Hazardous industrial waste goes up in city
There has been an increase in hazardous waste-generating industrial units in the city in the past few years. The data compiled by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) revealed that a total of 429 industries in the city are producing hazardous waste.
There has been an increase in hazardous waste-generating industrial units in the city in the past few years.
The data compiled by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) revealed that a total of 429 industries in the city are producing hazardous waste. These units generate about 19,868 metric tonne (MT) waste annually, which include used oil, acid residue, inorganic natured waste and spent acid.
The administration had set up Phase 1 and 2 industrial areas during 1970s on 147 acres. More than 2,100 units are operating in both phases of the Industrial Area.
The data indicates that hazardous waste-producing units have increased in number from 260 in 2010-11 to 429 in 2011-12. Out of total 19,868 MT of hazardous waste generated in 2011-12, around 377 MT was recycled, while around 2,738 MT was sold to the industry. The remaining waste was disposed of using landfill.
As the waste generated in the city was less, the administration had decided against developing treatment storage and disposal facility (TSDF) as it was not economically viable.
For the purpose of disposal, the CPCC had tied up with the Punjab Pollution Control Board for disposal of hazardous waste generated in city at TSDF in Dera Bassi.
The State of Environment Report of Chandigarh 2012, which was released on Tuesday, also highlighted the issue of municipal solid waste. This category of waste is divided into five categories - biodegradable waste, recyclable material, insert waste, composite waste and domestic hazardous waste and toxic waste.
The Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) deals with the municipal solid waste. From collection to disposal, the MC takes various steps to make sure that Chandigarh is a garbage-free city.
Due to ever increasing population in the city, the problem of generation of municipal solid waste has escalated. According to data, a total of 380 tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated in a day, of which 370 tonnes is collected daily.
For the smooth functioning of the system, the MC has set up a total of 32 “sehaj safai kendras” and 2,962 sweepers are being pressed into service.
Can cause many diseases: doc
Dr Rajesh Kumar, in charge, School of Public Heath, PGIMER
Hazardous waste can cause a wide range of diseases. Even small amounts of lead, which is a common industrial waste, can be hazardous to human health. Had hazardous waste not been harmful to human health, the government would have not framed strict rules for proper disposal of such waste. The authorities should ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of properly to ensure that it does not have any effect on human health.
Number of units in industrial area: Over 2,100
Year No of units producing hazardous waste Waste
2010-11 260 1,843 MT
2011-12 429 19,868 MT