2 GIDC firms slapped with notice for ‘releasing untreated effluent’ into drain
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Thursday served a notice on two companies in Makarpura’s GIDC Industrial Estate for allegedly releasing untreated chemical effluent into the open storm water drain in the vicinity.
“On examining the complaint on April 19, it has been found that your company has been releasing untreated effluent into the open storm water channel. This notice directs you to take the necessary steps to correct this action, immediately,” stated the notice served Thursday by the Deputy Executive Engineer of VMC Ward 18.
Local BJP corporator Shailesh Patil, who visited the spot following complaints from residents, had flagged the issue to the ward office. According to the officials, a team of Ward Office 18 conducted a primary probe into the complaints and collected samples of the effluent being released into the storm water drain. The team concluded that some companies have been violating the environmental norms that prohibit them from releasing untreated effluent into the drains.
Officials said the probe has been expanded to check the release from other companies, too. “I have received several complaints of companies releasing the effluent into the open channels within the
industrial estate… Right now, we have served a notice to two companies. Soon, we will be also taking
action against the other industrial units that are doing so. We will ensure that they either treat their effluent or they will be sealed in accordance with the stringent environmental laws,” Patil said.
