State vows to take strict action against Gujarat tankers dumping chemical waste

The state government will take strict action against all tankers and truckloads coming from Gujarat who enter the state to dump chemical waste in remote areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, putting several lives at risk. Ramdas Kadam, minister of environment, on Wednesday said that even if it meant taking a dig against the prime minister, they would ensure all such tankers are confiscated.

The state will also hold officials from both, the environment department and those at the local level responsible for such acts. Kadam asked how any vehicle could simply enter the city and dump waste, without fearing action.

He added: "At times, the vehicles are also abandoned in remote places or in rivers, which pollutes air and water, in turn affecting villagers." Last week, more than 400 residents of Ulhasnagar fell sick after a chemical tanker dumped waste in Valdhuni river. Investigations revealed that the tanker had come from Gujarat. Such tankers have no permissions and therefore illegally discharge the chemicals.

The residents who took ill were mainly from Valdhuni village, Ashok Nagar, Lasi Galli, Renuka Society and Pahlumal compound. Residents of the area complained to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officers about unknown tankers releasing chemicals into the river often.

Also, should residents object to these acts, arguments between them and the tankers ensue, which may prove dangerous for their lives. Kadam also said that the ministry would ensure that strict action is taken against the concerned companies, and that the department would follow up with government machineries to resolve the issue soon.