A team of researchers headed by S. Bandyopadhyay, senior ecologist at the GEC, found high levels of heavy metals like lead, zinc, nickel and tin in the yard. The CPCB found large amounts of oil in the area where the ships are scrapped during an investigation following a question raised in Parliament. This oil washes into the sea. Labourers say that they take out a significant amount of oil from the ships before scrapping them. Still, some portion of the oil remains in the lower part of the ships.
Sand is put in the remaining oil and thrown into the sea.
Oil contamination can choke marine life. The Ship Breakers Association of Alang informed the CPCB that some quantity of solid waste is burnt in the open. Bala says this could be leading to a considerable amount of air pollution from toxic fumes generated by the burning of glass wool and foamy materials. The CPCB estimates that around 250-300 kg of such material is burnt on each plot every day, the rest being disposed on land. Pandey says that the GMB has engaged a consultant to plan a drainage and sewage treatment system.