KSPCB gets an earful from Karnataka High Court

BANGALORE: The KSPCB came in for criticism from the HC over its laxity in preventing pollution from a cement factory on the outskirts of Bangalore. The petitioner, Suvidha Retirement Village, had contended that Bumi Geo Engineering Ltd, a ready-mix cement factory near Thalaghattapura, is polluting its surroundings and causing health problems to those residing near by. It had sought direction to stop the manufacture of cement.A division bench headed by Justice D V Shylendra Kumar, while staying the manufacture of cement at the factory on Thursday, remarked: “What is the role of the KSPCB? Are they working to pollute the atmosphere or to control it? They do not have the minimum concern to create awareness on pollution..they are doing everything else apart from their duty. They cannot tell a green belt from a commercial area; all they do is grant permission to anyone who comes to them, mainly the rich.”Manufacture of cement was stayed.