Hyderabad: PCB orders closure of 9 pharma cos in SEZ
Pharmaceutical companies have also been blamed by environmental activists for the depleting water table.
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has issued directions to nine pharmaceutical manufacturing companies located in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Green Industrial Park, at Polepally of Jadcherla mandal, 90 km from Hyderabad.
A PBC official said certain companies located in the area had been flouting rules laid down for the disposal of effluents. They were warned to take corrective measures but continued to flout the rules which led to the contamination of groundwater, leading to a complaint from the residents.
“We have found that nine pharma companies were not complying with the PCB norms, further causing damage to natural resources and the environment in spite of repeated warnings. The continuous misconduct has led to the issuing of a notice to these pharma companies” said an official.
Earlier, the residents of nearby villages had moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, claiming that the deep holes dug up by the pharma companies was causing groundwater contamination. The water in Pollepally in almost undrinkable and its causing health issues to the residents. Subsequently, the NGT directed the Central and state PCBs to file a counter affidavit and asked them to submit a detailed report on the issue.
Pharmaceutical companies have also been blamed by environmental activists for the depleting water table. Mr Malesh, a resident of Jadcherla, said, “The water has become so hazardous that we can’t even use it in our agricultural lands. If we store water for our household purposes, it starts stinking within hours. We are facing air pollution for years and now our water has also become unusable because of these pharma companies”
Ms Sudha Shankar, a pharma researcher said, “Pharma manufacturing units are supposed to adhere to the guidelines laid in The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 and the Environ-ment Protection Act of 1986. In order to cut down the expenses of transport, special treatment which will lower down the pollution level of soil, land and air, these companies often avoid them.”
She said lawmakers hardly care for the environmental impact assessment and government has been facilitating in speedly approvals for industries which is impacting the lives of residents.