HRF flags toxic industrial pollution in Anakapalli SEZ belt

Alleging large-scale industrial pollution and official inaction in the Atchutapuram SEZ region, the Human Rights Forum (HRF) has demanded immediate closure and sealing of all outlets and pipelines discharging untreated industrial effluents into Pillamma Gedda, Uppari Gedda and connected drainage channels in Anakapalli district.

A four-member HRF team visited several affected villages, including Pudimadaka, Seetapalem, Lalam Koduru and Yerakannapalem, following repeated complaints from residents over groundwater contamination, foul-smelling discharges, destruction of aquatic life and rising public health concerns.

Interacting with villagers, farmers and fisherfolk, the HRF alleged that toxic waste from pharma and chemical industries in the SEZ was flowing into local water bodies and eventually reaching the sea through Upputeru near Pudimadaka, posing a threat to coastal and marine ecosystems.

Residents told the team that repeated appeals to authorities and public representatives over the years had failed to bring any permanent solution. Fisherfolk from Pudimadaka also raised concern over the impact of pollution on marine resources and fisheries-based livelihoods.

Questioning the role of regulatory agencies, including the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), the HRF said such prolonged violations could not have continued without negligence or inaction by monitoring authorities.

The organisation demanded an immediate halt to industrial effluent discharge, a court-monitored scientific investigation into pollution in the SEZ region and a comprehensive environmental and public health impact assessment in all affected villages.