Proposed cement plant at Ramannapet sparks outcry

Local people expressed strong opposition to the proposed cement factory near Ramannapet. The people put up a stiff opposition to the public hearing. They chanted slogans against the proposal to set up a cement factory.
A corporate entity long back acquired 360 acres of farmland along the Kommayigudem road for a dry port project.
Now, a proposal was made for the establishment of cement factor, the resident said, while vociferously protesting against public hearing.
They argued that the factory would cause pollution to air, and water sources and destroy agricultural lands. They expressed concerns that toxic gases emitted from the factory could spread up to 14 kilometres, further contaminating the Musi River.
Farmers voiced their anguish, stating that the fertile agricultural fields within a 14-kilometer radius, which include 12 villages, would turn into barren lands, jeopardising their livelihoods.
Heated arguments ensued between the police and protesters. The majority of the people at the public hearing voiced their opposition to the factory’s establishment.
The Adani Group’s Ambuja Cement has submitted proposals to the state government for the establishment of a unit on 70 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 1,400 crore.
Meanwhile, in a related development, police arrested BRS former MLAs Bhoopal Reddy and Chiramarti Lingayya, and other party leaders. They were ferried to various police stations.