Watch: Sangareddy’s Nalla Cheruvu turns red as pharma firm releases effluents into waterbody
Heavy rains are allegedly being exploited by pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Sangareddy to discharge untreated effluents into local water bodies. In Bonthapally and Isnapur, tanks turned red and contaminated water flowed into paddy fields, causing health issues and panic among farmers.
Sangareddy: Heavy rains are proving a convenient cover for pharmaceutical, bulk drug and chemical companies to discharge harmful effluents into waterbodies.
In one such incident, a major pharmaceutical unit in Bonthapally village of Gummadidala mandal allegedly released untreated effluents into Nalla Cheruvu at Domadugu on Thursday, turning the water completely red.
As the tank irrigates ayacut lands, the effluents flowed into paddy fields in Domadugu, leaving them drenched in red water and sparking panic among farmers. Farmer M Mangaiah, who recorded a video of the polluted fields, said officials of the Pollution Control Board (PCB) had ignored their repeated complaints.
“Despite constant appeals, no action has been taken against the factories,” he said. He also alleged that several villagers had taken ill after the incident.
Another farmer, Jaipal, said they were developing skin rashes and itching whenever they entered their fields filled with contaminated water. Farmers lodged a complaint with PCB officials in RC Puram, but no action was initiated, they alleged.
On Friday, Tahsildar Paramesh and Municipal Commissioner Dasarath inspected Nalla Cheruvu and interacted with farmers. In another incident, a pharmaceutical company allegedly released effluents into Pedda Cheruvu at Isnapur. Contaminated water flowed downstream into other lakes, spreading a foul smell and causing inconvenience to residents of the Isnapur area.
Farmers and villagers alleged that not just these two units, but several pharmaceutical, bulk drug and chemical companies were discharging effluents into lakes, Nakka Vagu, a tributary of Manjeera, and other waterbodies in Patancheru. They accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the problem despite its recurring nature.
Watch the video below:
