Violation of environmental norms has led to seven units of Amara Raja Batteries being shut down in the Chittoor district. This has rendered about 16,000 people jobless.
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board has alleged that the Company has violated several environmental norms and that its employees’ blood samples show traces of lead. Even people residing in the nearby areas have high levels of lead in their blood says a report submitted to the Board.
However, Amara Raja has not challenged these allegations but issued a notification saying that all corrective measures have been taken and all violations rectified. The employees, however, are heartbroken as this is the first time the units have ever been closed. Apparently about one lakh people are indirectly dependent on the Company for their livelihood.
Orders were issued by APPCB on April 30, 2021 to close the Company’s plants situated in Karkambadi and Nunegundlapalli, in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The Company is trying its best to comply with the orders and is also putting together contingency plans so that supplies of batteries, especially those in the essential services space, such as hospitals and telecom sector, are not disrupted.
The Company is also exploring all options so that its suppliers, partners, clients and employees are least affected by the closures. It has issued a statement saying that it has taken all possible measures in line with industry standards and requirements.
