Industrial Pollution in Ankleshwar Fuels Extreme Heat, Destroys Mango Blossoms

Ankleshwar: The sweltering heat and industrial pollution in Ankleshwar have dealt a devastating blow to mango farmers, who are now staring at an estimated 70% drop in production this season. Farmers across the district are blaming toxic emissions from factories for scorching mango blossoms, making this year one of the worst for fruit cultivation.

Mango Orchards in Crisis

Once known for its bountiful mango orchards, Ankleshwar’s villages—including Juna Diva, Borbhatha, Navi Diva, Borbhatha Bet, Uchhali, Bakrol, Kansia, and Mandwa—grow over 25 varieties of mangoes like Langda, Kesar, Hafoos, Rajapuri, and Dussehri. However, an unusual mix of climate change, industrial emissions, and pesticide failure has left farmers helpless.

“In winter, fog covered the fields, and we hoped for a healthy flowering season. But instead, the mango blossoms were burned by a disease called Chopwa, worsened by pollution. The pesticides aren’t working because of the excessive heat,” said Ramesh Patel, a farmer from Borbhatha Bet.

The Role of Industrial Pollution

Ankleshwar, an industrial hub, houses hundreds of chemical and pharmaceutical plants that emit harmful pollutants into the air. Farmers strongly believe that these emissions are a major factor behind the failing mango crops.

“The toxic gases from factories are killing our trees. The air itself feels heavy, and the mango blossoms are unable to survive in this environment. Every year, it gets worse,” said Maheshbhai Desai, a farmer from Kansia village.

Experts also warn that the increased air pollution and rising temperatures accelerate the spread of pests and diseases, making mango farming increasingly difficult.

Unseasonal Rains & Pesticide Failure

In addition to industrial pollution, unpredictable weather has made matters worse. Earlier this year, unseasonal rains and cloudy weather disrupted pollination and weakened the mango blossoms. Farmers turned to pesticides in a desperate attempt to save their crops, but the high temperatures rendered the treatments ineffective.

“We sprayed pesticides multiple times, but nothing worked. The heat is so intense that it dries up the chemicals before they can have any effect,” said Vijay Chauhan, a mango grower from Juna Diva.

A Grim Outlook for Mango Farmers

With a 70% decrease in expected mango production, the financial losses for farmers could be staggering. Many rely on mango farming as their primary source of income, and the current crisis threatens their livelihoods.

“If the government does not step in to regulate pollution, farming will become impossible here. We need stricter environmental laws and support to recover from this disaster,” urged Bharat Solanki, a mango farmer from Mandwa.

The Need for Immediate Action

Local farmers are now demanding that authorities take urgent steps to curb industrial pollution and provide assistance to struggling cultivators. Without intervention, Ankleshwar’s mango orchards could soon become a thing of the past.

For now, the sweet aroma of mango season is being replaced by frustration and despair, as farmers watch their hard work wither under an unforgiving sky poisoned by industries.