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Citizens vehemently opposed the proposed bulk drug unit of JPR Labs at Phishini village of Ranasthalam mandal in Srikakulam district on Tuesday at a public hearing conducted by the AP Pollution Control Board.
The proceedings were quite stormy and several speakers spoke against the establishment of the bulk drug unit, complaining that air and water pollution had already reached unbearable levels at Ranasthalam and Pydi Bhimavaram in Srikakulam district.
They accused the State Government and the AP Pollution Control Board of failing to act against the industries responsible for the pollution and said the area would not be able to absorb any more pollution.
Damage to environment
The pharma units were causing incalculable damage to the environment and making life miserable for all sections of the people in the area, they said.
“We are the worst victims of chemical pollution and the groundwater is completely contaminated in the area,” complained Mr K. Mohana Rao. Representatives of several political parties, NGOs and environmental groups echoed the same opinion.
Noisy protests
There were noisy protests and people shouted slogans against the project.
The hearing continued in the din for two hours or so and then the Additional Joint Collector, Mr T. Baburao Naidu, abruptly ended the public hearing.
He said the majority were against the unit and that would be recorded and conveyed to the Government.
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