TGPCB holds meeting with industry representatives over foul odour complaints

The TGPCB has received numerous complaints via Prajavani online portal and written complaints were also received in respective Regional offices, prompting swift action, a press release said

Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) Member Secretary, G.Ravi on Tuesday held a review meeting in the backdrop of persistent complaints of foul odour from certain industrial units, and warned the defaulting industries of stern action including closure orders.

Residents and nearby communities have been crying foul over the unbearable smell and odour emanating from certain industrial units, affecting their quality of life.

The TGPCB has received numerous complaints via Prajavani online portal and written complaints were also received in respective Regional offices, prompting swift action, a press release said.

Over 200 representatives from over 20 industrial areas in and around Hyderabad, including those from pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processing sectors, participated in today’s meeting.

Discussions were held with industrialists on implementing effective odour control measures, supervising and upgrading pollution control infrastructure, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms, a press release said.

The Member Secretary said industries association should play a key role, cluster-wise, in control of odour nuisance.

“If violators are not identified, TGPCB will be forced to initiate action on all the members within that area,” he cautioned while calling for a self-monitored industry led task force for monitoring, working three shifts for local self-vigilance.

“Units which are not sending effluents to Common Effluents Treatment Plants (CETPs) and illegally discharging waste water will be identified and stringent action will be taken against them,” Ravi said.

Asking industries to prioritize pollution control and public health, he said serious and tough action will be taken against defaulting industries including issue of closure orders for violating mandatory provisions and PCB norms. Chief Engineer B.Raghu and other senior officials attended the meeting and spoke on the occasion.