The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued notices to nine polluting industries in Koppal district, asking them to explain why action should not be initiated against them for violating environmental laws.
The Notice of Proposed Directions (NPD), a legal instrument that outlines punitive measures such as closure of units or disconnection of power supply, was issued after a ground report by DH prompted the Chief Minister's Office to seek an explanation from the district administration. The report highlighted the exposure of residents in more than 20 villages to toxic pollutants emitted by red-category industries in Koppal taluk.
As per procedure, the NPD has sought a response within 15 days, warning that failure to comply could invite action. However, KSPCB had issued similar NPDs to several of these industries in 2023 as well, but sources said no further action was taken thereafter.
In this case, the NPD has been issued for non-compliance with the provisions of the Water (Control of Pollution) Act and the Air (Control of Pollution) Act. The notice states that "the continued emissions of particulate matter, fugitive dust and improper handling of industrial waste have resulted in adverse impact on ambient air quality, deposition of dust on agricultural lands and residential area of surrounding villages causing health issues among local residents, thereby violating environmental norms and posing a serious threat to public health and environment."
There are 24 large, red category industries in a five kilometre radius from Hirebaganal, of which 13 are sponge-iron industries. Villagers say that violating entities have managed to get away with no consequence for over a decade. This is done by filing a response showing compliance or a "valid objection" to the notice.
There are 24 large red-category industries within a five-kilometre radius of Hirebaganal, including 13 sponge-iron units. Villagers allege that industries violating environmental norms have escaped consequences for more than a decade.
After protests, two Koppal sponge iron factories shut over pollutionReferring to the DH article, the Chief Minister's Office had sought details of the action taken from the Koppal Deputy Commissioner's Office.
The Deputy Commissioner's letter to the Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister also states that the district administration shut down two industries on May 21 as per the directions of the KSPCB and will take necessary action against three industries, for which closure directions have been recommended, after the KSPCB issues notices.
However, residents and protesters from these villages and Koppal town say that unless these NPDs are followed up with strict, time-bound action, merely issuing notices will not help, as was seen earlier in 2023.
"Though delayed, the government now appears to be taking some steps. However, past experience does not inspire much confidence. There must be comprehensive studies on the impact of polluting industries on public health and the environment, and the government should implement foolproof safeguards," says Allama Prabhu Bettadur, who has been leading protests against large red-category industries in Koppal.