Lack of proper disposal of biological waste is a big problem in India and contributes a lot to pollution and contamination of groundwater resources.
One such sorry incident has been unearthed in a Gurugram village, which has had frightening consequences on groundwater, the local people and animals.
This particular case was unearthed by an animal activist two months ago when he observed an unauthorised dump of mixed bio waste water at Bhondsi village agriculture land in Gurugram by a private pharmaceutical company, which is located in the same region.
The illegal bio waste dump, which is located at the village land, of Gurugram district, was first noticed by animal lover Rohit.
After finding the first dump in July this year, he shared his findings with his colleagues, and he has since raised the issue on social media platforms and yet to file an official complaint as he belongs from Kolkata, and had no idea where to file a complaint against the pharmaceutical company and its irregularities.
“A week ago, when I was on my morning walk, I discovered the bodies of two rabbits which are suspected to have died due to consuming toxic water dumped by the company. In about two months, I have noticed multiple times the company has illegally dumped bio waste water on the land of the region though a tanker,” Rohit said.
He also alleged that the tanker driver used to charge Rs 1,000 per round to dump the illegal bio waste water from the company.
“The area is home to peacocks, nilgai, rabbits, dogs and other animals. We are building our dog shelter home for stray dogs and this dump jeopardizes their survival,” the pet lover said.
"The illegal bio waste dumping in the area not only poses a risk to the wildlife, but also threatens human life as the bio waste water has already polluted the groundwater as toxic water enters the ground and then our food cycle," Rohit added.
He also asserted that the water level in the region is 300 feet deep but not drinkable. “Anyone can smell a chemical in the groundwater and the water colour will turn to be yellow in just a few hours preserved,” he said.
“I am shocked that nobody's in the region noticed this gross negligence on part of the company as they have continued dumping toxic water on this piece of land. The bio waste would destroy the lives of people living in a 15-km radius, in addition to affecting wildlife, trees in the region,” he elaborated.
“I will soon file a detailed complaint against the company in the concern department and will demand stern action against the company,” said Rohit, adding that the local administration should consider processing of bio waste, along with proper segregation and efficient waste collection policy, will help to tackle the problem more effectively”.
"I was unaware of the dumping of any illegal bio toxic waste dump in the region," said Kuldeep Singh, regional office of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), adding that the department would act on complaints as it came.