3 weeks ago

Coimbatore farmers allege casting unit pollution damaging crops, groundwater

Coimbatore farmers allege casting unit pollution damaging crops, groundwater
Coimbatore farmers allege casting unit pollution damaging crops, groundwater · thehansindia.com

Some farmers who live in two villages in Coimbatore, India, are very worried about a factory near their farms.

The factory makes things out of cast iron.

The farmers say the factory sends out dirty smoke and bad smells.

They think this pollution is hurting their plants and the water under the ground.

They also say people are getting sick, with sore throats and coughs, and some animals have died.

Two farmers named P. Ramakrishnan and Sundara Pandyan said their crops keep getting ruined.

One farmer grows tomatoes and chillies and says his plants have suffered for about ten years.

Farming costs about Rs 50,000 per acre, so ruined crops mean lost money.

The farmers have asked the government for help many times, but they say the problem continues.

Now they want a full investigation so their farms, water, and health can be protected.

Key facts

Alleged pollution source
Cast iron (casting) unit near agricultural areas
Affected villages
Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi, Sulur taluk
Location
Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
Reported health effects
Eye, nose and throat irritation, persistent coughing, sore throat, psychological distress
Other reported damage
Crop destruction, groundwater contamination, livestock deaths, damaged trees
Peak emission times
Night hours, Sundays and government holidays
Cultivation cost
Around Rs 50,000 per acre
Farmers' demand
Detailed investigation and immediate measures by district administration and pollution control authorities

Quotes

P. Ramakrishnan

Local farmer in Appanaickenpatti

“"Officials from the Pollution Control Board and Revenue Department visit the area whenever we submit petitions, but the problem continues without any lasting remedy."”
thehansindia.com
“"Our crops are being destroyed because of the toxic emissions. Groundwater has also been affected, and we are unable to breathe freely."”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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