The Human Rights Forum (HRF) demanded the immediate withdrawal of Ambuja Cements Ltd’s (ACL) proposal to establish a cement grinding unit with cement production capacity of 4 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) at Pedagantyada in Visakhapatnam city.

The HRF felt that pushing a hazardous, highly polluting industry into the midst of a densely populated area is reckless and amounts to an assault on the people’s right to health, safety and a clean environment. The HRF called upon the A.P. Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to cancel, without further delay, the public hearing slated for October 8.

“It is common knowledge that cement plants, whether grinding units or full-scale factories, generate a range of toxic emissions that pose a grave risk to human health. These pollutants cause chronic respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, eye irritation and long-term damage to the cardiovascular system,” HRF AP State vice-president M. Sarat and HRF AP&TG Coordination Committee member V.S. Krishna said in a release.

Scientific studies have shown that people living near cement plants face significantly higher risks of asthma, bronchitis, cancer and premature mortality. To thrust such an industry into the thick of a densely populated residential zone like Pedagantyada and Gajuwaka is unconscionable.

The HRF said the region is already reeling from alarming levels of air, water and soil pollution leaving the health of thousands of families gravely compromised.

The people of Pedagantyada and Gajuwaka deserve clean air, and safe water. They deserve to live free of the constant fear that their environment is being poisoned and their health destroyed, the HRF said and demanded that the proposed ACL cement grinding unit must be scrapped.