Closure notices for 17 polluting Bengaluru firms issued by KSPCB

KSPCB cracks down on 17 polluting units near Bengaluru over toxic lead in veggies, and orders closure of an airport-based firm

In a decisive move against environmental non-compliance, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued show-cause notices to 17 industrial units, predominantly situated near Malur in Kolar district. Additionally, the regulatory body has initiated closure proceedings against a vegetable processing facility located in Kannamangala near Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.

This stringent enforcement action stems from alarming discoveries by a joint committee led by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Recent testing uncovered hazardous lead concentrations—exceeding permissible food safety standards—in 19 out of 72 vegetable samples collected across Bengaluru, Nelamangala, Chikkaballapur, and Kolar.

The 17 flagged facilities, which initially received notices in January, have recently completed personal hearings. They are now being compelled to implement the standard operating procedures prescribed by the CPCB. Officials revealed that the primary infractions include the absence of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) and a failure to erect mandated 30-meter-tall exhaust chimneys. Notably, one of these non-compliant industries operating in Anekal has already been served an immediate closure order.

Highlighting systemic regulatory hurdles, KSPCB Chairman PM Narendra Swamy recently discussed severe infrastructure deficits within Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) estates with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Swamy criticized the practice of allocating industrial land without first integrating essential solid waste and effluent management systems. Furthermore, he pointed out a crippling manpower shortage at the KSPCB, noting that the board operates with just 230 employees against a sanctioned strength of 800 due to a 15-year hiring freeze.

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In a distinct intervention, the KSPCB targeted the Devanahalli-based vegetable processing firm for launching operations without the mandatory establishment consent. The facility was caught illegally dumping solid waste in open areas and discharging untreated vegetable-washing wastewater directly into surrounding low-lying zones. Citing blatant violations of the Water Act of 1974 and the Air Act of 1981, the board has proposed an immediate halt to its operations alongside the disconnection of its power supply. The offending enterprise has been granted a 15-day window to formulate a response to the charges.

Meanwhile, agricultural officials acknowledged that these contamination incidents reflect broader enforcement gaps across state departments, urging a transition toward sustainable farming models using government land.

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