Humnabad: Khandre Directs Closure Of Three Industries Over Waste Discharge

The industries — M/s 6H Industries, M/s Satyadeeptha Industry and M/s Himalaya Industries — have been asked to cease operations with immediate effect. The authorities have also been directed to submit a compliance report to the minister's office within 24 hours.

The direction follows complaints from residents about pollution allegedly caused by some industries operating in the Humnabad industrial area. According to Khandre's note to the Deputy Commissioner of Bidar district, toxic chemical waste is being discharged into the stream at Maniknagar and the Guruganga and Manjra rivers, resulting in foul smell and creating serious concerns over the health of people and livestock.

“People have launched marches, meetings, protests and a campaign under the slogan ‘Save Guruganga.’ Since the water from this stream eventually joins the Karanja backwaters/reservoir, there is a serious possibility of contamination of drinking-water sources, which could have a severe impact on community health,” the Minister stated.

Khandre said immediate action was necessary to protect water resources and community health.
“In view of these circumstances, and considering the need to protect water resources and safeguard public health, it has become necessary to take immediate action against the polluting industries.

Urgent measures are required under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent a public nuisance,” he added.

Khandre said he had already directed the Bidar district administration on August 5, following media reports on the pollution. The administration was asked to test the water, take strict action against industries found to be discharging waste and take measures to protect the water sources. It was also directed to submit a report on the action taken within 48 hours.

The minister also recalled that the problem had surfaced earlier when he was serving as the Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology.

Following complaints from residents, an investigation was conducted and action was initiated against industries accused of causing pollution. Citing an order issued by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board's Member Secretary on July 23, 2024, Khandre said the Humnabad Tahsildar had subsequently been directed to seize nine industries involved in pollution.

“However, these industries have resumed operations, and industrial waste is once again entering the water sources. As a result, drinking-water sources are being contaminated.

Therefore, in the interest of protecting water resources and the environment, safeguarding public welfare and protecting community health, closure orders have been issued with immediate effect,” he added.

Closure orders have been issued with immediate effect against M/s 6H Industries, M/s Satyadeeptha Industry and M/s Himalaya Industries.
The authorities concerned have been directed to ensure the closure of the three units and submit a compliance report on the action taken to the minister's office within 24 hours.