Medical team to submit report on UPCL

Medical team to submit report on UPCL

Mangaloretoday News Network

Mangalore, March 29:  A medical team has just released a report regarding heath problems in the vicinity of UPCL’s thermal power plant.

Dr. K. Mohandas Bhandary, a member of the State Working Committee, visited UPCL’s power plant with Dr. S. Jayarama, professor and HOD of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences; Dr. M. Annayya Kulal, the divisional coordinator of IMA; Dr. Sanjeev Badiger, the public health specialist; and Dr. Nithin Joseph. The doctors said that UPCL is not using any pipelie to move fly ash from the power plant to the ash pond, but is transporting the ash with the help of tankers.

Dr. Bhandary told reporters on Tuesday that the ash pond has been poorly constructed without any impervious lining. This causes the water in the pond to seep into the surrounding area because of which people are forced to drink saline water. The monsoons can easily transport toxic wastes to the paddy fields located in the low-lying regions, he added.

The team observed roof tops and tree tops close to the plant covered with fly ash particles and salt, which can destroy electric cable covers and tin sheets. The doctors also found that people commonly suffer from skin ailments, asthma, and breathlessness in this region. They have warned that this can lead to cancer of the skin and lungs.

Dr. Bhandary said that they will submit their report the union environment minister, prime minister, chief minister, district-in-charge minister, and other ministers.