RAWALPINDI  – Mushrooming shoe and paper making factories have turned Bangash Colony into a volcano, posing serious threats to the lives of the labourers and residents.
Over 40 such factories are operating in the main residential area. Most of these factories are on five-marla plots and are operating illegally with the connivance of corrupt elements in this regard.
“No NOCs have been obtained for setting up the factories in our residential area, therefore, the owners are flouting the laws with taking no measures for setting up emergency gate or fire fighting equipment as life saving arrangement for labourers,” said Amir Abbasi, a labourer.
“We have contracted respiratory diseases due to consistent emission of toxic smoke from these factories,” said Zaka Ullah, a teacher. The residents have demanded immediate shifting of these factories to the Industrial Area to pre-empt any untoward incident in the area.