The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham (APRS) has complained of pollution of agricultural fields at Kanuru village in Penamaluru mandal by effluents discharged from industries and ‘corporate colleges’.
Speaking after visiting the damaged fields on Wednesday, APRS District Vice-President M. Haribabu said that in addition to the rain water that flooded the fields, discharges from industries and the corporate colleges contributed to quick rotting of the crops.
The loss suffered by farmers due to pollution was enormous, but the Government departments remained spectators to encroachments and accumulation of silt that caused clogging of the drains.
Seven days passed after rains induced by cyclone Helen caused inundation of the crops, but no officer had so far come and seen the extent of damage. The crops were still under water, he said.
Another threat looms large in the form of cyclone Lehar and the sooner the officials react the better it would be for the beleaguered farmers, he said.
Mr. Haribabu demanded a compensation of Rs.10,000 per acre and action taken for clearing the drains that had become a bane for farmers around the village (Kanuru).
APRS leaders P. Ranga Rao, P. Srinivasa Rao, M. Nageswara Rao, Koteswara Rao, M. Venkateswara Rao and others were present.
