National Green Tribunal effect, pollution board, issues direction to close industries in Vrushabhavathy valley belt
- Pollution board issued orders to shut 474 industries in Vrushabahavathy Valley catchment area.
- KSPCB Chairman Lakshman says he was compelled to take steps after NGT order on Belladur lake rejuvenation.
- Directs all the industries to install effluents treatment plant in next three months or face the hefty fines.
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After issuing closure order over 70 plus industries in Bellandur and Varthu connecting Challghatta Valley, Karnataka State Pollution Board has now has enlisted over 400 industries to shut. The industries are believed to be releasing effluents into Arakavathi canal that connects Vrushabhavathy valley.
Speaking to Newsable, Lakshman, Chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, said, the Vrushabhabay valley is polluted due, and the toxic water then enters into 550 acres plus Byramangala tank in Bengaluru outskirts. “The board has identified 474 industries like automobiles, electroplating, bulk drug manufacture, pharmacy, dyeing and washing units, service stations, plastic industry, garment washing and few others are coming in the catchment area of, Vrushabhabay valley. These industries need to set up the effluent treatment plant within three months. Our officials are already preparing to shut few factories as the pollution from these industries is more, “he said.
The decision was taken on the backdrop of High Court order issued on 22.2.2017 based on writ petition and also on Nation Green Tribunal order to develop Bellandur lake and ensure that no effluent and sewage enters the lake, the pollution board had issued closure order for over 70 industries in Bellanduru and Challghatta valley surroundings. “Since the environment issue is susceptible, we decided to take a decision to issue similar order industries on industries on Vrushabhavathy valley.
He further added that, under water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, the board would impose the hefty fines to the polluting industry based on the Supreme Court direction for polluting industry.
Agreeing with many industries polluting the stormwater drains and lakes by releasing effluents, Promodh Baliga an industrialist and member Peenya Industrial Association said, the pollution board need some overhauling. “Has the the KSPCB remained strict and inspected the industries on time and imposed the penalty and closed for non-compliance, the valley, catchment areas of Arkavathi Valley and catchment areas of Vrushabhavathy would have remained clean,” he said.
Environment Protection is the continuous mandate of KSPC. The failure of protection lakes now needs an immediate attention and provision of pollution pays principle must be enforced. Unless action is not initiated, lakes and water bodies will be at risk. “The move to shut down polluting industries and ensure continued compliance from all the industries is the need of the hour,” said Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO Namma Bengaluru Foundation.
