operated. It also requested that steps be taken in order to address the problems faced by the residents due to pollution from this farm.
The commission was responding to a petition by Binu George, coordinator of Childline sub-centre Kollam, alleging that the Upasana dairy farms in seventh ward, Melila, was operating illegally and unscientifically. Children’s health was negatively affected by the bad odour of the farm and the pest threat posed to them by mosquitoes and flies.
The commission was informed by local self-government secretaries that the problem of flies and the odour coming from the farm was a fact. The distance between the farm, houses and other nearby properties was very small. The PCB had terminated the farm’s license. The panchayats deputy Director had directed that action was taken against the farm because it continued to operate in unhygienic circumstances.
The Collectors report stated that the flies and odours in the area were caused by excreta from dairy farm animals. Around the farm, there was also a lot of waste water. Many houses were located within 50 meters of the farm. These houses housed close to 15 children of different ages, including babies. In the absence of proper waste management, their health would be adversely affected by the waste water and excrement from the farm.
The commission found that the society had a responsibility to ensure children’s safety, health, and safety. Allowing farms that cause environmental or health problems to continue to function would be a violation not only of environmental protection laws but also of the rights of children.
