Community resistance grows against Adani’s proposed cement factory in Yadadri-Bhongir
The fight against the proposed Ambuja Cement factory by the Adani Group in Ramannapet in Yadadri-Bhongir district is gaining momentum
Hyderabad: With communities depending on their traditional occupations voicing their fears over the long-term impact on their livelihoods and the environment, the fight against the proposed Ambuja Cement factory by the Adani Group in Ramannapet in Yadadri-Bhongir district is gaining momentum. Environmentalists and organizations representing these communities have joined the frontlines of the fight.Despite the group’s claims that the cement unit would generate employment for local youths, the proposal has seen no support from the local population. The public hearing held on October 23 only intensified the protests, with student organizations now joining the fray. Hundreds of students from various professional institutions across the State also gathered in Ramannapet to stage a protest opposing the cement factory.
People from 15 villages across Ramannapet and Chityala mandals, including Siripuram, Yellanki, Bogaram, Nidanapali, Iskilla, Lakshmapuram, Munipampula, Nirnemula, and three villages in Chityala, would be severely affected by the pollution from the cement factory. The pollution poses a significant threat to the weaver community, which has been working in pollution-free environments.
The factory’s operation could also change the lives of over 4,000 weaver families who are already facing hardships. Rapolu Narasimha, a weaver from Ramannapet mandal, expressed concerns that people who have already been dealing with the scarcity caused by Musi River pollution would now face air pollution as well. “Our weavers are tied up with different handloom workers’ societies across the State. Some of the best silk sarees are made in the Ramannapet cluster,” he said. Every village outskirts have plenty of handlooms operating right in the open. The yarn they use is also dried in the open, and the rest of the processes are carried out in the open as well.
“Sarees made in a clean environment is our unique selling point. Any exposure to cement factory pollution, and our sarees would not have any takers,” added Narasimha.In addition to the weaver community, the sheep-rearing community is also worried about the long-term impacts. Anjaneyulu, (name changed) a member of this community, with strong Congress leanings voiced his fears: “Our sheep need clean air and pastures to thrive. The cement factory will destroy our livelihoods. The Adani group might buy the acceptability of the government by donating Rs 100 crore for the Skill University. But they cannot silence the people of the affected villages. We will rise above party lines to stall the establishment of the factory,” he asserted, noting that not even a single person had supported the proposed factory at the public hearing recently.
“Nearly 3000 Yadav families living in Ramannapet mandal have at least 40 to 50 sheep and goats each. No Adani can compensate for our loss,” he said, adding that the two mandals had about 700 fishermen families who would be equally affected with pollution of the pond and tanks. People from these villages prefer to buy fish from the ponds instead of the fish from the Musi river.
The cement factory, it is feared, could have potential impacts on the cotton crop widely grown in the region as well. The emission of pollutants can affect the quality of the air, which in turn affects the health of the cotton plants. Pollutants can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth.
Dust and other particles can settle on the soil, altering its pH levels and nutrient content. This can lead to poor soil health, affecting crop yield and quality, said agriculture scientists who toured in the area responding to the requests of the farmers. The factory’s waste can contaminate local water sources, which are used for irrigation.Farmers in the region, who rely on cotton cultivation as a source of income, are understandably concerned. The growing resistance to the factory owed to the steely resolve of communities as their livelihoods and the environment is threatened.
‘Yadadri kallu’ under threat too
The proposed Ambuja cement factory could pose a threat to the ‘Yadadri kallu’, a toddy renowned for its unique taste. Tapped fresh from palmyra trees, this toddy has a distinctive flavour that locals and visitors alike cherish. The clean air and environment contribute to its quality. But this beloved delicacy is more than just a drink; it’s a livelihood for many.
Toddy tappers, who diligently collect this traditional beverage, rely on it for their income. However, this cherished tradition is also under threat, as potential pollution from the factory could taint the purity of the air and soil, possibly infusing the sweet toddy with unwanted cement flavours, jeopardising both the product and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The community’s concern is palpable as they strive to protect their heritage and ensure that ‘Yadadri Kallu’ remains untarnished.
The mega cement factory proposed in Yadadri Bhongir would have a serious impact on the toddy tappers in the region. Over 16,000 tappers are active in the affected villages and habitations in the vicinity, and they fear the potential effects of the polluting industry. Emissions from the cement factory can contaminate the air, affecting the health of the toddy palms and the quality of the sap (toddy) collected. Pollutants can hinder the growth of the palms and reduce the yield of sap.
The factory’s waste can pollute the soil and water sources used for irrigation, negatively impacting the health of the toddy palms, they point out. The toddy tappers associations are already up in arms against the factory and they are firm on reaching out to the State capital to mount pressure on the government to stall the establishment of the cement unit.
