In the heart of the chemical corridor of Gujarat, about 4,000 villagers of Piraman in Ankleshwar taluka bear the noise of industries and stench of wastes that pass through the village in Amla Khadi, a creek, due to leaks in the effluent pipeline.

Not just pollution, but also a question over displacement and livelihood had cropped up when the government acquired lands from farmers for Panoli and Ankleshwar GIDC.

After several complaints by the Piraman villagers, on July 20, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) issued showcause notices to the Bharuch Eco Aqua Infrastructure Company and Jhagadia Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). But the situation remains the same till date.

According to the Regional Officer for Gujarat Pollution Control Board, M S Shukla: “It was observed during an inspection by the board on July 15 that the effluent generated from GIDC Jhagadia near railway bridge and channelled across to the CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) is being discharged into Amla Khadi without treatment.”

The GPCB had also issued the showcause notice to Bharuch Eco Aqua Infrastructure Company Limited (BEAICL) the same day for the noise of the treatment facility, which keeps the Piraman villagers awake for nights. In the letter, Shukla said, “During the inspection on July 1, it is observed that unbearable noise is generated by the compressors installed in the aeration unit at your CETP.”

The CETP was given three days time, but villagers, including Sarpanch Salim Patel, say the noise continues. “I think we are cursed to live and suffer like this forever,” said Patel.

... contd.