JOIN USKSPCB to shut all 488 industries around Bellandur lake
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has decided to close down all 488 industries around Bellandur lake.
Speaking to DH, KSPCB secretary Shantappa said the decision had been taken based on the directions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). “We have received the orders and have to close down all industries around the lake and its catchment area. Issuing individual orders to all industries will take time, so we have decided to do so through a newspaper notification. The industries have to implement the order with immediate effect,” he said.
After a thorough inspection and based on their compliance with standards and prescribed norms, the order for individual industries could be revoked, as per the NGT order, he said. The industries will be checked for water quality, presence of sewage treatment plants, disposal mechanism, treatment of waste, its disposal and compliance with Air Act and Water Act. The industries around Bellandur lake and its catchment area include small, medium and large ones, falling under green, red and orange category. Dying industries, garages and service-oriented industries dot the area.
In most cases, KSPCB officials have already inspected the industries and have documented the proof of technical ground realities. This has been done to ensure that none challenges the Board in court, pollutes the 910-acre waterbody further or hampers the government’s efforts to protect the lake. KSPCB officials are also inspecting the 116 apartment complexes around the lake. Notices will be issued to them for non-compliance under the Air Act and Water Act.
DH News Service
Meeting on Friday
The chief secretary will hold a meeting of all stakeholders involved in rejuvenation and restoration of Bellandur lake on Friday.
Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, urban development department, told DH they received the copy of the NGT order just three days ago. It was then sent to all other departments.
“I have been told they are executing their work as directed by NGT. The chief secretary will hold a meeting with all officials and before that, all government agencies have to submit their action plan. This plan will then have to be submitted to NGT. It will be decided in the meeting whether to seek more time from NGT or stick to its deadline,” he said.
The chief secretary will hold a meeting of all stakeholders involved in rejuvenation and restoration of Bellandur lake on Friday.
Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, urban development department, told DH they received the copy of the NGT order just three days ago. It was then sent to all other departments.
“I have been told they are executing their work as directed by NGT. The chief secretary will hold a meeting with all officials and before that, all government agencies have to submit their action plan. This plan will then have to be submitted to NGT. It will be decided in the meeting whether to seek more time from NGT or stick to its deadline,” he said.
Plaint with Lokayukta
A case has been filed with the Lokayukta against the BDA and BBMP commissioners, KSPCB chairman, Varthur Prakash, MLA from Kolar and the BBMP councillor from Bellandur.
The complaint, filed by advocate S Umesh, said though lakhs of rupees were sanctioned by the state government towards maintenance of Bellandur lake, nothing has been done.
“Government officers have shown negligence and have not maintained the lake properly. Several factories near Bellandur contaminate the waterbody by letting out their waste into the lake. Those going near the lake are contracting diseases. Instead of holding an inquiry, officials are calling for tenders to clean Bellandur lake,” he said.