KSPCB orders closure of polluting unit

The order has been issued under section 33(A) of Water (prevention and control of pollution Act 1974 and read with rule 34 of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for prevention and control of water pollution rules 1976.

A large number of fish in river Markandeya-Ghataprabha had died on Tuesday last following release of chemical waste by M/s Riddhi Siddhi Biols Ltd, a glucose producing unit on the outskirts of Gokak town in Belgaum district, besides contaminating the drinking water drawn from the river to the town.

In view of the complaints addressed in the media on Wednesday last regarding fish kill due to discharge of effluent by the industry in to the river valley, the industry was inspected by the regional officer Belgaum.

Based on the observations of regional officer, the Board felt it was clear that the industry was not serious in complying with the conditions stipulated by the Board and the industry was being operated without valid consent of the Board under Water and Air Act and continued to discharge uncontrolled effluent.
DH News Service