KSPCB to shut down all 488 industries near Bellandur lake

KSPCB to shut down all 488 industries near Bellandur lake

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has decided to close down all 488 industries around Bellandur lake.

Speaking to DH, KSPCB secretary Shantappa said the decision had been taken based on the directions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

"We have received the orders and have to close down all industries around the lake and its catchment area. Issuing individual orders to all industries will take time, so we have decided to do so through a newspaper notification. The industries have to implement the order with immediate effect," he said.

The chief secretary will hold a meeting of all stakeholders involved in rejuvenation and restoration of Bellandur lake on Friday. 

"I have been told they are executing their work as directed by NGT. The chief secretary will hold a meeting with all officials and before that, all government agencies have to submit their action plan. This plan will then have to be submitted to NGT. It will be decided in the meeting whether to seek more time from NGT or stick to its deadline," he said.

A case has been filed with the Lokayukta against the BDA and BBMP commissioners, KSPCB chairman, Varthur Prakash, MLA from Kolar and the BBMP councillor from Bellandur. 

"Government officers have shown negligence and have not maintained the lake properly. Several factories near Bellandur contaminate the waterbody by letting out their waste into the lake. Those going near the lake are contracting diseases. Instead of holding an inquiry, officials are calling for tenders to clean Bellandur lake," he said.