Protests escalate in Pedagantyada over proposed Ambuja cement factory

The industrial area of Pedagantyada on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam witnessed intense protests on Wednesday as local residents strongly opposed the proposed Ambuja Cement factory. Demonstrators disrupted a public consultation organized by Ambuja Cements, pitching tents on the site and dismantling barricades. Police were reportedly unable to control the crowd as tensions escalated.

Once a center of labor struggles, Pedagantyada has now become a hotspot for environmental activism. Residents, joined by local political groups, voiced concerns over the potential health hazards posed by the cement factory. The densely populated town has long suffered from industrial pollution, and locals are determined to prevent further environmental degradation.

Pedagantyada residents have experienced pollution from multiple sources, including emissions from Gangavaram Port and smoke from the Hinduzha power plant. Adding a cement factory in such a populated area, they argue, would severely impact public health. Political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties are reportedly cautious, aware of the growing public discontent amid upcoming local elections.

Environmental and community activists warn that the factory could contaminate air, water, and groundwater, while increasing noise pollution and road accidents due to heavy vehicular movement. During Wednesday’s protest, participants carried banners, placards, and black ribbons, chanting slogans such as “Go back Adani” and demanding an immediate halt to the project.

The demonstrators criticized the consultation process, calling it a mere formality rather than a genuine public opinion exercise. Locals accused authorities of prioritizing corporate profits over community health, pointing out that past promises of employment from industrial projects often fail to materialize. Many recalled forced displacements in surrounding villages after Adani took over Gangavaram Port, intensifying skepticism about the benefits of new industries.

CPM-led protest committees organized the demonstration, highlighting that the proposed factory would affect nearly one million residents across Pedagantyada and nearby constituencies, including Gajuwaka, Sindhia, and Sriharipuram. The protesters emphasized that development should not come at the cost of lives and livelihoods.

The protest showcased a rare unity among locals, cutting across political lines, to oppose the cement factory. Residents repeatedly stressed that their demand is not against development but for sustainable growth and health safety. “Our town should be a place to live, not a pollution hub,” they said, urging the government to respect public opinion and reconsider the project.

Environmentalists have also voiced opposition, warning that approving the Ambuja project in Pedagantyada would have long-term ecological consequences. The ongoing unrest signals growing environmental consciousness among residents and their readiness to challenge industrial projects that threaten public health.