Manipal, February 11: Even as the Minister for Environment and Ports Krishna Palemar rushed to inspect the contamination caused by the under treated liquid waste from Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, at Kodi of Saralebettu, Assistant Environment Officer, Udupi, Bhaskar pleaded his ignorance, in the presence of the public.
Residents of Saralebettu had complained of sewage water discharged from Kasturba Hospital entering their fields, gardens and even leaking in to their open wells, creating unhealthy environment and creating nuisance.
They had complained of foul smell, contamination of drinking water, skin diseases, mosquito breeding and fungus infections.
Palemar, on Friday, visited the spot and ordered the officials to take the water samples from the site for testing. "It may be a big or small establishment. All are equal before law. If the charges are proved guilty will not be spared. Punishment for contaminating drinking water is 7 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh. It is a criminal offence," he added.
Vittu Poojary, an 80 year old farmer explained their worries to the minister. Estate Officer of Manipal University Jai Vittal said that only treated water was being released from Kasturba Hospital.
Relpying to press persons Palemar assured to take necessary measures to the menace of fly ash created by the Nagarjuna Power project area in Yellur and Santhoor villages.
Comments
Add new comment