JOIN USDC orders closure of Chloride Alloys factory
The factory of Chloride Alloys India Limited, whose products have resulted in the death of cattle at Seethanayakanahalli in Lakkur hobli of Malur taluk, should be closed till it becomes environment-friendly, said Deputy Commissioner D S Vishwanath.
He organised a meeting of factory owners, farmers and officers from various departments at his office on Tuesday, following a complaint by farmers about the problems they face due to the emissions from the factory.
“Nine cattle, which were grazing near the factory have become victims consuming the water and grass, which turned poisonous thanks to the chemicals given off by the factory,” said the DC.
Time request
The factory manager Hariharan requested for three months’ time to implement modern equipment to prevent poisonous emissions from the factory.
The Deputy Commissioner, however, rejected the request, saying it was a matter of the welfare of the residents and the cattle.
“The management of the factory should replace the dead cattle and relieve the farmers. The deputy director of the Animal Husbandry Department Srirama Reddy should ensure this. The poisonous water should be emptied from the tanks, which should then be desilted. The residents should also be kept from consuming the water from the tank till the silt is cleared,” the Deputy Commissioner told the Malur tahsildar Hanumantharaya.
He also said the tahsildar, deputy director of the Animal Husbandry Department, district health officer and Pollution Control Board should inspect the area near the factory and clear it of any poisonous waste that may cause more harm to the residents and the cattle.
“Liquid emissions from the factory are polluting the tanks in Seethanayakanahalli, Jayamangala and the major tanks nearby. Cattle consuming the water have died,” farmers Raghu and Rajanna of Hulimangala and Somashekhara Reddy and Nagarjuna of Seethanayakanahalli complained.
A lot of land in the eucalyptus groves near the factory is covered in chemical waste from the factory. The garbage dumps should be cleared immediately, said Marimadaiah, officer of the Pollution Control Board.