The failure on the part of MIDC authorities and Gram Panchayats in disposing of the garbage dumped at various locations in the Hingna industrial area is giving tough time to entrepreneurs, factory workers and even the residents living in the nearby localities. As the garbage generated by the nearby residential areas is being dumped at the sites for more than three decades, the factory workers and residents are suffering due to the foul smell, air and water pollution and other problems. However, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) authorities are paying no heed to it. Capt. (Retd) C M Randhir, President of the MIDC Industries Association (MIA), on Saturday told The Hitavada that he has been raising the issue for the last ten years but to no avail. “The concerned officers are just passing on the bucks and leaving the MIDC plot owners to the mercy of God.

 

It is a very frustrating situation for the factory workers,” he said. MIDC industrial area is devoid of a proper garbage collection and segregation facilities, leave aside the garbage treatment and disposal system. Since the Hingna MIDC came into existence, more than 50 years back, the garbage generated in the area is being dumped at various points. In addition, the garbage generated in the nearby villages including Digdoh-Devi, Nildoh and Sonegaon-Nipani is also brought here. Adding to the woes of the citizens, the dumped garbage remains unattended. The heaps of garbage dumped near the Jayaswal NECO Industries Ltd have polluted the area by area.

 

Foul smell emanating from the garbage has been troubling the industry workers for the past many years. Interestingly, whenever the MIDC plot owners raise the issue, garbage is burned to dispose of it which results in smoke billowing continuously creating health hazards for the citizens. Capt. (Retd) C M Randhir said MIDC authorities should come out with a permanent solution to the problem. “The authorities should rope in some agency to clear the dumped garbage as soon as possible and save the environment,” he said. Last year in a meeting held under the chairmanship of District Collector in which Deputy CEO, Zilla Parishad Nagpur; Regional Officer, MIDC and officials of Nildoh Gram Panchayat were present, the issue was discussed in great detail and it was decided to appoint an agency garbage collection and disposal at MIDC Hingna Industrial Area. But, the proposal is still gathering dust and affected people are suffering.