Coimbatore: Highlighting the plight of air and water pollution in their region due to coir wastes, the farmers of Kallipatti Village near Pollachi petitioned to the Coimbatore District Collector seeking a permanent solution for the issue.
Coimbatore: Highlighting the plight of air and water pollution in their region due to coir wastes, the farmers of Kallipatti Village near Pollachi petitioned to the Coimbatore District Collector seeking a permanent solution for the issue.
Many coir industries function around Pollachi region and farmers of the region have been crying foul due to the pollution caused by coir wastes that spread through air to nearby farmlands and water bodies. Due to the high lignin content present in coir wastes, it takes decades to decompose, the farmers say.
"There are more than 30 coir industries around Kallaipatti village. The enormous dust from the coir industries settle down on crops in agricultural lands. The accumulation of coir wastes on crops paves way for increased pest infestations", informed the farmers who thronged the Collectorate with banana crops.
"Even the water bodies are not spared. Due to the coir dust settled in the water, the cattle are unable to consume the water", lamented the farmers who stated that more than 1200 people from more than 60 farming families live in the area.
"Over the years, dumping of coir wastes in agricultural lands has contaminated the ground water. The water is completely unfit for drinking purposes. The ground water in the 3000 acres of land in which we cultivate various crops is contaminated to the core", they alleged.
They accused that all complaints relating to the issue has fallen in deaf ears, as none of the officials had initiated any action. And, pollution at this level has put the livelihood of the farmers at stake.
"While our government says that Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, in reality none stand with the farmers to resolve their issue", opined the distressed farmers who have resorted to District Collector K. Rajamani for redressal.
Many coir industries function around Pollachi region and farmers of the region have been crying foul due to the pollution caused by coir wastes that spread through air to nearby farmlands and water bodies. Due to the high lignin content present in coir wastes, it takes decades to decompose, the farmers say.
"There are more than 30 coir industries around Kallaipatti village. The enormous dust from the coir industries settle down on crops in agricultural lands. The accumulation of coir wastes on crops paves way for increased pest infestations", informed the farmers who thronged the Collectorate with banana crops.
"Even the water bodies are not spared. Due to the coir dust settled in the water, the cattle are unable to consume the water", lamented the farmers who stated that more than 1200 people from more than 60 farming families live in the area.
"Over the years, dumping of coir wastes in agricultural lands has contaminated the ground water. The water is completely unfit for drinking purposes. The ground water in the 3000 acres of land in which we cultivate various crops is contaminated to the core", they alleged.
They accused that all complaints relating to the issue has fallen in deaf ears, as none of the officials had initiated any action. And, pollution at this level has put the livelihood of the farmers at stake.
"While our government says that Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, in reality none stand with the farmers to resolve their issue", opined the distressed farmers who have resorted to District Collector K. Rajamani for redressal.