Mangalore, March 29: A team of doctors in the city released a fact finding report of health related problems observed at UPCL, a coal based thermal power plant.
Dr K Mohandas Bhandary, State Working Committee Member who visited the spot along with Dr S Jayarama, Professor and HOD of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr M Annayya Kulal, Divisional Coordinator of IMA, Dr Sanjeev Badiger, Public Health Specialist and Dr Nitin Joseph said that there is no pipeline laid down by UPCL to ferry the fly ash from the factory to the ash pond. Instead, Bhandary said, tankers are being used.
Addressing the media persons here on Tuesday Bhandary said the ash pond is poorly constructed without any impervious lining causing water seepage into the surrounding areas. He said people residing there are bearing with saline drinking water.
During the rainy season due to the flood, the toxic waste can easily contaminate the paddy fields situated in the low lying areas nearby, he said.
The team also observed that fly ash particles and salt over the roof top sheets and vegetation in house premises situated close to the plant are resulting in corrosion of tin sheets and electrical cable covers.
Breathlessness, asthma and skin ailments are common in this region. “This may result in skin and respiratory cancers,” he warned.
Bhandary said, the team would submit this fact finding report to the Prime Minister, Union Environment Minister, Chief Minister, District in Charge Minister and other ministers of the region.
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