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Credit: X/@sumedhasharma86
Residents of Khori Khurd and Khori Kalan villages near the Rajasthan border close to Bhiwadi, an industrial town, are facing an environmental crisis. The illegal disposal of toxic industrial waste in over a dozen unauthorized dump units near these areas has resulted in severe pollution. This has turned the air toxic and poses significant health risks to the local population.
Residents report that these closed illegal dump units still operate secretly, bringing in tons of chemical waste and drums at night. The waste is set on fire, worsening air pollution and affecting residents' health.
Usman Ali, a villager representative, highlighted the grave consequences of pollution. He noted that over 200 children and senior citizens have suffered from thoracic, pulmonary, and ophthalmic ailments.
Toxic #Rajasthan waste on fire, 200 in 2 Nuh villages develop ailments. This is a common story of many villages in Aravali that die slow death in backyard of rapid unchecked commercialisation and industrialization. @CPCB_OFFICIAL@moefcc@HspcbN@hspcbrogrs@Districtnuh#Haryana… pic.twitter.com/OUlvs4TXFi
— Sumedha Sharma (@sumedhasharma86) May 3, 2024
“We’ve been bearing pollution since 2012 and filed numerous complaints. At every inspection, officials claim the units are closed. In reality, drums with chemical waste are brought in illegally from Rajasthan and set on fire every night. The area has turned into a gas chamber,” claims residents' representative Usman Ali in a complaint to the Central Pollution Control Board.
“Children complain of throat irritation and burning eyes. They are facing voice issues. We’ve stopped sending them out in the evening because the air is toxic. Many seniors have undergone treatment at local clinics and hospitals,” he adds.
The villagers have urged the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to take notice of the situation, given the number of native bird deaths and daily animal carcasses.
Farmers worry about chemical contamination in water sources, damaging crops, and affecting cattle. The Haryana administration pledges to investigate and take action if any lapses are identified. However, the State Pollution Control Board claims to have not received recent complaints but acknowledges the need to revisit older ones.
Khori Khurd and Khori Kalan are struggling with environmental degradation and health hazards. Urgent intervention is needed to stop the illegal disposal of toxic waste and protect the residents and the ecosystem.
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