SANGAREDDY: When it rains, farmers in most parts of the Sangareddy district celebrate it. But, rains always give jitters to the farmers of Patancheru, Jinnaram, Bollaram and Khajipally industrial areas in the district. Farmers from these areas allege that when it rains, the industries situated in the area releases chemical water along with the flood water into open areas, polluting groundwater and tanks. Farmers allege that every year, these firms are doing the same and officials do not even take any action.
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) officials had earlier repeatedly asked industries in district to process polluted water in their wastewater chemical treatment plants and test the polluted water before releasing the same into open areas. PCB officials warned them several times and also issued notices. But, there is no change in the attitude of the managements of these industries.Officials told Express that despite closing down of some industries, there is no change in their attitude. “We can’t permanently close down any industry, even it pollutes the surroundings. As closure of any firm will affect the employment of the employees, we can’t shut down such industries forever,” the officials said.
Farmers allege that the polluted water being released by industries is reaching into tanks and lakes contaminating the water resources which cannot be used for any purpose. “Officials from mandal level to district level are aware of this. But, they do not take concrete steps to keep a tight rein on such polluting industries,” Bhanu Prakash, a farmer from Patancheru said.“Because of the irresponsible behaviour of the owners of local industries, the ground water in the Patancheru industrial area and some nearby villages have already been polluted. We can’t use this water for any purpose. We want to irrigate our agricultural lands with the rain water. But it is not possible due to chemical water reaching tanks and lakes,” he lamented.
Harmful chemicals found in water: PCB
Recently, PCB officials tested the tank water in the area after rains in June and August and the results shocked them. Sangareddy district PCB executive engineer BV Bhadragirish said the water samples from the tanks were tested in lab and harmful chemicals were found. He added that notices were issued to some industries and two industries were forced to shut their operations temporarily. According to the officer, Arene Life Science industry in Patancheru had released polluted water outside without processing into treatment plant in June. Chemicals were found in the samples tested and the industry was closed. Later, the industry was allowed to restart its operations after taking preventive measures.