Unit shut,GPCB finds a toxic sea

The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) is excavating barrels of toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical residue which was buried in the premises of Meghmani Organics,an agrochemical unit in Chharodi village near Sanand. The facilty was being dismantled after it was closed down last year by the pollution control board. According to GPCB officer K C Mistry,the board has removed around 70-80 barrels of toxic waste over the last four days. The board’s member-secretary, estimated at least 300 barrels to be buried by the company. According to officials,GPCB is now investigating grounds under which the company’s directors can be charged with criminal proceedings under the Environment Protection Act of 1986. The company officials were however not available for comment.

The GPCB is trying to be cautious about the excavation work,as the use of heavy machinery in the process could lead to a leakage of the toxic waste. They are also trying to finish the work before the monsoons,as the rains could lead to the chemicals seeping into the ground and poisoning the groundwater,according to officials.