Coimbatore, August 9: Farmers from Appanayakkanpatti and Karadivavi villages in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu have raised serious allegations against a nearby cast iron unit. They claim that pollution emitted from the unit is adversely affecting their crops, groundwater, and the health of local residents, putting their livelihoods at risk.
The villagers allege that smoke and foul gases from the casting unit are contaminating the surrounding environment, causing respiratory issues for those living in agricultural areas. They report that the pollution problem intensifies particularly at night, on Sundays, and during public holidays.
According to the residents, prolonged exposure to polluted air has led to various health issues among both children and adults. Symptoms include irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, persistent coughing, and other physical and mental health problems. They have also reported cases of livestock deaths in the area.
Local farmer P. Ramakrishnan stated that the alleged pollution has severely impacted agricultural activities and contaminated groundwater. He said, “Our crops are being destroyed due to toxic emissions. Groundwater is also affected, making it difficult for us to breathe freely. We have lodged several complaints with government officials, but no permanent solution has been found.”
Ramakrishnan further alleged that some land brokers are pressuring farmers to sell their agricultural land, exacerbating the struggles of families dependent on farming.
Another farmer, Sundara Pandian, who cultivates tomatoes and chilies on three acres just 200 meters from the industrial unit, claimed that his crops have repeatedly failed over the past decade whenever pollution levels spiked. He noted that farmers spend around 50,000 rupees per acre on cultivation, but frequent crop failures have resulted in significant financial losses.
Pandian added, “Whenever we file complaints, officials from the pollution control board and revenue department visit the area, but no lasting solution emerges.”
Farmers argue that industrial pollution has also affected the trees and plants on their agricultural land, diminishing their value and repeatedly disrupting farming activities. Despite years of complaints to various government departments, they have received no permanent relief.
Now, the affected farmers are demanding a thorough investigation by district administration and pollution control officials, along with immediate measures to control pollution. They seek to prevent further contamination of groundwater and ensure the health, agricultural land, and livelihoods of residents in Appanayakkanpatti and Karadivavi villages are protected.
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