Coimbatore farmers allege casting unit pollution damaging crops, groundwater

Coimbatore, Aug 8 (IANS) Farmers from Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi villages in Sulur taluk in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district on Saturday raised serious concerns over alleged air and groundwater pollution from a nearby cast iron unit, claiming that toxic emissions have damaged crops, affected public health and threatened their livelihoods for several years.

The residents alleged that smoke and foul-smelling emissions from the casting unit have polluted the surrounding environment, making it difficult for people living in nearby agricultural areas to breathe.

They claimed emissions were particularly severe during night hours, Sundays and government holidays.

According to the farmers, prolonged exposure to the polluted air has resulted in health problems among both children and adults.

Residents have complained of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, persistent coughing and sore throat, besides other ailments and psychological distress.

They also alleged that livestock deaths had occurred in the area.

P. Ramakrishnan, a farmer from the locality, said agricultural activities had been severely affected by the alleged pollution, while groundwater sources had also become contaminated.

“Our crops are being destroyed because of the toxic emissions. Groundwater has also been affected, and we are unable to breathe freely. We have submitted several petitions to government authorities, but no permanent solution has been provided,” he added.

He also alleged that land brokers were pressuring farmers to sell their agricultural properties, adding to the distress faced by families dependent on farming.

Another farmer, Sundara Pandyan, who cultivates tomato and chilli on three acres about 200 metres from the industrial unit, claimed his crops had repeatedly withered over the past decade whenever heavy emissions occurred.

He said farmers spend around Rs 50,000 per acre on cultivation and have suffered substantial financial losses following repeated crop damage.

“Officials from the Pollution Control Board and Revenue Department visit the area whenever we submit petitions, but the problem continues without any lasting remedy,” the farmer said.

Farmers also alleged that industrial emissions had affected trees on agricultural lands, reducing their value and repeatedly disrupting cultivation.

They said repeated representations to various government departments over the years had failed to bring lasting relief.

The affected farmers have now urged the district administration and pollution control authorities to conduct a detailed investigation and take immediate measures to control the alleged emissions.

They also sought steps to prevent further contamination of groundwater and safeguard the health, agricultural lands and livelihoods of residents in Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi.

–IANS

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