Chemical Waste Tanker Retrieved From Canal In Kakinada District

KAKINADA: The chemical waste tanker, which fell into an irrigation canal a week ago, was removed using JCB machines in Thondangi mandal of Kakinada district on Tuesday evening.

The 60-ton tanker, carrying chemical waste from Guntur to pharmaceutical units in Anakapalli, overturned into the canal near AV Nagaram village in the early hours of January 21. It was stated that the driver quickly fled the scene after the accident.

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board officials collected samples of chemical waste and sent them to laboratories for analysis. Thondangi sub-inspector B. Jaganmohan Rao told Deccan Chronicle that the tanker was carrying diluted hydrochloric acid from Guntur to Anakapalli when it met with the accident. He said a case has been registered and more details will be released once the driver is tracked down and arrested.

Meanwhile, allegations emerged that chemical waste from pharmaceutical units in various districts was illegally dumped into canals at night. Local residents questioned why the tanker, reportedly heading from Guntur to Anakapalli, passed through their village, raising doubts about the purpose of the route.