The other side of progress

India and especially Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical hubs in the world. Major generic manufacturers have set up units and products are sold worldwide. However, effluent disposal by these factories has become a serious ecological concern. This report highlights the presence of as many as 21 chemically active ingredients in waters near Patancheru, near Hyderabad. It is a serious issue on two counts - pollution and the risk of drug resistant micro-organisms developing and spreading to other areas.