Industrial area planned in river catchment in Bengaluru despite contamination concerns

Bengaluru: Despite studies showing heavy metal and chemical contamination in the Arkavathy river, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) is set to receive clearance to establish an industrial area near Thyamagondlu in Nelamangala taluk.

Documents reviewed by DH reveal that the proposed industrial area, accommodating red, orange, and green category industries, will span 420.63 acres within the Zone-1 catchment area of the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR), which has been notified since 2003.

State environment authorities have granted clearance, subject to conditions aimed at preventing further contamination.

The Arkavathy river is among the most vulnerable waterbodies in the state, with studies indicating that industrial effluents and domestic wastewater have already contaminated the river and the TGR.

In 2022, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) fined the KIADB Rs 1.5 crore for violating rules in the Doddaballapura industrial area, also within the TGR catchment. More recently, in July 2024, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued notices to eight industries in the same area for environmental violations.

In its latest application, the KIADB stated it would implement pollution control measures.

The board, which already possesses 40% of the proposed land, has prepared a master plan for 254 industrial, commercial, and other units. Promised mitigation measures include developing a greenbelt, recharging water resources, and ensuring all industrial units obtain “consent to operate” under the Air and Water Act.

The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) has recommended the project for environmental clearance, with conditions such as planting 44,850 trees, establishing buffer zones, and implementing disaster management measures.

"The proponent assured us they would take mitigation measures to manage anticipated environmental impacts and maintain permissible environmental parameters during and after construction," the SEAC noted.

However, concerns remain about enforcement.

A committee member acknowledged that similar restrictions had failed to prevent pollution in the Doddaballapura industrial area. "Our role is to scrutinise the proposed measures. Ensuring their implementation falls under the jurisdiction of the KSPCB," the member added.