Midnight chemical leaks in SEZ spark health and eco concern

Visakhapatnam: Workers and activists have raised serious concern over release of chemical pollutants from the industrial units at the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) during night hours.

“These unauthorised emissions pose significant health risks to both employees and the inhabitants in the neighbourhood. The pollutants reach up to the NTPC Parwada beach,” activists pointed out.

Local resident Bucchi said the air gets the odor of chemicals after midnight, making it difficult to breathe for several hours. These pollutants contaminate the water too, harming aquatic life, he said.

He also highlighted the impact on the region’s animals. During the breeding season, several turtles are found along the beach, and these may be threatened by the pollution.

While the issue was raised by Deccan Chronicle at a media meet held at the Pharma company on Thursday by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, he replied that a committee would be set up to investigate the matter. He also warned industries against discharge of harmful chemicals into the sea.

The chief minister noted that there existed two SEZ pharma companies in AP -- one in Achyutapuram, where the recent blast occurred, and the other in Parwada. Both these companies fell under the "red-orange" category of pharma companies, he said.

The SEZ spans a total of 1,949 acres with 95 plots, of which 66 were already allotted, while 36 are under construction and 26 are operational.

Over the past five years, there have been 119 mishaps in these units, resulting in 120 deaths. The incidents were as follows: Four in 2019, three in 2021, four in 2022, five in 2023 and two this year. The chief minister said a safety committee would be formed to prevent future mishaps and a meeting held with industrialists.