Shimla, Sep 1 (PTI) Hundreds of people took out a massive rally to protest against the alleged discharge of chemicals into water bodies, and foul odours and pollution caused by Shivalik Solid Waste Company at Majra village in Nalagarh area of Himachal’s Solan district.
The agitation saw participation of women, youths and elderly citizens, besides farmers’ unions and various social organisations from Punjab. The villagers had been on a sit-in near the company premises for nearly three months.
Over 500 people participated in the rally, raising slogans against the company. The protesters marched from Nalagarh market to the SDM office complex, demanding that the company be relocated.
Through Nalagarh Sub-Divisional Magistrate Narendra Ahluwalia, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the governor, demanding a high-level, impartial inquiry into the matter and concrete action against the company.
The villagers alleged that they are facing hardships due to the foul odour and the chemical-laden water allegedly discharged by the company into water bodies.
They claimed that health issues are emerging in the area, including outbreaks of skin diseases in children and the elderly. The stench has made it difficult to even stay inside their homes, villagers alleged.
Locals said that despite repeated complaints, no appropriate action was taken against the company, compelling them to take to the streets and launch an agitation.
Punjab Morcha Convener Gaurav Rana said the Shivalik Solid Waste Company faces allegations of causing large-scale pollution, which is affecting areas in Punjab, apart from Himachal Pradesh.
Rana said the pollution poses a risk of serious diseases spreading in the region, yet the government and administration have failed to take the necessary action. He asserted that the fight against pollution would continue and that the agitation would be intensified in the future if required.
The agitators warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch a much larger agitation.
Nalagarh SDM Narendra Ahluwalia informed the protesters that a memorandum outlining various demands had been submitted to the governor on behalf of the villagers.
He said the matter is currently under the government’s consideration and is also sub judice. A major meeting involving various departments would be held on September 5 to discuss different issues related to the case, he added. PTI BPL RUK RUK
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