Factories discharging effluents into Yamuna asked to shift

As many as 67 small factories in Mathura, who are discharging effluents directly into the Yamuna, have been asked to shift from their current location by the end of the next month.

"Sixty-seven small factories which are discharging hazardous acids have been asked to shift by March 31. They can either shift to an industrial area or to a place of their choice," said Dhirendra Sachan, additional district magistrate and nodal officer of the Yamuna Action Plan.

A meeting in this regard was held on Monday which was attended by district authorities, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials and representatives of factories.

Factories that will not shift within the given time would be sealed, he said.

According to Sachan, factories running without permission from UPPCB are being enlisted, as stern actions would also be taken against them.

For safety and security of the plants in industrial area, a police outpost might be set up in the area, he said.

Sachan has asked people to submit list of unauthorised factories and said the identity of persons providing information will not be disclosed.

During the meeting, factories association Secretary Harish Garg expressed his inability to shift the factories outside the city area, owing to security constraints.

He also said effluent of the factories is discharged after treating it.

UPPCB Assistant Engineer S R Maurya said in the present scenario it was difficult to make surprise checks in these factories as they are being run from their homes.

A public interest litigation in this regard has also been filed by one Gopeshwar Nath Chaturvedi in the Allahabad High Court and the case is pending.

Nath alleged since Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in these factories are not running, acid mixed chemical jeopardises STP of Municipal Board.

"It finally reduces DO (dissolved oxygen) level of Yamuna causing death of water animals as natural purifying system also fails," he said.