Date:02/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/02/stories/2006070204350300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

Sugar factory told to clean polluted section of Malaprabha

Staff Correspondent

Belgaum: Villagers of Bojbal, Mallapur, Vagnur, Gunaganur and Ramapur of Ramdurg taluk in Belgaum district have alleged that toxic waste being dumped by Munvalli-based Renuka Sugar Factory was polluting the Malaprabha.

They complained to Deputy Commissioner Shalini Rajneesh that people and livestock were facing health problems owing to consumption of polluted water from the river.

According to press release, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bailhongal to inquire into the matter.

A meeting between the villagers and the general manager of the sugar factory was held at the office of Tahsildar, Ramdurg, on Wednesday.

The inquiry officer, who was convinced with allegations of pollution by the factory , directed the factory management to clean up the polluted section of the river bank in the affected villages.

He also directed the company to take steps to check water contamination.