Sporting an air filter mask and a placard saying `Fresh air is our birth right', 11-year-old Prithvi Kasulla made no bones about his protest against chimneys coughing out toxic fumes.
"I have taken a day off from school to register my protest,"
said Kasulla. "In school we are taught about the hazards of air pollution but everyday smoke enters our homes causing cold, cough and irritation in the eyes."
Kasulla was one of the 60 residents who protested outside the office of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on July 18.
HT Live had reported (March 21) on how residents of Ghodbunder Road in Thane, who had been waking up to polluted air, had started a signature campaign against factories in the area.
The board has now pressed criminal charges against companies at fault.
"We decided to stage our protest after several requests went unnoticed," said Maithilee Chendvankar, resident of Oswal Park. "How will you react if you find black particulate matter accumulating on vehicles and on floors of your house every morning? We suffer from coughs and irritation of eyes, all thanks to pollution."
The fight against pollution was started by Satyajit Shah resident of Hyde Park Regency eight years ago.
In a written assurance given to residents, A.D. Mohekar regional officer of MPCB, said "We had given orders to shut down three factories in the residential area on May 20, 2009."
"While one was closed, Rav Steel and Shanti textile had appealed for a hearing," said Mohekar. "They were allowed to operate provided they followed norms of upgrading efflu ent treatment plant, installing dust collectors and scrubbers.
"Since these factories still continue to pollute, we have filed criminal charges under air and water act against them."
, An alternative is to provide , Mahanagar Gas connections to these industries.
"LPG will not cause pollution , and will benefit both the par: ties," he said. "After all, the fac tories have been in the area before the residential complexes, which mushroomed due to lack i of planning."
Another official requesting anonymity alleged that it is the land mafias that have caused these problems.
