Dead fish in river: 2 indl units lose power

Tribune News Service

Solan, July 10

Officials of the State Pollution Control Board have ordered disconnection of power of two industrial units in the Nalagarh industrial area after the officials found laxity in their effluent discharge mechanism.

The action follows a fish mortality incident which had come to light last week where thousands of fish were found dead in Jagatkhana river owing to untreated toxic industrial effluents which had been let out by some industrial units.

Member Secretary, SPCB, Aditya Negi, said power disconnection of two industrial units - Jay Bee Industries and Himachal Trading Company - has been ordered as a field inspection by the officials revealed that there was oil spillage into the water body from the Jay Bee industries as well as discharge of effluents into the water body after cleaning the toxic-ridden drums by the staff of Himachal Trading Company. The power disconnection orders were issued yesterday.

He added that samples of effluents have been lifted from another industrial unit, Sara Textile, and sent for lab analysis. It has also been directed to seek connectivity with the common effluent treatment plant within 15 days while further action will follow after the receipt of lab reports.

Executive Engineer, electricity board, Amit Gupta, said he was yet to receive any power disconnection orders though they would execute them when received.

Irregularities found

• Member Secretary, SPCB, Aditya Negi, said power disconnection of two units has been ordered
• A field inspection revealed that there was oil spillage into the water body from one industry and discharge of effluents by the other company. 
• Power disconnection orders of the two units were issued yesterday.