Dyeing factory in Malur leads to death of cattle

Cattle at Nallandahalli of Masti hobli are dying after drinking water from a tank where waste from the dyeing unit is disposed of.

More than 150 families reside at Nallandahalli, which is by the Toralakki Main Road, and Rajenahalli, in the taluk. The families are all dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

A Tamil Nadu-based company opened a dyeing plant in the agricultural area, which upset the natural balance, indulging in environment pollution.

The waste from the dyeing factory mixes with rainwater, which has flowed into the water tank at Nallandahalli. The water has become not only unfit for agricultural use, but also caused the death of cattle that consumed it.

The residents complain that in spite of several memoranda submitted to the deputy commissioner no step has been taken to solve the problem of the polluted water tank.

Rajenahalli Gram Panchayat development officer Krishnappa told Deccan Herald that the residents of Nagondahalli and other nearby villages have complained to the Gram Panchayat against K Narasimhappa, a resident of Nallandahalli, who is said to own the factory.

“The complainants have demanded that Narasimhappa should obtain a formal no objection certificate from the Environment Department permitting him to run the factory. If he fails, the Gram Panchayat will withdraw the permission given to him to run the factory,” he added.