Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Businesses consuming excessive water and electricity or causing significant environmental pollution will not get approval in Himachal Pradesh, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said on Thursday.
The government is prioritising environmental conservation alongside industrial promotion, and permission for setting up new ethanol plants will not be granted approval in the state due to their high water consumption, he said while responding to a discussion on a ‘Calling Attention Motion’ under rule 62 moved by Congress MLA from Nalagarh assembly segment Hardeep Singh Bawa.
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NO NOD FOR POLLUTING INDUSTRIES
Bawa raised the issue regarding the operations of the Shivalik Solid Waste Management Plant in Nalagarh and the situation arising from the extension of its lease period.
Replying to the discussion, the minister acknowledged that local residents were facing difficulties due to the plant.
He said the government is seeking a permanent solution to this problem and will make an attempt to identify an alternative site for the scientific disposal of waste.
The plant was established in Nalagarh following High Court orders, with the land leased to the company for approximately 50 years.
Waste from various industries across the state is brought here for disposal, and the plant processes around 600 types of waste, he said.
The disposal of liquid waste from certain industries at the site is also contributing to pollution in the area.
He announced that the government would now conduct an on-site inspection of the entire matter.
A joint team comprising the Deputy Commissioner (DC), officials from the Pollution Control Board, and the Industries Department will visit the site to assess the situation. Subsequently, a decision will be taken regarding alternative waste disposal arrangements and the identification of a new site.
Rebar (iron rod) manufacturing units consume approximately 5 to 10 lakh litres of water daily. These also exacerbate air, water, and environmental pollution. Consequently, the government will adopt strict measures regarding such industries in the future, he added.
RESIDENTS OPPOSE LEASE EXTENSION
Earlier, Bawa raised the issue of the difficulties faced by local residents due to this plant.
He said that people in the surrounding villages are grappling with various problems and demanded that the plant’s lease not be extended after its operational term concludes in 2028-29.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the Assembly Speaker Kulseep Singh Pathania also said that if officials from the Pollution Control Board or the Industries Department fail to take action, he would personally visit the site to assess the situation and initiate necessary measures.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
