Fears over pollution of irrigation sources in delta area

A meeting was held at Bhimavarm to discuss the control and preventive methods of pollution in Yanamadurru and other polluted drains and canals in the district

Bhimavaram: The CPM West Godavari unit secretary B Balaram warned that if the government did not initiate steps to control the pollution of water sources in delta area, West Godavari will become another Uddanam with a rise in cancer patients.He addressed the meeting on “Yanamadurru drain pollution control steps – preventive measures” held at Sri Vishnu College here on Tuesday.

Highlights:

• CPM WG unit secretary Balaram expressed his concern over the pollution of water sources in delta areas like Yanamadurru, Gontheru and Gosthani by effluents released by industries.
• Minister for labour and employment, Pithani Satyanarayana affirmed that they will issue notices to 21 industries which are releasing effluents to Yanamadurru to set up treatment plants in their industries.

Speaking at the meeting, Balaram expressed his concern over the highest pollution of the water sources in delta area like Yanamadurru, Gontheru and Gosthani. He stated that already the irrigation channels were polluted and according to a survey, cancer patients’ number is high in delta area of West Godavari district.

The Gosthani River was polluted with the industrial effluents. At least now the government has to concentrate to save the Gontheru, the lifeline of 40 villages in the delta area. “We are not against the setting up of the industries or the aqua parks. However, we fear about the hazardous pollution that is contaminating the water sources and soil of the land.” he stated. He lamented that the Narsapuram MP Gokaraju Gangaraju did not attend the important meeting and his factory is the main pollutant in the area.

He demanded the government to control the pollution of Yanamudurru, Gontheru, Satyawada Drain, and Kolleru Lake. He expressed his concern over the indiscriminate sanctioning of aqua ponds in the delta area which is posing a danger to the human life following the pollutant water sources.Pithani Satyanarayana, minister for labour and employment in reply to the CPM leaders’ speech said that the government is taking up all steps to curb the menace of pollution in drains and canals and the Chief Minister has already taken steps to make the pollution-free state.

He said the government has eyed on to control the pollution. “We will control the pollution by using the sophisticated methods. We will issue notices to the 21 industries which are releasing effluents to Yanamadurru to set up treatment plants in their industries,” he said.He said the farmers are diverting towards aquaculture as there are many profits and the government has also encouraged the aqua cultivation, he added. However, he suggested cultivating as per the rules.

Bhimavaram MLA Pulaparti Ramanjaneyulu said that the government will take steps to bring the lost glory of Yanamadurru by controlling the pollution. Narsapuram MLA Bandaru Madhava Naidu opined that all the water sources should be saved from pollution. In Narsapuram constituency, the Narsapur-Nidadavole canal and drains should be treated against the pollution.