Mumbai pollution turns dogs blue

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, August 17

Effluents released by a dye unit into the Kasadi river in the township of Taloja in Navi Mumbai has resulted in several stray dogs turning blue over the past several days.

With national and international media covering the blue-coloured dogs running loose in the township, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board conducted a probe and zeroed in on a dye manufacturer who allegedly released untreated effluents into nearby Kasadi stream.

“We have asked the company to stop releasing untreated waste into the river within 15 days,” an official from the MPCB said, adding the company could be shut down if it not pay heed to the warning.

Animal rights activists say stray dogs, who often wade through the river in search of food, end up with a film of blue on their coat. At least one dog has reportedly gone blind from the effects of the chemicals, say reports. The authorities, with the help of animal rescue organisations, have rescued at least five dogs.