India: Ambuja Cement has proposed the establishment of a cement plant at Ramannapet, eliciting concerns from local residents over potential environmental impacts. The proposed plant is intended to be built on 70 acres initially designated for a dry port, and involves an investment of US$167m, according to the Deccan Chronicle. The River Musi, located 14km from the proposed plant, is expected to be at risk, as well as local residents living near the site. The Pollution Control Board is scheduled for a public hearing on 23 October 2024 regarding this matter.
Rythu Sangam district president Meka Ashok Reddy highlighted the community's concerns, noting that fertile agricultural fields within a 14km radius could be turned into ‘wastelands’, and crop yields along the River Musi might drop by 30% due to water contamination. He said that 10 villages around Ramannapet would be affected by pollution from the proposed plant.
