Panic has gripped textile mills located around Bellandur Lake in Bangalore, India after National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered immediate and complete shutdown of industries around the waterbody.
More than 90 small units involved in dyeing and washing clothes are facing closure after the green body order. The move has come after pollution level in the lake went up alarmingly.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar noted: “All the industries located in the vicinity of Bellandur Lake and discharging effluent are hereby directed to be closed. No industry is permitted to operate unless inspection by a joint inspection team is conducted and analysis of effluent is found to be within the permissible limits.’’
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The NGT order has got mixed reactions. A section is appreciating the move, while others are preparing to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. The State Pollution Control Board has been asked to seal industries violating its directions. In case of violation an environment compensation of Rs. 5 lakh will be imposed against those found guilty.
