Expressing displeasure over the non-closure of 24 industries operating illegally in the banned zones around the Tippagondanahalli (T.G. Halli) reservoir, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday sought a status report within a month from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
The court warned that it would take action against the KSPCB if it failed to initiate action against these industrial units which are operating despite being issued closure order way back in April 2010.
The court was not satisfied with KSPCB’s reply that it had written to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) to stop power supply to these units.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikaramajit Sen and Justice Aravind Kumar passed the order while dismissing a petition filed by Texport Industries Ltd. challenging the closure.
Observing that the interests of the environment take precedence over all other preference or interests, including economy and labour, the Division Bench declined the unit’s plea seeking two years to vacate the factory premises.
The unit, located at No. 6, Makali village, Dasanapura Hobli, falls in Zone 3, which permits only agricultural activities. The catchment areas around the T.G. Halli reservoir, from where drinking water is supplied to some parts of the city, were classified into separate zones in 2003 to prevent certain kinds of industries around it from polluting the water.
Many of these 24 industrial units were established after the classification of zones.
Meanwhile, the Texport Industries director Arun Goenka, who was present, was asked to swear to an affidavit in the court hall itself undertaking to vacate the premises on or before July 26, 2013.
The Bench also directed him to ensure that the effluents like human excreta and from washing of employees’ lunch boxes, utensils and so on should be transported to the plants of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for disposal.
During the hearing, Government Counsel Ravindra G. Kolle pointed out that the High Court has already upheld closure orders issued to many firms, including Pan Parag India Ltd. and Maa Sharda Tobacco Pvt. Ltd., etc.
Meanwhile, the Bench noticed from the list of industries located in the Zone-3 produced by the KSPCB that about 24 industrial units are operating in the Makali area despite closure orders.
