Bidar, 10 August

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to immediately close three industries in Humnabad Industrial Area over allegations of chemical waste being discharged into the Guruganga and Manjra rivers.

Khandre instructed the Deputy Commissioner to issue closure orders against M/s 6H Industries, M/s Sathyadeepthi K. Industries and M/s Himalaya Industries, and submit a compliance report within 24 hours.

He said toxic waste from industries was allegedly entering a stream at Maniknagar and subsequently the Guruganga and Manjra rivers, polluting water sources and causing a foul smell. Residents have alleged that the pollution is affecting people and livestock and have staged rallies and protests under the “Save Guruganga” campaign.

Khandre warned that the polluted stream eventually joins the Karanja backwaters, raising concerns over drinking-water contamination and public health. 

Bidar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma told Salar News that she has sought a report from the concerned authorities and the companies would be closed after it was received.

Humnabad BJP MLA Siddalingappa Patil told Salar News that residents had suffered from industrial pollution for nearly 15 years and urged strict action. He said a previous committee had led to the closure of more than 14 chemical factories, but pollution had since spread to Maniknagar and nearby villages, including Molakeri, Basantpur and Gadanti.