Nowadays, fisherwomen in Valsad (off the Saurashtra coast) catch as much garbage as fish in their fishing nets. Industrial
pollution has severely impacted their earnings and the viability of their profession... The industries that are mostly to blame are the dye and chemical
companies, drug manufacturers, as well as the industrial spare parts units. And the number of industrial units has only increased, thus worsening the problem. As a result, many men have begun to migrate to the towns in search of work.
Given the size of the companies involved, the Pollution Control Board has been accused of laxity when it comes to taking action (against them). This area was once known for its seafood exports. However, recent tests carried out by the Central Institute of Fisheries indicate a high level of toxicity. The issue mainly revolves around setting up effluent plants to treat untreated industrial waste. Unfortunately, these plants do not function properly.
In fact, it is not just the fish that are
affected; pollution levels are so high that even the groundwater is contaminated - and crops and cattle have also been affected. As for the local people, they have demanded action against the polluters, and filed a petition with the High Court.