Sangareddy: Villagers oppose chemical unit near Malgi citing health hazards

Residents of Malgi and neighbouring villages in Sangareddy district strongly opposed the establishment of a chemical unit by Sree Asha Aldehydes and Adhesives during a public hearing. Farmers highlighted that the site lies in the catchment of the Manjeera river, a vital drinking water source for Hyderabad and Medak.

Sangareddy: Residents of Malgi and neighbouring villages strongly opposed the government’s move to permit a unit of Sree Asha Aldehydes and Adhesives near Malgi village during a public hearing conducted by the district administration on Saturday.

The villagers said the proposed industry would use harmful chemicals in its operations, which could cause cancer among people living in the vicinity, apart from polluting air, groundwater, surface water and soil. With most families in the surrounding villages dependent on agriculture and allied sectors, they expressed serious concern over their future livelihoods.

---

The residents said they were eking out a living through farming and cattle rearing. Anil, a farmer, said cattle would face difficulties while grazing and drinking water from local water bodies if the project was approved.

The farmers also pointed out that the proposed project site falls in the catchment area of the Manjeera river, a key source of drinking water for Hyderabad and the erstwhile Medak district. They feared that harmful effluents from the industry would pollute the river, posing a serious public health risk.

Tension prevailed for some time when police attempted to restrict the entry of farmers into the venue. The protesters raised slogans against the government and alleged high-handedness by the police, accusing the authorities of denying them a fair opportunity to voice their concerns during the public hearing.

Additional Collector RD Madhuri and other officials conducted the hearing. Representatives of the Telangana Praja Sangala Joint Action Committee and Scientists for People also participated and opposed the proposed project.

Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Praja Sanghala Joint Action Committee (TPJAC) district chairman Y Ashok Kumar said the government should permit such industries only away from human habitations and agricultural fields. He pointed out that the proposed site is located just half a kilometre from Malgi village.