3 Bidar factories to be shut amid water pollution charges

The state government has ordered the immediate shutdown of three factories in Bidar, responding to allegations of untreated chemical waste polluting local water sources. Humnabad Industrial Area's three industrial plants, M/s 6H Industries, M/s Sathyadeepthi K. Industries, and M/s Himalaya Industries, are under closure orders issued by state rural development minister Eshwar Khandre.

The minister cited reports of foul-smelling effluents entering Maniknagar's stream, which flows into Guruganga and Manjra rivers, raising concerns about potential drinking water contamination.

Residents have protested the issue, forming the "Save Guruganga" campaign, with residents alleging health problems for both people and livestock. Khandre directed the administration to take urgent action, referring to Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and sought a compliance report within 24 hours. The closure order follows Khandre's direction on August 5 to test water sources, take legal action against polluters, and protect affected water bodies, with a 48-hour deadline for an action taken report.

Earlier this year, on July 29, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner had directed the Humnabad Tahsildar to seal nine industries for pollution. Humnabad BJP MLA Siddalingappa Patil has been raising concerns about industrial pollution in his constituency for 15 years, noting that previous efforts by Khandre as state forest minister led to the closure of over 14 chemical factories. The pollution issue has since spread to nearby villages, according to Patil.