Firebrand BJP MLA Basangoda Patil Yatnal is in the news again after the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) ordered closure of a sugar mill owned by him at Chincholi in Kalaburagi district.
The KSPCB order issued on January 25 highlighted several norm violations by Sidashri Suharda Sahakari Niyamit. In the closure order, apart from other violations, stagnation of drainage was observed, pressed mud and ash were stored outdoors, and excessive condensate of sugar units was stored in unlined lagoons, leading to groundwater contamination He said it was possible.
“…the board has a duty under section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 to issue closure directions to the industry,” the order said. There is.
In response, Yatnal claimed that the state government had issued the closure order because it could not fight him politically. “This factory was set up to support farmers in backward areas and create employment. We will challenge this in court. I am not afraid of any such notice or order. Hmm,” he said in a post on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre claimed that the order was issued because the factory had violated environmental laws. “According to my information, a year ago, the central government imposed a fine of Rs 1,500 crore (on the factory) for violation of the Environmental Protection Act. Even after paying the fine, the conditions of the Water and Air Act are not met. “Hundreds of thousands of tons of sugarcane were crushed without permission,” he said, insisting that the order was not politically motivated and that the law was the same for everyone.
© Indian Express Private Limited
Date first uploaded: January 28, 2024 13:55 IST
