Villagers draw attention towards rising pollution in Igatpuri

A group of farmers from Igatpuri area in Nashik district met officials of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to draw their attention towards hazards of increasing pollution in the hilly region.
A delegation of farmers led by local leader from Jawhar Altaf Shaikh met MPCB member secretary Dr P Anbalagan recently and apprised him on the rampant pollution caused by industries and companies, flouting rules and regulations.
Shaikh said Anbalagan assured that he would take up the issue and will also direct officials concerned to act on the complaints.
He said the delegation they had filed complaint with MPCB and also written to Maharashtra Chief Minister regarding problems faced by villagers due to growing pollution in the region covering areas of Nashik and Sinnar.

The government in April had directed the MPCB to look into the complaints and take action against the companies.
MPCB had sent a team to visit units (factories) and found several lapses like units lacking proper recycling facility, storage facility not in compliance with license.
Villagers claimed that the companies were manufacturing hazardous, poisonous products which has caused enormous water and air pollution in the region and has also destroyed farmers fertile land.
Shaikh said if MPCB fails to take any action as assured, villagers may also stage a protest at MPCB headqauarters in Mumbai.