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BIDAR
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed the district administration to immediately shut down three industries allegedly discharging chemical waste into the Guruganga stream and Manjra River in the Humnabad industrial area.
In a written directive to the Deputy Commissioner, Khandre ordered the issuance of closure orders against 6H Industries, Sathyadeepthi K Industries and Himalaya Industries, with immediate effect. He also directed the authorities to submit a compliance report within 24 hours. According to Khandre, residents have been protesting against the discharge of toxic industrial waste into the Guruganga stream at Maniknagar and the Manjra River. The alleged pollution has resulted in foul-smelling and contaminated water, forcing people to cover their noses while passing through the area. Residents have also raised concerns over the impact on public health and livestock.
He said the polluted stream eventually joins the Karanja backwaters, raising concerns about contamination of drinking water sources and serious risks to public health. Khandre directed the authorities to take urgent action under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent public nuisance and protect water sources and community health.
He had earlier, on August 5, directed officials to test the water in the affected area, take stringent action against industries found discharging waste and submit an action-taken report within 48 hours. Khandre also recalled that, following complaints from the public when he was serving as Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister, he had ordered an inquiry and action against the polluting industries. Subsequently, on July 29, the Deputy Commissioner had directed the Humnabad Tahsildar to seal nine industries allegedly involved in pollution. Khandre stressed that strict action must be taken against industries discharging waste into water bodies, keeping in view the protection of water resources, environment and public health.
