COIMBATORE: Farmers from Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi in Sulur Taluk have raised objections over severe air and groundwater pollution allegedly caused by a nearby casting unit.
Residents claimed that the cast iron factory is releasing toxic smoke and foul-smelling emissions that are destroying crops, contaminating water sources and affecting public health.
Farmers said the unit discharges impure and polluted air, particularly during night hours, Sundays and government holidays.
They say the emissions make the air unsuitable for breathing and have led to widespread health problems among children and adults, including irritation of the eyes, nose, ears and throat, coughing, sore throat, heart pain and mental distress. Livestock deaths have also been reported.
P Vadivel, a local farmer, said the pollution has severely hit agriculture and livelihoods.
"Our crops get destroyed due to the toxic emissions. Groundwater has also been contaminated. We cannot even breathe freely. Our basic rights are being denied because of the factory's influence. Land brokers are pressuring us to sell our agricultural lands, causing further mental distress. We have submitted several petitions to government authorities but have received no solution so far," he said.
K Shanmugam, another farmer who cultivates tomato and chilli on three acres of land about 200 metres from the unit, said his crops have repeatedly withered over the past ten years because of the pollution.
"Every time the industrial unit releases polluted air, the plants suddenly dry up. The input cost alone is Rs 50,000 per acre. I have suffered heavy financial losses. Officials from the pollution control board and revenue department visit after we submit petitions, but there has been no remedy," he added.
Farmers allege that the toxic emissions have also reduced the value of trees on their lands and repeatedly disrupted agricultural production.
They claim they have been forced to run between government offices for years without any lasting relief. They farmers have urged the authorities to take immediate action to curb the pollution and protect their health, land and livelihoods.