NGOs fight for pollution victims

Xinhua, May 24, 2012

Two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have demanded 10 million yuan in compensation from companies dumping toxic chemicals in Qujing city, Yunnan Province, Xinhua reported. Friends of Nature (FON) and the Chongqing Green Volunteer Association have put forward their evidence against the defendant, Luliang Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. and Luliang Peace Technology Co. Ltd., in court on Wednesday. If the NGOs win the case, the compensation will be used for the environmental rehabilitation of the polluted areas. Earlier this month, seven people connected to the dumping all got sentenced to jail. Since 2002, at least 14 local residents have been diagnosed with cancer and many others suspect their diseases have been caused by the contaminated drinking water.