* 600 toddy tapper families affected, region devastated due to effluents

ekalavya mallepalli I ranapur

In a shocking turn of events, the recent destruction of sprawling palm groves for the establishment of NTPC power plants on the outskirts of Ranapur has sparked fierce protests from the local toddy tapper community. With livelihoods at stake, the community is demanding fair compensation and job guarantees for displaced families before any further progress on the power plant projects. They are also calling for the replanting of trees to shield their villages from the toxic emissions expected from the plants.

The deforestation has raised alarm among over 600 toddy tapping families across nine villages, including Elkalapalli, Ranapur, and Poratpalli, triggering support from various Gowda community societies. Former MLA Putta Madhu has publicly denounced NTPC’s actions, declaring it unacceptable to disregard the rights and welfare of those most affected.

One of the affected individuals, Vaddlakonda Ravindra Goud, a sociology graduate from Elkallapalli, bears witness to the harsh reality facing his community. "Despite my education, I depend on toddy tapping to support my family," he explained, emphasizing the devastating impact of NTPC's actions that have led to the destruction of thousands of palm trees, affecting families who have depended on this traditional occupation for over half a century.

Ravindra recalled a striking incident from 1983, when around 2,000 acres of fertile land was seized without sufficient compensation, resulting in only a fraction of promised job opportunities being fulfilled. "We are demanding that NTPC and the government provide fair compensation and all remaining jobs to those displaced before proceeding with their power projects," he insisted. He lamented that what was once a verdant paradise filled with trees and water now resembled a barren wasteland marked by ash ponds and devastating desertification.

Environmental Concerns

As NTPC plans to construct three additional 800 MW power plants in Ramagundam under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, villagers’ fears of environmental degradation have intensified. Environmentalists caution against the looming threat of this 4,000 MW thermal project, citing dangerous pollution from neighboring plants. Within a mere 13 km radius of Ramagundam, existing projects from notable companies, including Singareni and GENCO, have already raised pollutant levels, contributing to alarming health issues in the community.

“Pollutants like SO₂, PM2.5, and PM-10 are reaching critical levels, leading to a spike in respiratory, kidney, and skin diseases,” said environmental activist Uma Maheshwar. He underscored the urgent need for Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) units across thermal power stations, as mandated by the Supreme Court to control SO₂ emissions. Regrettably, over 90% of India’s thermal power plants have yet to comply with this directive.

In response, NTPC officials assert that all operations are in line with National Green Tribunal (NGT) regulations, mentioning their commitment to reducing emissions through the implementation of new technologies.

However, concerns about pollution persist. Upendar, the state vice president of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, acknowledges existing issues but advocates for a forward-looking approach. He urges NTPC to pivot towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, which could drastically reduce pollution and safeguard the health of affected villages.

To address the pressing concerns of the toddy tapper community, Upendar suggested that NTPC allocate land for planting new toddy trees and divert a portion of CSR funds to support the affected families. “Providing 5 acres of land for the Goud community would not only offer a lifeline but also help foster a more positive relationship between NTPC and the local villages,” he stated.

As tensions rise, the future of both the power plants and the livelihoods of those in the affected communities hang in the balance, calling for urgent dialogue and sustainable solutions.