Factory located close to forest land releases pollutants, troubling villagers, animals

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to a fireworks factory in Solapur, which was found to be operating out of a reserved forest area. There were several complaints against Suraj Fireworks factory, situated in Tandulwadi village of Barshi taluka. "The factory owner hasn't renewed his licence to run the business nor has he obtained permission necessary to operate a factory in the vicinity of forest land," said Harshad Garud, counsel for the applicant, who took the issue to court.

The factory is located just 300 metres from the forest area that houses several wild animals. "The factory has been testing firecrackers since 2010, which causes noise and air pollution, impacting these animals and villagers as well. The factory has become a menace for everybody around," Garud added.

"Under information obtained from the Right to Information Act, we found that there have been 13 unnatural deaths of animals in this neighbourhood. Most of the incidents take place on the Barshi- Osmanabad highway, after the animals ran helter-skelter upon hearing firecrackers exploding," he said.

His appeal also mentions wild animals, which come near the factory for food and water. There is a small lake near the factory, which they would drink from. However, due to pollutants and chemicals, the water isn't drinkable anymore. Moreover, in March last year, there was a huge blast that took place at the factory. This led to a financial loss of about Rs 14-15 lakhs to the factory and spread hazardous fumes all over the forest.

Villagers too have had their problems with the factory. "They store their crackers and raw materials there. Their storage facility isn't very good though and given how hot Solapur gets in the summer, we are worried," said Suvarna Garad, a local villager.

Prabhavanti Nagtilak, another villager, added, "The dust from the factory flows around and settles on water and fodder which the animals consume. Besides, the owner has been involved in nefarious activities in the past, like hiring goons to thrash people in the village."

"These villagers fear the factory and its experiments. Fed up of daily pollution and because it's in violation of environmental laws, they approached us to take action," said Manoj Oswal, animal welfare officer, Animal Welfare Board of India.

However, Atul Garad, the owner of Suraj Fireworks, denied these accusations and said they are located far away from the forest. "Our factory is 3,000 metres from the forest. Moreover, only manufacturing is done here, not the testing. So, there is no problem as such. We will respond to the NGT notice suitably when we get it," he said.

There have been 13 unnatural deaths of animals. Most incidents are roadkill on highways as the animals run helter-skelter after hearing firecrackers exploding