HC directs govt not to allow industries near reservoirs

Hyderabad, Apr 25 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh High Court today directed the State Government and Departments and Corporations concerned not to grant permission for any industries within 10 km radius of the reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

Chief Justice Mr G S Singhvi and Mr Justice Bhavani Prasad gave the direction on a suo motu application to curtail pollution within the vicinity of drinking water reservoirs.

Speaking for the Bench, the Chief Justice said already several industries had come up in these areas, causing a lot of pollution.

Development of more industries in the vicinity would cause serious drinking water problems to the people of the twin cities.

The Bench also directed the State Government to take appropriate action against Seethal Refineries, who despite having been issued notice of closure by the Pollution Control Board, had continued operations. The Bench directed the Pollution Control Board to give a Status Report on industries near Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar Reservoirs, explaining the pollution being caused by them and identifying industries, which should be closed immediately.

UNI XR/JRK RL HT2112