MCD Seals Four Illegal Jeans Dyeing Factories in Najafgarh for Pollution Violations

New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Sunday sealed four illegal jeans dyeing factories in southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh, responding to a complaint about the hazardous chemicals these units were using, which were causing significant environmental pollution. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to curb industrial pollution in the city, particularly in residential areas.

The action was initiated after the Deputy Commissioner of Najafgarh Zone, Badal Kumar, received a complaint from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) regarding the improper disposal of industrial waste by these factories. The factories were reportedly discharging toxic chemicals directly into the environment, posing severe risks to both public health and the river ecosystem.

Hazardous Chemicals and Environmental Impact
The factories sealed by the MCD were found to be using a range of hazardous chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, sulphuric acid, formic acid, caustic soda, bleaching agents, detergents, and hydrochloric acid. These substances are not only dangerous to the workers handling them but also extremely harmful to the environment. The wastewater from these units is toxic, making it difficult for treatment plants to process and contributing to the degradation of the river ecosystem, particularly the Yamuna River.

The use of such chemicals in illegal operations has raised serious concerns among environmentalists and local residents. Ramchandra, a resident of Najafgarh, shared that these factories, often operating on rented premises, cause significant health issues such as eye irritation and itching for those living nearby. He pointed out that these units usually run in residential homes, providing a substantial income for the landlords, but at the cost of public health and environmental safety.

Sealing Operations and Future Actions
During the sealing operations, officials from the Delhi Police and the DPCC were present alongside MCD personnel to ensure the enforcement of the law. The coordinated effort underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating these violations, particularly in light of the widespread pollution issues plaguing the city.

The MCD has announced that more sealing drives are planned in the coming weeks to target similar illegal operations in other areas of Delhi, including Khayala and Mithapur. These areas are known to host numerous illegal jeans dyeing and denim washing factories, contributing to the pollution problem.

Environmental Activists’ Concerns
Nishant Gulati, an activist, emphasised the severe environmental impact of the wastewater generated by these factories, noting that it is not only carcinogenic but also a major contributor to the foam formation observed in the Yamuna River. The presence of foam on the river’s surface is a visible indicator of the high levels of pollutants, particularly phosphates, being discharged into the water.

Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist and Associate Coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, further explained that the waste from these dyeing units contains phosphates, which are a key factor in the formation of foam in the river. This foam is not just an eyesore but a sign of the underlying toxic pollution that poses a long-term threat to the river’s health and the broader ecosystem.

Conclusion
The sealing of the illegal jeans dyeing factories in Najafgarh is a significant step towards addressing the pollution issues in Delhi. However, it also underscores the broader challenge of managing industrial pollution in residential areas. The MCD’s ongoing efforts, coupled with the vigilance of environmental activists and concerned citizens, are crucial in the fight to protect public health and preserve the environment. The focus now shifts to ensuring that these illegal operations are permanently shut down and that future enforcement actions are carried out effectively to prevent further environmental degradation.