Polluters pay: KSPCB shuts down Graphite India

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) gave a closure order to Graphite India Limited on Thursday, much to the relief of civil society that has protested against the pollution caused by the company.

A wait of more than a decade is over for the residents and activists of the area, including Whitefield Rising, as their relentless efforts to get the Graphite India Limited (GIL) shut, came closer to reality. “It is a Valentine’s Day gift for us,” said Zibi Jamal, a Whitefield Rising Member.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued orders of closure to GIL under Section 31 (A) of the Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act, 1981, read with Rule 20 (A) of Karnataka Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules 1983.

The order said: “This order is issued without any prejudice to the pending court cases before the Honorable Supreme Court, Honorable NGT and other courts.”

The withdrawal of consent implies that there shall not be any industrial operations that lead to water and air pollution.

In the view of the orders of National Green Tribunal (NGT), it is decided to withdraw the consent issued to the industry for a period up to June 30, 2020, with immediate effect, read the order.

This order is followed by the National Green Tribunal’s recent restoration of the KSPCB's 2012 closure order on Graphite India.