Mayapuri haunted by radiation fears of 2010

One person was reported dead and eight others were hospitalised after they were exposed to cobalt-60, a radioactive element used in the machine.

Fear of a radiation leak is haunting businessmen and residents of Mayapuri, who claim that that authorities have failed to keep a check on the large scale dismantling of machines that go on in the area.

West Delhi's Mayapuri had witnessed a radiation leak on April 8, 2010 in which one person had died of exposure. (Sunil Saxena/HT Photo)

RK Gupta, the general secretary of the Mayapuri-Rewariline industrial welfare association says that while the content of scrap, vehicles and other items brought for dismantling are dubious and remain unverified, open dismantling of machines poses the danger of a repeat of radiation incident that occurred in the area five years ago.

West Delhi’s Mayapuri had witnessed a radiation leak on April 8, 2010, after a heavy machine from the Delhi University was brought to the market and dismantled. One person was reported dead and eight others were hospitalised after they were exposed to cobalt-60, a radioactive element used in the machine.

“In spite of several letters to senior officials, including the municipal commissioner, L-G, CM, commissioner of Police and public representatives, the condition remains that same,” Gupta adds.

Residents complain that scrap dealers have encroached upon roads and public spaces making commute impossible in the area. Mayapuri has industries on internal roads too making travelling in and out of the area a daily torment for industry owners and employees. “Scrap dealers of Motia Khan were relocated to Mayapuri area during the Emergency. However, since then, scrap dealers have encroached on the entire area, including the arterial and internal roads,” Gupta says.

Senior officials in the Delhi government say that plans are being made to improve the condition of the area and meetings with the area occupants will be held soon to ensure public safety.