Gummadidala farmers accuse Maithri Drugs of releasing harmful effluents into paddy fields

Farmers in Gummadidala, Sangareddy, staged a protest against Maithri Drugs Limited for allegedly releasing harmful effluents into their paddy fields, damaging crops and livestock. Officials promised to test water samples and secure compensation, prompting the farmers to withdraw their protest

Sangareddy: Farmers of Gummadidala staged a protest in front of Maithri Drugs Limited on Friday, accusing the management of releasing harmful effluents into their paddy fields.

Carrying bottles filled with polluted water, the farmers gathered at the industry’s gate and alleged that the company discharged contaminated water into their fields whenever the area experienced heavy rains.

The protest was led by Padamati Malla Reddy, Lakshma Reddy, Mallavaram Veera Reddy, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Malla Reddy said they had lodged complaints with Pollution Control Board officials and other authorities in the past, but no action had been taken. Veera Reddy alleged that the company management responded recklessly despite repeated complaints.

The farmers claimed their cattle had fallen sick multiple times after drinking chemically contaminated water. They also said they found it difficult to work in fields irrigated with the polluted water and that crops spread over hundreds of acres were being damaged every year.

Tahsildar Paramesh and SI Lakshmikanth Reddy persuaded the farmers to withdraw their protest, assuring them of justice. Paramesh said water samples would be sent to the Pollution Control Board for laboratory testing and promised to help secure compensation from the company for farmers whose crops had been damaged.

The farmers withdrew their protest following the Tahsildar’s assurance.