An unusual health hazard has been doing its rounds in the city for the last few weeks. A stinking odour grips the city and neighboring areas, especially in the evening. Civic bodies and health department are clueless regarding the source of the stench. This has left many complain of breathing problems.

Initially, it was suspected that the stink was from the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant but corporation officials stoutly deny it. The health department is mum over the issue.

The stink was initially felt outside the city at Eroor, Thripunithura, Irumbanam and Kalamassery. This has now spread to Vyttila, Palarivattom, Edappally and Kakkanad. Several people have experienced breathing problem and even vomiting sensation during rains when the intensity of stench is greater.

"Regular exposure to discomforting odour can trigger respiratory ailments and cough. Asthmatic patients will experience severe problems," said district medical officer Dr Junaid Rahman.

Meanwhile, the corporation authorities have strongly denied allegations about the stink coming from the Brahmapuram plant. "Functioning of the plant is normal and the heaps of accumulated waste at the landfill site have been cleared. We've stopped the night operations after the Pollution Control Board officials asked us not to move the garbage piles in evening. The plant is being maintained properly and observations against it are baseless," said corporation health standing committee chairman T.K Ashraf.

Earlier, PCB officials who visited the Brahmapuram facility did not find any drawbacks in the functioning of the plant. Officials observed that the westward wind during evening carries the stench from the plant when clearing the accumulated garbage heaps.

"There should be a scientific inquiry to identify the odour source. If Brahmapuram plant has anything to do with it, the waste treatment method should be changed," said an expert.