Visakhapatnam: There is a health crisis unfolding in Gangareguvalasa and Kambavalasa panchayats of Komarada mandal in Parvathipuram Manyam district over the past few years. 12 residents of these areas have died due to various types of cancer. More than a dozen others are currently undergoing treatment.Villagers have started believing that cancer and related deaths are linked to the hazardous wastes released by a chemical factory in the area that began operations seven years ago. Gangareguvalasa MPTC Ganta Venkata Naidu reiterated to Deccan Chronicle, “We believe the rising number of cancer patients is linked to this factory.” He wanted thorough medical screenings in the area to estimate the number of cancer cases in the region. Responding to the rising concerns, Manyam district collector has formed a joint inquiry committee, as confirmed by Dr. Chintala Arun Kumar Naidu of the Komarada PHC Centre. Villagers are anxiously awaiting official findings to better understand the reasons for high instances of cancer in the area. Names of those deceased in villages of Chinagangireguvalasa, Swaminaiduvalasa and Gangireguvalasa include Rawada Gangamma, Donaka Murali, Deesari Kalavathi, Azzada Lakshmi, Dwarapureddy Gaurunayudu, Kodi Manmadharao, Baggam Kalyani, Gangunayuni Chinnammudu, Datthi Adinarayana, Deesari Chinnammi, and Guntreddy Umamaheswara Rao. Patients currently suffering from cancer are Marisharla Mahalakshmi, Karri Gouramma, Bhullu Anil, Ganta Chinnamalu, Gudle Hemalatha, Donkada Satyam, Egireddy Padma, Dasari Lakshmamma, Kethireddy Vasantha and Donkada Satyavathi. Of late, two villagers, Barla Srinu and Nali Kali, have died in Rajya Lakshmipuram within the Kambavalasa panchayat, while Potnuru Ramu, Botta Surappamma, Botta Lakshmi and Botta Sumathi are still battling with the disease. Anxiety with the public is mounting, particularly in Gangireguvalasa, Chinagangireguvalasa, Swaminaiduvalasa and Rajya Lakshmipuram. MPTC Venkata Naidu has called for a transparent investigation into the cancer deaths, while CPM district executive member K. Sambamurthy has demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each bereaved family.
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