DERA GHAZI KHAN, March 18: Residents of Baghul Chur tribal area are concerned at the “unsafe dumping of atomic waste” in the area. Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, representatives of Mubarki union council Khan Nazir Ahmed, Yaqoob Shah and Hafeezullah Shah demanded that atomic waste be removed from their land as it was causing harm to humans, animals, water and soil.

They told the press that they had already lodged an application with the sessions court seeking preservation of atmosphere, land, water, human and animal health of the area of Mubarki Tuman Leghari. The D&SJ had sent the application to the Law, Justice and Human Rights Commission, Islamabad.

They claimed that as many as 400 drums of atomic waste and other material were lying in the open.

Mining for uranium was started in Baghul Chur in 1977 and the project ended in 2000. The Atomic Energy Commission had asked the political assistant to dispose of the building established in Bagul Chur.

“The authorities concerned did not take required safety measures while winding up the project,” they claimed.

Political assistant Tariq Bokhari said there were some stores in Baghul Chur but rejected claims of their adverse affects.