Daman firm dumps waste near Vapi

The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has lodged a complaint with the Daman Pollution Control Board over the dumping of medical waste on the outskirts of a village in Valsad district by a Daman-based firm.

On Wednesday, Medical waste was found in an agricultural land at Challa, which is situated on the Daman-Gujarat border. The village sarpanch Harish Patel, informed the GPCB officials about the waste.

Investigations by GPCB officials revealed that it belonged to Al Keem Laboratory, a pharmaceutical company based in Daman.

Dilip Desai, regional manager, Vapi, GPCB, contacted the company and demanded that the waste be removed at the earliest as it could ruin the agricultural land. Desai also registered a complaint with Daman collector M Modassir and the Daman Pollution Control Board.

Desai, said: "Tests revealed that the waste belonged to Al Keem Laboratory. The waste was not treated. No industry in Daman has the facility of a total hazardous waste disposal site.

"Though the waste was dumped in Gujarat, we cannot initiate legal steps against the company. We have asked the Daman Pollution Control Board to take necessary steps to stop the dumping."

Richard D'souza, member secretary, Daman Pollution Control Board, said: "We have been informed about the incident by GPCB officials. We are looking into the matter, and would initiate appropriate steps against the company."

Daman collector M Modassir, could not be reached despite several attempts.