The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation officials have asked the residents and shop owners located on Eluru, Bandar and Ryve's canals not to release waste into the waters and thus polluting the canals.
But, the owners of some companies and garages were releasing the hazardous waste and dumping garbage in ‘Panta Kaluva' (agriculture canal) flowing through Autonagar, adjacent to Ballemvari Veedhi.
The canal flows from Autonagar to Nidamanuru and the villages downstream. It touches New Autonagar, Prasadampadu, and Enikepadu villages. The canal water has turned black and a layer of oil and grease was seen on water as many mechanic sheds and garages were throwing black oil waste water into the canal.
Highly unhygienic conditions are seen along the canal as some poultry farms and chicken shops dot the canal bund and the residents dump waste into its water. The canal was filled with polythene covers, coconut shells, and plastic waste.
Farmers staying in Prasadampadu, Enikepadu and other villages said cattle were falling sick after drinking water in the canal as chemical waste was also being let into it. “Earlier, fresh water used to flow in the canal and the farmers used to draw water for crops, but, now the canal has turned into a drain as it main source has been cut. It is just another garbage bin, creating health hazard for residents”, said a farmer Mallikharjunaiah.
Residents staying along Ballemvari Veedhi and downstream in Kankipadu areas said bad smell was emanating from the canal and hyacinth growth is seen at several places.
The residents urged the VMC officials to remove hyacinth in the canal and take measures to prevent release of waste and garbage into the canal. Residents appealed to the officials to drop oil balls in the canal to kill larvae and control mosquito menace in the locality.
