NGT Acts Against Bhopal Plastic Factories

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the serious health and environmental risks posed to nearly 2 lakh residents by around 50 illegally operating plastic factories in Bhopal.

The tribunal has sought detailed responses from the Madhya Pradesh government, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding the issue.

The NGT directed the concerned authorities to submit their responses within two to three weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for October 29. During the hearing, MPPCB, CPCB, and BMC submitted their respective affidavits and responses.

The alleged illegal factories are operating in residential and densely populated areas without valid permissions and adequate measures to control air and water pollution, raising concerns over the health and safety of local residents.

The Kabadi Khana area has emerged as a major hub for illegal plastic recycling, with more than 50 units reportedly operating in its narrow lanes. The operations are particularly hazardous in densely populated areas, with small and major fires reportedly breaking out at least twice a week during summer.

According to MPPCB findings, PM10 levels in the area reach 225-250, among the highest recorded in the city. Open dismantling of e-waste to recover metals is also allegedly releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Despite the ban on single-use plastic since 2022, the ground situation remains different, with around 10-12 tonnes of plastic waste reportedly reaching Adampur garbage dumpsite daily.

Experts have called for industries operating without pollution clearances and other mandatory permissions to be shifted out of densely populated areas immediately.

The NGT's action is a significant step towards addressing the environmental and health concerns posed by the illegal plastic factories in Bhopal. The tribunal's decision to seek responses from the concerned authorities is expected to lead to concrete actions to mitigate the risks faced by the residents.

The issue highlights the need for effective implementation of environmental regulations and the importance of ensuring that industries operate with necessary permissions and safety measures in place.

The situation in Bhopal is a wake-up call for the authorities to take proactive measures to prevent such environmental and health hazards in the future.

In conclusion, the NGT's action against the illegal plastic factories in Bhopal is a crucial step towards protecting the environment and public health. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the tribunal and ensure that the residents of Bhopal are not exposed to such risks in the future.