Karnataka minister orders probe into alleged Bhima River pollution

Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered immediate action over reports that untreated industrial effluent is being discharged into the Bhima river in Yadgir district. Reddy directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to inspect industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area and collect samples of wastewater being discharged from the premises. The samples are to be tested against prescribed environmental standards, according to a statement issued by the minister.

Reddy said untreated wastewater could pollute the river and create risks for people and livestock, while damaging the surrounding environment. He said preventing untreated industrial effluent from entering rivers and other water bodies was a key responsibility of the pollution control board. Reddy also ordered that the official responsible for the alleged lapse be suspended in accordance with the rules and that an inquiry be conducted into the matter.

Industries found to have breached pollution-control requirements should face strict legal action without delay, he directed. The minister did not identify the companies allegedly involved in the discharge in the supplied material. The pollution board was instructed to introduce stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.

Reddy also asked authorities to submit a compliance report detailing the action taken. The directions followed reports of wastewater from industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal area being released into the Bhima without proper treatment. The immediate inspections and laboratory testing are intended to establish whether the discharge meets the required standards and whether regulatory violations occurred.