Ahmedabad: Gujarat, arguably the country’s progressive state in terms of industrialisation and investment, has earned the dubious sobriquet of the most polluted state as well, according to the latest report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). CPCB, the country’s nodal pollution watchdog, has declared Gujarat as the most polluted state in the country. The conclusion has been based on the increasing levels of pollution and toxic wastes.

According to the data compiled by the CPCB, there are just seven states in the country which account for 80% of the total hazardous waste generated and Gujarat tops this list followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Gujarat accounts for 29% of the 6.2 million tonne of hazardous waste while it is 25% in Maharashtra. Andhra Pradesh is rated next with 9% in generation of hazardous waste followed by Rajasthan with 5% and West Bengal and Tamil Nadu reckoned at 4% each. Corroborating the CPCB’s findings, member secretary, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) RG Shah said, “We are generating highest amount of hazardous waste on account of the fact that the state has the highest number of chemical industries.”

Interestingly, Shah also credited Gujarat’s notoriety as the largest polluter to the efficiency of the state in collecting data. “We have a computerised system, due to which any data fed is totally accurate nullifying the possibility of tampering. We submit perfectly authentic data to the authorities,” Shah added. The GPCB director also said the state did not resort to any illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Asked what steps the state government has taken to check the alarming rise in pollution levels, Shah said, “We have already initiated framing an action plan, which will be finalised soon. The plan will be presented to the concerned industrial associations and then before the state government for final approval.”