Strict action over discharge of untreated industrial waste into Bhima river: Min

Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to take immediate and stringent action against industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal Industrial Area of Yadgir district for allegedly releasing untreated and contaminated wastewater into the Bhima River.

In a statement, Ramalinga Reddy said media reports about chemical industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area discharging untreated or contaminated wastewater, which is entering the Bhima River, were a matter of serious concern.

He said the discharge of industrial wastewater into rivers and other water sources without proper treatment could cause water pollution and have serious consequences for the health of people and livestock, agricultural activities and the environment.

Preventing such incidents is one of the key responsibilities of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, he said.

The Minister directed the authorities to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and immediately inspect the concerned industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area. He instructed officials to collect samples of the wastewater, test their quality and take stringent legal action without delay against industries found violating prescribed norms.

He also directed that the officer responsible for such alleged negligence be suspended immediately, conduct an inquiry and submit a compliance report.

Ramalinga Reddy further instructed the Pollution Control Board to take stringent preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

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Bharat Anjanappa

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