Killers at large
There are several industrial units in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh (AP) that have directly or indirectly polluted groundwater. AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) officials reveal that Reliance Cellulose is releasing effluents with very high chemical oxygen demand levels into a nearby stream. Standard Organics of Patancheru used to pump untreated effluents into a nearby stream. Birchow, a pharmaceutical company, was dumping sulphomethazole in the open. Today, say APPCB officials, all these companies are meeting environmental norms. "In fact, Birchow has acquired ISO 14001 certification,' they point out.
Durichan Textile Mills was dumping untreated effluents with high levels of sulphuric acid in an open stream 1.5 km away through a pipe. On July 17, 1999, APPCB found hexa-valent chromate dumped alongside the roads in Patancheru. After seeping into the groundwater, such pollutants can be lethal to those who drink the water. There are five units in the area that produce this waste, out of which three have internal landfill sites. Tishya Chatterjee, member secretary of APPCB, assures that the board will soon catch the culprit.
APPCB officials also reveal names of some other rogue units. They include Vantech Pesticides, Borin Laboratories, Kaikule and Reddy Labs. Two companies, Global Drugs and Saraka, were caught pumping effluents into a pond in Kazipally. Saraka is still sending effluent tankers to a nearby pond. Another company, Hetero Drugs, was caught dumping effluents near a pond.
Related Content
- State of Global Air 2019
- The relationship between vessel traffic and noise levels received by killer whales (Orcinus orca)
- Noncommunicable diseases: Country proļ¬les 2014
- Delhi tops the country in fatal road accidents and in number of pedestrians and cyclists falling victim, says new CSE assessment
- Mr Chidambaram, please show guts to win votes
- CSE assesses air quality and mobility initiatives in Indian cities