Foam and discoloured water seen in a drainage channel allegedly contaminated by industrial effluents in the Atchutapuram-Rambilli industrial corridor of Anakapalli district.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has alleged large-scale discharge of untreated and inadequately treated industrial effluents into water bodies in the Atchutapuram-Rambilli industrial corridor of Anakapalli district, and demanded immediate intervention by the authorities.
A four-member team of the HRF visited several villages in Atchutapuram and Rambilli mandals on Friday (May 17, 2026) following complaints from residents and media reports on industrial pollution in the region. The team toured Pudimadaka, Seetapalem, Kamsali Colony, Lalam Koduru and Yerakannapalem, and interacted with farmers and fisherfolk affected by the contamination.
According to the HRF, toxic discharges from pharma and chemical industries in and around the Special Economic Zone were seen flowing into the Pillamma Gedda and Uppari Gedda streams and connected drainage channels during the visit. Residents alleged that repeated complaints over foul-smelling effluents, groundwater contamination, crop damage, destruction of aquatic life and adverse health impacts had failed to evoke any meaningful response from the authorities.
The Forum said the streams, once used for drinking, domestic purposes and agriculture, had effectively turned into channels carrying hazardous industrial waste. It expressed concern that the polluted waters eventually enter the sea through Upputeru near Pudimadaka, posing risks to coastal and marine ecosystems and fisheries-based livelihoods.
In a statement on Sunday (May 17, 2026), HRF Andhra Pradesh State Executive Committee Member K. Sudha and HRF Andhra Pradesh and TS Coordination Committee member V. S. Krishna alleged that the Atchutapuram Effluent Treatment Plant was failing to adequately process hazardous waste and that its capacity was insufficient. Questioning the role of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) and other regulatory agencies, it alleged that prolonged violations could not have continued without “gross negligence, wilful inaction or active connivance”.
The forum demanded immediate steps to stop the discharge of effluents, a court-monitored scientific investigation, prosecution of erring industries and officials under environmental laws, and compensation for affected communities.
Published – May 17, 2026 02:45 pm IST
