Eshwar Khandre Orders Closure of Three Humnabad Industries Over Alleged Chemical Waste Discharge Into Guruganga, Manjra Rivers
Bengaluru, August 10: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Bidar district disaster management in-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed the immediate closure of three industries in the Humnabad industrial area following allegations that chemical waste from industries was being discharged into the Guruganga and Manjra rivers.
The direction comes amid public protests over alleged pollution of the water bodies. In written instructions to the Deputy Commissioner, Khandre directed that closure orders with immediate effect be issued to M/s 6H Industries, M/s Satyadeepta K. Industry and M/s Himalaya, and that a compliance report be submitted to his office within 24 hours.
Khandre said in his written communication that residents had alleged that toxic chemical waste from some factories in the Humnabad industrial area was being discharged into the stream at Maniknagar and into the Guruganga and Manjra rivers, contaminating the water and causing a foul smell. Residents have also alleged that the pollution is causing serious illnesses among people and livestock.
According to the communication, members of the public have launched rallies, meetings, protests and a campaign under the call to ‘Save Guruganga’ over the issue.
Khandre said the stream water ultimately reaches the Karanja backwaters, raising concerns that contamination could affect drinking water sources and have a serious impact on public health.
In view of the alleged pollution, he said urgent action was required to protect water sources and community health and to prevent public nuisance under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Khandre recalled that following media reports on the issue, in his capacity as Bidar district disaster management in-charge Minister, he had issued instructions to the district administration on August 5, 2026, to test water in the affected area, take stringent action in accordance with rules against industries discharging waste, protect water sources and submit an action-taken report within 48 hours.
The Minister also referred to action initiated earlier when he was Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister. Following complaints from the public, he had directed an investigation and action in accordance with rules, after which the Deputy Commissioner had directed the Humnabad Tahsildar on July 29, 2024, to seal nine industries that were allegedly causing pollution, according to the letter.
Khandre said the industries had subsequently resumed operations and industrial waste was again reaching water sources, leading to concerns over contamination of drinking water sources.
He has now directed the authorities to take action in accordance with law against industries discharging waste into the stream, citing the need to protect water resources, the environment, public interest and community health.
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