Villagers oppose drug unit tooth and nail

They form a struggle committee, citing environmental concerns

May 05, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:56 am IST - KHAMMAM:

Villagers of Annarugudem and Gopalapeta gram panchayats in Thallada mandal are up in arms against the proposed move to set up a bulk drug unit at Annarugudem in the mandal.

The agitated villagers of the two gram panchayats have formed a struggle committee opposing the move to establish a bulk drug manufacturing unit at Annarugudem, citing environmental concerns.

According to sources, a bulk drug unit is all set to come up under the aegis of some entrepreneurs in about four acres of land at Annarugudem. The spot identified for the purpose is situated close to the site earlier acquired for the purpose of an Industrial Park in undivided Andhra Pradesh several years ago. The spot is located in the vicinity of a cold storage unit and a cotton park, sources added.

Local youth

take out rally

Even as hectic efforts are under way to lay the foundation stone for the proposed bulk drug unit, an overwhelming number of villagers of both the gram panchayats launched an agitation under the banner of the struggle committee, opposing the proposed unit. The villagers, mainly comprising local youths, took out a rally in Annarugudem on Monday in protest against the proposed bulk drug unit.

Addressing the protesters, the CPI (M) mandal leader Puli Venkatanarsaiah alleged that an overwhelming majority of villagers of both the gram panchayats had opposed the bulk drug unit during a public hearing held in the village recently.

The villagers vociferously opposed the move, citing serious environmental consequences, particularly air and groundwater pollution, he pointed out, demanding that the government departments and agencies concerned should not allow bulk drug units near residential areas and agricultural lands.

Industrialisation at the cost of public health is not acceptable, Mr. Venkatanarsaiah maintained.

Local leaders cutting across party lines took part in the demonstration.

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