Date:25/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/25/stories/2007102562470300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Ready mix concrete unit to be relocated

Staff Reporter

Residents of Ramagondanahalli complain of noise and air pollution

Unit given nine months to shift to another location
KSPCB gave only temporary permission

Bangalore: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Tuesday directed a ready mix concrete (RMC) factory at Ramagondanahalli on Airport-Whitefield Road here to shift to another location within nine months.

Speaking to The Hindu, a senior official at KSPCB said that residents of the area, especially those of a housing complex adjoining the RMC factory, had been complaining of noise and air pollution caused by the unit. A hearing in this regard was held on Tuesday.

“A fine powder, one of the byproducts during the manufacture of ready mix concrete, causes air pollution. In view of the inconvenience caused to the residents, the factory was directed to move to an industrial area,” the official said.

The KSPCB had earlier given permission to set up the factory in the area on a temporary basis. “The permission was granted on temporary basis to avoid transportation of concrete. A lot of development activities were being taken up in the area and to help during construction, the permission was granted,” he said.

The factory has been directed to erect a 30-foot wall along the periphery and not manufacture ready mix concrete between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“We undertook a spot inspection last week and understood the plight of the residents. We have now given the factory nine months to move to another location,” the official added.

Welcomed

Anjali Saini, resident of a housing complex adjoining the factory, welcomed the decision and said that the residents had filed a complaint with KSPCB over a year ago.

“It has come as a great relief to us. The factory generates a lot of noise and raises dust. The factory used to be run at night also. The KSPCB had first issued a show cause notice to the owner of the factory,” she said.

She said the residents had filed complaints with the police several times, when the factory used to be run during night times.

“Finally, the KSPCB has come to our aid. We hope the factory heeds the direction and moves to another location as soon as possible,” she added.