Minister for Information Technology and Industries K. Taraka Rama Rao has made it clear that the government will not entertain violation of norms regarding by industries and will not hesitate to act tough if necessary.
He said as many as 16 industries have been closed for failing to abide by the prescribed pollution-control standards.
Addressing a gathering after laying foundation stone for the construction of effluent treatment plant (ETP) being established at an estimated cost of ₹104 crore to address pollution from the industries located here, Mr. Rama Rao said that shifting the 1,122 Orange and Red industries outside the Outer Ring Road (ORR) at Buchinelli, Lakdaram, Rakamcharla, Navabpet, Yeldurti and others places does not mean shifting the problem. Stating that the Pashamylaram industrial area, spread over 1,700 acres, has been providing direct employment to 50,000 people and indirect employment to three times that number, the Minister said it was one of the highest polluted area and the government has been trying to address the problem.
“We have to protect the interest of our future generations and must not leave them in pollution. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has directed us to see to it that no industry, established at the Pharma City emits pollution. We will be establishing Pharma City with world class standards,” said Mr. Rama Rao.
Responding to the request made by the industries representatives for an ITI at Pashamylaram area, the Minister promised to establish the institute within no time and asked them to come up with proposals about course requirements. “I am surprised to hear that there is lack of work force and the industry needs about 5,000 people. Train the local youth so that they are fit to be in skilled jobs,” he said, urging local politicians to inculcate the habit of hard work among the youth.
MLA G. Mahipal Reddy, Secretary (IT) Jayesh Ranjan, Government Whip Palla Rajeswar Reddy, TSIIC chairman Raja Mallu participated in the programme.
