Minister Orders Crackdown on Effluent Discharge into Bhima River in Yadgir
Karnataka's environment minister has ordered stringent action against industries in Yadgir district accused of discharging untreated effluents into the Bhima River.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday instructed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to act swiftly and firmly against industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area of Yadgir district following reports that untreated effluents were being released into the Bhima River.
The Minister took serious note of wastewater from the units being discharged into the river without adequate treatment. In a release, he said such practices risk polluting the water and could endanger the health of people and livestock, besides harming the surrounding environment.
Mr. Reddy said preventing the release of untreated industrial effluents into rivers and other water bodies is a core responsibility of the KSPCB.
He directed officials to inspect the industries concerned without delay and to collect samples of the wastewater they discharge. The samples must be tested to establish whether they comply with prescribed environmental standards, he said.
The Minister also ordered that the official held responsible for the alleged lapse be suspended in accordance with the rules, and that an inquiry be conducted into the matter. Industries found violating pollution control norms should face strict legal action without delay, he directed.
Mr. Reddy further asked the authorities to submit a compliance report on the action taken, and instructed the KSPCB to put stringent measures in place to prevent such incidents from recurring.