Pink sludge, dead cattle: Domadugu lake's toxic transformation sparks outrage
Hyderabad: Domadugu’s Nalla Cheruvu now glows an unnatural pink, its surface smothered by a thick, foul-smelling layer of chemical waste. The stench and contamination have brought misery to nearby villagers, who blame a local drug company for this toxic transformation.
Farmers report that polluted water enters the lake through large pipes extending from the vicinity of the Air Force Dundigal area. They identify the pharmaceutical company as the source of the contamination.
Speaking to HyderabadMail, Y.Ashok Kumar, who was part of a delegation from the Telangana People’s Joint Action Committee (TPJAC), visited Domadugu village in Gummadidala mandal of Sangareddy district on Monday, said, “Severe industrial pollution in Nalla Cheruvu that farmers allege is originating from Hetero Drugs Co Ltd. The lake water has turned a vivid pink, with a thick layer of chemical waste covering the surface and emitting a powerful, noxious stench”.
Ecosystem collapse and livestock deaths
The devastation to the local environment is stark. Farmers say the lake’s dark waters are now lifeless, with not a single fish, frog, or snake remaining. The pollution has claimed dozens of cattle, their lives cut short after drinking the tainted water. Now, farmers are forced to haul clean water from afar just to keep their surviving animals alive.
Villagers report widespread health issues, including skin rashes, allergies, and joint pain after contact with the water. They also attribute more serious conditions, such as hair loss, miscarriages, and cancer, to contaminated groundwater.
Agricultural lands and wider pollution spread
Further Ashok Kumar warned that the pollution has spread far beyond a single lake. Contaminated water seeps into a network of ponds, including Ummanigunta, Rajanala Cheruvu, and Raini Cheruvu, although Nallani Cheruvu suffers the most. The evidence is clear across hundreds of acres with stunted crops and withering fields. Even cows grazing on this land yield less milk, sparking concerns about potential lasting health risks for both livestock and the people who depend on them.
Farmers and residents express frustration, stating that their concerns have not been addressed by officials. They allege that government priorities favor industry over public health and claim that police have suppressed their protests.
Villagers have formally requested that the government permanently close the drug company. Indeed, they intend to continue their efforts until the pollution is addressed and the health of both residents and livestock is safeguarded, and they are seeking support from civil society organizations.
