Abstract
This paper examines the role of local communities in environmental protection against industrial pollution using Patancheru Mandal in Andhra Pradesh as a model. An attempt is made in this study to identify the factors contributing to the evolution of the environmental movement and the strategies adopted by the local communities in order to draw the attention of government institutions to protect the environment. The paper concludes with a summary of the main observations on the effectiveness and outcome of the movement. The discussion in the paper draws on data from a case study of Patancheru industrial area in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh carried out during 2002-2003.