Disgruntled with the persistent accumulation of soot in their lives and lackadaisical attitude of authorities to recourse the issue, the residents of Crossings Republik, Dundahera and Chipyana Buzurg, neighbouring villages and students of ABES engineering college hit the streets on Saturday.
Over 400 people gathered at the gates of Continental Carbon India Limited (CCIL), located along NH-24 in Bulansahr industrial area, and shouted slogans, staged dharna, demanding immediate closure of this killer factory. Ghaziabad News
The residents of the neighbouring area too complained the pollution has impacted their health severely. Many complained of respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, blurred vision and sore throat.
Vikas Hindu, a resident of Dundahera village alleged that around 8-10 kilometers of area in the vicinity of CCIL are severely affected.
Residents also complained the cases of cancer, skin diseases and asthma are rapidly increasing in nearby localities. Last week, when the outrage of Crossings residents made headlines, DM Ritu Maheshwari had ordered Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to inspect the factory premises and prepare the report.
AK Tiwari, regional officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), informed the investigation is over and the report is sent to the headquarters in Lucknow.
“They will take action what they deem fit,” he said. Tiwari also told City Spidey that he has recommended “stringent” actions against the factory.
Besides, Tiwari also told that CCIL, which restarted their operations in March after being shut since December 2017, did not procure calibration certificate from UPPCB.
Meanwhile, AP Abraham, head of operations at the CCIL, refuted Tiwari’s claim stating that their calibration kit is connected with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and they can online monitor our emissions.
He dubbed the whole protest as “politically motivated.” Without naming anyone, Abraham said the protesters are backed by political agendas which CCIL do not want to entertain.
In December 2017, UPPCB had ordered Continental Carbon to shut down after it was found that the firm was violating the provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, adding to air pollution in the vicinity. However, the firm was reopened in April 2018.
