Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 12: Karnataka legislature assurance committee has expressed concern over the rising incident of cancer disease in areas in the city that are nearby to major industries.

The committee took a tour of the city along with officials of commercial, industries, city development, environment pollution board, health and family welfare, fire service personnel, animal husbandry and fisheries. It noticed that cancer is increasing in residents of Katipalla, Surathkal and Kulai.

In addition, the committee also said that many residents have reported lung infections, skin diseases and diarrhoea in children.

Speaking on the issue to the reporters, B M Farooq, president of the committee said, “Effluents from industries of Baikampady industrial area are being flown into river at Kudumboor. This river has turned poisonous with black and oily water. The species of Irpe and Kurdi fish that was seen abundantly in this river is completely extinct.

“Those who consume fish of Kudumboor river are definitely going to have health issues. In addition, the water of this river joins Gurupur river and from there to Arabian Sea. Industrial zone have proposed ETP plan for the cleaning of Kudumboor river.

As per the report of primary health care centres in industrial zone areas like Bajpe, Surathkal, Kulai and Katipalla every day they get at least four to five patients with lung infections, consistent cough for long time, skin and other forms of cancer. This has caused grave concern among the residents.

Speaking on the issue, Dr Kishore Kumar, district health and family welfare officer said, “It is difficult to conclude that the health complications seen in residents living in and around industrial zone are because of the industries. A comparative study between industrial and non-industrial zones needs to be done. We have got instructions to carry out a study in this regard and we will do the needful and submit report to the deputy commissioner.”