Surat Collector orders GPCB inquiry into Aluminium and Rubber companies’ environmental infractions, seeks Environmental Report

Surat : The Surat district collector has taken decisive action in response to concerns raised by the general secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Darshan Naik, regarding environmental violations by several aluminum and rubber companies in the villages of Karanj, Tadkeshwar, Limodra, and Hariyal in Mangrol and Mandvi talukas respectively.

Among the 11 companies under scrutiny are Color Lam Plywood, Rama Aluminum, Ramakrishna Aluminum, Mileage Rubber, Jai India, Resilien Rubber, Sumit India, Fairdeal Filament, Mangal Weaves, Galaxy Aluminum Company, and Cambay foodpa LLP.

It must be noted that Fairdeal Filament is owned by Dhiru Shah alias Dhirajlal Shah, who is the chairman of the Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC).

These companies have allegedly been violating environmental laws for several years, resulting in significant air, water, and chemical pollution. The district collector has directed the GPCB’s Surat regional office to conduct a detailed investigation into these violations and submit a comprehensive report.

Pollution Impact on Fertile Lands and Farmers:

The detrimental effects of operations by these aluminum and rubber companies on the environment have been observed in recent years. The pollution stemming from Fairdeal Filament and the other industrial units has severely damaged the fertile arable lands in the villages of Karanj, Tadkeshwar, Limodra, Hariyal, and surrounding areas. Small and marginal farmers, who rely on farming as their livelihood, own these lands. Despite the farmers’ repeated complaints to competent authorities about the pollution caused by Color Lam Plywood, Rama Aluminum, Ramakrishna Aluminum, Mileage Rubber, Jai India, Resilien Rubber, Sumit India, Mangal Weaves, Galaxy Aluminum Company, and Cambay foodpa LLP, their pleas have gone unanswered, leading to the farmers’ devastation.

Public Health Concerns and Environmental Impact:

The continuous emission of toxic fumes and chemicals from these industries, including Fairdeal Filament, poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide are released into the air, contributing to air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes seven million deaths annually and is linked to various diseases, including stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease. Residents living near these companies, including Fairdeal Filament, are reportedly suffering from respiratory ailments, including asthma and cancer, due to the toxic chemical pollutants.

Unabated Pollution: Air, Water, and Soil Contamination:

During the production processes these companies emits large amounts of chemical smoke from their chimneys, causing severe inconvenience to the local population. These chemical emissions contaminate nearby homes, leaving black-colored particles on their roofs and interiors. Furthermore, the companies discharge chemical-laden wastewater directly into nearby rivers, creeks, and lakes without proper treatment, leading to water pollution. The groundwater in the vicinity has also become contaminated, adversely affecting agricultural practices and posing significant health risks.

Demand for Strict Action:

In light of the distress faced by farmers and local residents in Karanj, Limodra, Tadkeshwar, and Haryal areas, Darshan Naik demanded punitive action against the violators under “The Water Act 1974,” “The Air Act 1981,” and “The Environment Protection Act 1986.” Naik emphasized the need to enforce fines and penalties to hold these polluting companies accountable for the environmental damage caused.