Karnataka State Pollution Control Board ordered the closure of more than 100 industrial units that polluted water bodies in Bengaluru between 2011 and 222.
According to data from KSPCB, the main industries that were closed down by the board include dyeing units and garment-related products-making units. Other units that were closed were engineering and packaging.
According to data, 112 factories were closed down for allegedly violating 1976 Karnataka Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules. Two other factories have had criminal charges brought against them by the board.
Around 16 dyeing units were ordered to close in 2021 after the board learned that they weren’t following safety procedures and causing water pollution. The board issued closure notices to 18 industries after it was found that they were causing pollution.
The board has the authority to give consent to run industries, according to KSPCB officials and the government has fixed fees for each of the four categories of industries – red, orange, green, and white.
To ensure that rules are followed and operations do not violate them, the board monitors industries on a regular basis. Industries are then issued notices by the board if they do not comply. To keep an eye on polluting industries, the board operates emergency response vehicles.
BV Reddy (President of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry) stated that it was unclear which industry falls under which category. He added that consenting online is not an option because it can be difficult.
“Industries prefer to cause less harm to nature and adhere to the rules of the pollution control board. The industries concerned should respond to KSPCB’s notice and comply with pollution-related rules,” said Reddy.