Disha Paper Mill Pollution Probe Challenged, Official Accused of Shielding Factory

Dispute Over Probe Report on Pollution Allegations Against Disha Paper Mill

A dispute over alleged air pollution from Disha Paper Mill on Jauli Road in Muzaffarnagar has intensified, with questions being raised over the investigation report and serious allegations being made against a Pollution Department official.

Aman Bansal, the youth state vice-president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has questioned the report prepared on the alleged pollution from the factory. He has accused the concerned officials of trying to protect the factory management and of carrying out a mere formality in the name of an investigation.

The allegations relate to smoke and waste reportedly coming out of the factory. Aman Bansal has said that people living in nearby villages are facing health-related problems because of the alleged pollution. He has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter, protection of the health of the villagers and strict action against the factory management if it is found responsible.

Complaints Submitted to Officials

Under the leadership of Aman Bansal, a memorandum was submitted to District Pollution Officer Geetesh Chandra on 22 October. The memorandum sought a fair investigation into the pollution allegedly being spread by Disha Paper Mill.

The memorandum also called for steps to protect the health of villagers and strict action against the factory management if it was found guilty. After this, another memorandum was submitted to the District Magistrate.

Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the District Magistrate formed a team and directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to investigate the allegations.

It has been alleged that the concerned departments completed the investigation in just two days and submitted their report. A copy of the report was also provided to Aman Bansal.

However, Aman Bansal has described the report as completely misleading. He has alleged that the actual situation was ignored and that an attempt was made to cover up the matter through the investigation.

Allegations Against Pollution Department Official

Aman Bansal has also made serious allegations against Pollution Department AE Kunwar Santosh. He has alleged that although the official reached the factory in the name of conducting an investigation, the actual situation was not examined impartially.

According to Aman Bansal’s allegation, the official contacted the factory management and tried to settle the matter at his own level. He has further alleged that a report was later prepared in such a way that effective action could not be taken over the allegations of pollution.

Aman Bansal has claimed that the pollution problem has existed in the area for a long time and that villagers are suffering from serious illnesses. He has also claimed that hundreds of people have died from serious diseases such as cancer.

He has demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the entire matter. Aman Bansal has questioned who will take responsibility for the health and safety of villagers if questions begin to arise over the investigations conducted by the departments responsible for taking action against units that spread pollution.

Aman Bansal has warned that if senior officials do not take the matter seriously and order a fair investigation and action against those found responsible, workers of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will begin a major protest outside the offices of the officials.

The key question now is what the reality is behind the allegations of pollution from Disha Paper Mill and what action the administration takes on the questions raised over the investigation report.

The report is by Anmol Kumar, Muzaffarnagar. Contact: 7078215007.