Environmental and Health Concerns Raised Over Ethanol Plants in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad, October 23, 2023 – A retired senior scientist, Dr. Babu Rao, has voiced significant concerns regarding the proliferation of ethanol factories in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, highlighting potential negative impacts on both the environment and the local farming community.
In Nirmal district, local opposition has been fierce against an ethanol plant due to its detrimental effects on health and agriculture. Anil Kumar from Dilawarpur reported that residents have been protesting for an extended period due to health issues linked to the plant's operations. Murali C. from Chittanur, Narayanpet district, shared a similar story of deception where the community was initially promised a rice mill and a jamun fruit garden, only to find an ethanol factory instead.
Murali highlighted the environmental degradation caused by the factory, which has been disposing of approximately 20 lakh liters of wastewater into local streams, leading to the death of aquatic life. Additionally, a young boy suffered severe skin rashes after bathing in the contaminated water, requiring hospitalization.
The situation escalated when the factory started releasing chemical wastewater onto public roads, prompting protests that were met with police action on October 21, 2023.
Dr. Rao criticized the government's assertion that ethanol production would alleviate farmers' problems. He noted that ethanol companies do not directly purchase rice from farmers; instead, the government acquires rice at subsidized rates, limiting farmers' selling options. He pointed out that in 2021-22, only 10% of ethanol was produced from rice procured by the Food Corporation of India, with another 5% from maize or spoiled grains. To meet the ambitious target of producing 740 crore liters of ethanol by 2025, an enormous amount of rice or maize would be required annually, raising questions about the policy's sustainability.
Dr. Rao also warned about the health hazards posed by the release of toxic gases during ethanol production, which can lead to immediate symptoms like irritation and headaches, and long-term risks such as cancer and respiratory issues, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
Moreover, the shift towards maize cultivation for ethanol production could lead to significant land use changes, posing further ecological risks.
These revelations call for an urgent reassessment of the ethanol policy in light of its real impact on local communities, environmental health, and economic viability. The concerns raised by Dr. Rao and local residents underscore the necessity for transparency and accountability in the government's ethanol production initiatives.