SACEM warns Crimsun Organics’ toxic mishaps risk lives, environment
Over 40 people were hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes from a pesticide manufacturing unit in Kudikadu, located in Cuddalore’s SIPCOT industrial estate, on Friday, September 5, 2025. The incident occurred at Crimsun Organics, where a suspected leak from a pipeline connected to a reactor caused thick fumes to spread, alarming nearby residents who rushed out of their homes. Police and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) teams reached the site and managed to bring the fumes under control.
The affected individuals were admitted to Cuddalore Government Hospital, and officials reported their condition as stable. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the leak. Environmentalists and local community monitors have expressed concern over recurring safety lapses at the unit.
T. Arul Selvam of the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors (SACEM), an environmental watchdog, noted that a similar mishap had occurred at Crimsun Organics in 2021, resulting in four deaths. He highlighted that the chemicals produced by the unit are highly toxic and pose serious health and environmental risks. Selvam blamed the incident on a neglect of safety norms and inadequate preventive measures by the industry.
The district administration, including District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, was approached for comments but was unavailable. Meanwhile, local environmentalists have submitted their demands to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel tasked with inspecting the pesticide unit, urging stricter safety compliance to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety in the SIPCOT area and the need for regular monitoring of chemical units to protect workers and nearby communities.