The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has proposed closure directives against the Metro Hi-tech Cooperative Textile Park at Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Kolhapur, after it found gross irregularities in the way the firm treats effluents. MIDC is one of the newest industrial parks in the district, set up for attracting more business activities.

MPCB had received a complaint a week ago from a local village near the park alleging that the industry was releasing untreated effluents into canals connecting the Doodhganga river. The river is a tributary of the Krishna river, which enters Karnataka. The sewage treatment plant set up by the park was found to be not working for a long period. The machinery was found lying idle.

The same effluents are released into a pond near Doodhganga canal with a depth of around 40 feet. Samples of the incoming effluents in the sewage plant and the ones released in the pond have been collected and are being examined. The park will be given a notice of 48 to 72 hours, after which its water and electricity supply will be stopped. The notice will be issued to the regional office of MIDC, which is the facilitating agency of the state for industries.

MPCB’s directives will be implemented by the MIDC and the power distribution utility at the district level.