Ash pipe leak at plant in southern India terrifies locals: saltwater and ash contaminate shrimp ponds
by Aditi VermaA significant ash pipe leak at the APGenco plant in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh has left local residents in fear as saltwater mixed with ash spews 20 feet high, contaminating nearby shrimp ponds. This marks the fourth such incident in just two months, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.
The incident took place at Muthukuru Mandal in Nellore District on August 14.
Visuals showed a broken pipeline at the APGenco plant causing dirty ash-laden water to shoot high into the air, then fall into nearby shrimp ponds. The ash water rises dramatically before raining down, severely contaminating the ponds and creating a significant environmental hazard.
Residents of Muthukuru Mandal in Nellore District are grappling with yet another environmental crisis as an ash pipe from the AP Genco plant ruptured, sending a mixture of saltwater and ash soaring 20 feet into the air. The leak has severely impacted the surrounding shrimp ponds, which form a crucial part of the local economy.
This is the fourth time in just two months that such an incident has occurred, leading to widespread panic and anger among the local population. The constant leaks have not only threatened the livelihoods of shrimp farmers but have also raised serious health and environmental concerns.
As the crisis unfolds, the locals are left with a sense of dread about what the future holds for their health, environment, and livelihoods.