City to be cleared of Electroplating industries

The Pollution Control Board has given a deadline and the units are supposed to shift base by April-end. About 150 electroplating units in Balanagar and Jeedimetla would be relocated to Kallakal and Toopran

The unrelenting electroplating units in Balanagar and Jeedimetla that have been dodging the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) and the Pollution Control Board (PCB by not shifting to a facility in the outskirts have been given an ultimatum to shift base to Kallakal and Toopran. In a meeting held between PCP officials and the electroplating unit managements here on Monday, the PCB officials have April as the deadline to shift the units.

The units have been delaying the shifting process for more than a year citing lack of infrastructure and basic amenities, the units have remained in the city and have been letting out effluents into the Hussain Sagar Lake through the Kukatpally nala. More than 150 electroplating units had agreed to shift base by the end of 2014 but have been giving excuses of lack of basic amenities.The TSIIC would be providing all the required facilities to the units, leaving them with no chance of further delay. This time authorities are keen on relocating the industrial units.

The TSIIC authorities have already started providing facilities such as power lines, water supply, treatment plant and connectivity. The work is expected to be completed by April. Also, the Common Employment Treatment Plant is being established for the disposal of effluents. Land has been allotted at subsidised rates at Toopran and Kallakal in 25 acres and 150 electroplating units have applied for land at Toopran. The Pollution Control Board officials are hopeful that the inflow of effluents into the Hussain Sagar Lake would come down considerably once the units are relocated.

By:T P Venu