Industries polluting Amaravathi River directed to take measures

CHENNAI: In connection to industries in Karur polluting Amaravathi River, the Southern Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the concerned district administration to implement solid waste management rules and also provide an underground sewerage system.

The bench comprising Justice K Ramakrishnan and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati directed the Karur municipality and block development officer to implement solid, liquid and other waste management rules in the limit.

Furthermore, the Tribunal noted the recommendations of the joint committee to direct the industries located within a kilometer from the Amaravathi River to establish individual or common multiple evaporation systems or common Reverse Osmosis (RO) reject management systems in the place of existing solar evaporation pan within six months.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) shall also ensure that the industries with more than 50 employees shall install sewage treatment plants. And, units having less than 50 employees shall connect the septic tank outlet to the existing underground drainage or establish common treatment plant within six months.

Besides this, the industries will also have to install rainwater harvesting pits for ground water recharge and in addition also establish sumps for harvesting roof top rainwater within the period of six months, directed the Tribunal.

Also, steps must be taken to provide underground sewerage systems and avoid discharge of untreated sewage being let into the water bodies, including the Amaravathi River.

Subsequently, the Tribunal also directed the Karur collector to coordinate with the Water Resource Department (WRD) and municipality to locate suitable places to establish upgraded sewerage treatment plants for treating the sewage generated in the area. TNPCB is directed to monitor the implementation of management rules and if any violations found, environmental compensation should be initiated on the violators, insisted the Tribunal.