169 Hyderabad polluting units to be shifted

The authorities have decided to shift 169 Hyderabad-based industrial units, causing air and water pollution in the city, to the outskirts and neighbouring districts.

According to a long-term plan drawn up by the state government, the major industries would be asked to move out of Hyderabad in the next three-five years. Besides 62 other units including tanneries and vegetable oil mills will be asked to instal pollution control equipment immediately.

This was decided at a meeting of the District Environment Committee, following the demand made by the city MLAs that either stern action should be taken against the erring units or they should be shifted. The meeting also directed the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation to find alternate land for these units in Kothur and Shadnagar in Mahbubnagar district besides Pasha Mylaram in Medak district.

The polluting units will be informed of the government's decision at a meeting to be held on August 7 and 8. A government order, asking the units to move out of Hyderabad, will be issued later.