Factories can be shut down if they continue to cause pollution: KSPCB chief

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairman P.M. Narendra Swamy said that factories continuing to cause pollution can face permanent closure under the law.

Mr. Swamy made the remarks after visiting Hirebaganal village in Koppal district on Friday (March 13) to assess complaints related to air pollution.

He interacted with villagers and heard grievances during a public meeting on the Kariyamma Devi Temple premises.

He said that industries established legally cannot be shut down arbitrarily but those that persistently violate pollution norms can be permanently closed.

“Industries have been issued notices and given the final opportunity to rectify the situation. They must submit technical reports explaining the measures taken to control pollution. If violations continue, strict legal action will follow,” he said.

Mr. Swamy said the Pollution Control Board functions under Central environmental regulations and is responsible for controlling land, water, and air pollution. Before visiting the village, he had reviewed media reports, complaints from villagers, and findings of the board regarding the issue. He added that a team of senior officials from the State Pollution Control Board had already conducted a surprise inspection and was preparing a detailed report.

He assured villagers that the board would not allow any industry to jeopardise public health. “We are aware of the suffering faced by the affected people, including health problems and environmental damage. The board stands with the people,” he said.

K. Raghavendra Hitnal, Koppal MLA, said that villagers in Hirebaganal and nearby settlements such as Kasanakandi, Kunikeri, Lachanakeri, Karkihalli, Chikkabaganal, Kunikeri Tanda, and Halavarthi are facing severe dust pollution from several industries in the area. He said that villagers have repeatedly submitted petitions and staged protests demanding action.

Karadi Sanganna, former MP, said that residents of Hirebaganal and neighbouring villages had been facing pollution-related problems for years due to emissions from factories. He said industrial activity should not endanger the lives of people and the future of children, adding that dust pollution was affecting livestock, air quality, and water resources.

Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal said that a preliminary survey has been conducted in Hirebaganal and surrounding villages to assess the impact of land, water, and air pollution on public health and agriculture. Meanwhile, based on complaints from villagers, officials visited the area and examined the situation.

He said that a health survey conducted in Hirebaganal revealed several illnesses among residents, including upper respiratory diseases in 122 people, skin ailments in 49, cataract in 18, eye problems in 48, knee pain in 78, tuberculosis in 29 cases, three cases of stroke, one cancer case, and one case of primary infertility.

The survey also indicated significant impact on agriculture, with crop yield experiments showing a 40% to 50% decline in production. Papaya crops were affected by black spotting, while onion crops showed grey discolouration, leading to reduced yields.

Mr. Itnal said that the Central Pollution Control Board has suggested both short-term and long-term measures to address the issue, including steps to reduce pollution caused by transportation.

Writer and activist Allamaprabhu Battadur said that nearly 20 villages in the region are facing similar environmental issues and demanded comprehensive environmental and health surveys by expert agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Villagers also submitted their grievances directly to the KSPCB chairman during the visit.

Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, zilla panchayat secretary Krishnamurthy, and representatives of farmers’ and environmental organisations were present at the meeting, along with residents of Hirebaganal village.