PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM TOXIC PONDS AND POLLUTION

PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM TOXIC PONDS AND POLLUTION

21-FEB-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------"Collector Sir, my village is dying..." People are suffering from toxic ponds and pollution in the Gidha Industrial Area. The government has set up factories in the Gidha Industrial Area, leaving the local people at the mercy of God. People are suffering from water, land, and air pollution here.

The toxic pond in the Gidha Industrial Area, located in the Koilwar block of Bhojpur district, Bihar, has become a serious problem. Dirty and chemical wastewater from the factories has accumulated in a large pit, turning into a toxic pond. This is causing pollution at all three levels: water, land, and air. Local people are forced to live in fear and disease.

Toxic Pond Made of Industrial Waste: Located near the paper mill in the Geedha Industrial Area, this pit is dumped with contaminated water from about a dozen nearby factories. Gradually, this pit has turned into a toxic pond. According to locals, animals and birds have died from drinking this water. Many farmers' crops have dried up, and the surrounding land is becoming barren.

"The water in this pond has become toxic. Many animals have died from drinking it. The stench is so strong that it can be detected from several kilometers away." - Local passerby

Water Pollution Affects Drinking Water: Due to the pond, the water from nearby hand pumps has also become contaminated and foul-smelling. People say the water smells bad and appears discolored. This has increased the risk of waterborne diseases. Villagers are forced to find alternative sources for drinking water.

"No one wants to travel along the path to the pond. It stinks, and no one can pass without glasses. Smoke from this factory spreads to the surrounding villages. People are becoming victims of the pollution. We only pass by here when absolutely necessary." - Santosh Kumar, passerby

Impact of pollution on crops and land: The chemical impact on the land around the pond is clearly visible. According to farmers, crops grown on several acres have dried up, while crops standing at a distance are becoming malnourished. Leakage of toxic chemicals is reducing soil fertility. This poses a direct threat to farmers' livelihoods.

"Our village is dying from the air and contaminated water from this factory, and the village is facing starvation. Even the village hand pump is now spewing toxic water. The water level is polluted. The soil has become toxic, making production impossible. We demand that the District Collector and those responsible address our problem." - Ravindra Narayan Singh, social worker and PACS President

Air pollution causes respiratory and eye problems: Fine black particles and dust emitted from the paper mill are mixing into the air and affecting people's health. Passersby and local residents are experiencing eye irritation, redness, and breathing problems. Many are suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. The stench is so strong that people pass by with a towel or handkerchief tied to their nose.

Dangerous levels of chemical elements: According to environmental experts, factory waste contains hazardous elements like mercury, lead, and chromium. These elements combine with water, making it extremely toxic. Neurotoxic elements like mercury can affect the brain and nervous system, while chromium affects the respiratory system.

Doctors' advice: According to doctors at the Primary Health Center, Koilwar, these toxic elements can cause miscarriage, nasal septum ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. People have been advised to boil and filter water before using it. They also advise wearing masks and goggles when passing through the area.

Questions about administrative indifference: Local social workers have complained about the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the district administration, but no concrete action has been taken. People allege that factory operators remain careless due to administrative negligence. If timely action is not taken, this problem could worsen. When attempts were made to contact the District Magistrate regarding this issue, he could not be reached.

"We cannot reveal much. Cleanliness and beautification will be carried out very soon." - Amit Kumar, Area Coordinator, Geedha

When will those responsible listen? This toxic pond in the Geedha Industrial Area has become not just an environmental crisis but a serious problem. Water, land, and air pollution are affecting public life. What is needed now is strict administrative action, scientific investigation, and a permanent solution to ensure a clean environment and a safe life for the people.