Locals get together for a pollution-free Dombivli

Pollution in Dombivli has always been of great concern to all residing in the area. The satellite city caught everybody's attention when there was green rain (acid rain) in the city a few years back. And when the chemical factory blast which took place last month, every resident has become concerned about their safety. Hence, to fight against rising pollution level, all residents' associations have come together to form a Citizens' Forum for a pollution-free Dombivli.

The blast in a chemical factory in Dombivli's MIDC area on May 26 has united the residents of this city. Last weekend, over 15 resident associations and federations came together to form the forum. "Dombivli has become highly polluted in the last few years and we have come together to fight pollution," says Raju Nalawade, a member of the forum.

The forum has reputed Dombivli residents like Madhav Joshi, Manoj Marathe, Ajit Abhyankar, etc., who have always been working towards bettering Dombivli. The residents say the chemical factory blast was the high point which made them get up and do something about the issue which has been plaguing their city for long.

"We have been fighting against pollution for past 20 years. But the recent blast has really scared us. We fear a repeat of Bhopal gas tragedy here if the pollution goes unchecked," he said.

The forum already has their action plan in place and is waiting for Thane district collector to submit the report of the inquiry conducted on the blast. "There are 400 factories in Dombivli, out of which 30 are highly hazardous. We want these hazardous factories to be shifted out of the city limit and after the collector's report is out, we will even start an agitation," he added.

The forum also wants the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, industrial safety department of MIDC and MIDC itself to be made co-accused in the chemical factory blast case. "These people are also equally responsible for the blast and should be tried in court," he said.