Times
of India: Bhopal: Monday, 01 September 2014.
When it comes
to multinational companies (MNCs), Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board
(MPPCB) appears to be totally ignorant about action taken against under green
laws or the number of MNCs operating in the state.
Board's
ignorance was revealed in its response to an RTI query that sought to know
details of action taken against MNCs operating in the state for violation of
pollution norms between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. Board replied
there is no data compiled with it about the issue.
In its reply
the board further stated there might be many MNCs operational in the state and
if the applicant wants, he can come to the office and go through the files and
seek information about any particular company.
Board's
shocking reply has come at a time when air, water and sound pollution levels in
Madhya Pradesh are on the rise with Gwalior being named among top four cities
of the world with dirtiest air, according to a World Health Organization (WHO)
study.
As per the
study, Delhi leads the pack. Of the 20 cities in the world with dirtiest air,
13 are from India. Gwalior in MP has more than three times of the acceptable
particulate matter levels in air. Pollution levels would be even more in cities
of the state with coal fired power plants.
It underlines
that about half of the urban population is exposed to air pollution that is at
least 2.5 times higher than levels WHO recommends, putting people at higher
risk of serious, long-term health problems.
Environmentalist
and RTI activist Ajay Dubey said if the MPPCB does not know the number of
multinational companies and action taken against them, the purpose of board's
existence is defeated. There should be a proactive disclosure of such
information on board's official website, he added.