Vapi cracks down on illegal scrapyards after fire triggers probe
Surat: The Vapi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a drive against unauthorised scrap warehouses operating within its limits. An estimate revealed that over 500 such scrapyards exist.
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Of these, around 50 have been demolished by authorities recently, while at least 50 have shut down after receiving instructions.
Action against over 300 more scrapyards is underway. Police have filed FIRs against eight people under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including for public nuisance, creating noxious conditions, obstructing public ways, negligent handling of fire, and endangering lives using machinery.
The Environment (Protection) Act was also invoked, as the accused ran scrapyards without required permits.
The complaint was filed by assistant sub inspector Ankur Godhani at Dungra police station.
The crackdown began after a major fire broke out at six scrapyards in Vapi's Karvad area. A preliminary probe by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, VMC, and the district collector's office revealed the scrapyards operated without approvals.
"There are many illegal scrapyards in VMC limits. Around 50 have already shut down and we have demolished at least 50," said VMC commissioner Yogesh Chaudhary.
Investigations revealed that these yards collected combustible waste such as plastic, paper, and chemical residues, often ignoring fire and pollution norms. They also handled chemical containers on-site and discharged untreated wastewater into natural sources, raising serious environmental concerns.
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