Governor raids polluting industries in Raipur

            Raipur, August 19, 2008: The pro-active Governor of Chhattisgarh E S L Narasimhan raided the premises of two polluting industries in Raipur district on Monday and also asked the government to improve air quality, officials said today.

            It is really a welcome step. We hope the focus will now again be on controlling pollution of the mineral rich state, a top state government official said after the Governor raided two polluting industries yesterday while returning back from Dharsiwa after inaugurating a blood bank.

            Without any proper security arrangements the Governor straight went to the SKS Udyog and then Baldev Alloys after he saw billow of smoke in Siltara industrial area, close to Raipur city.

            The Governor was seen agitated while talking to the factory managements, officials accompanied him told the ChhattisgarhTopNews.com

            Later on the Governor had a discussion with the state Secretary Environment, N Baijendra Kumar on pollution and other issues pertaining to the state.

            Although the senior IAS officer refused to elaborate, what all transpired between them, but it was learn that the raid by the governor to any polluting industry was seen as an opportunities for the government as it was planning to take some stringent actions against such industries, who are violating the pollution norms.

            In some cases the polluting industries also patronised  political leaders and after the open displeasure of the Governor, the pressure from the expected quarters will be less, and more action could be seen in the coming days, a government official said.

            Pollution has been a major issue in the state, whether it is Raipur, Raigarh or even naxal infested less developed Dantewada district.

Besides ruling BJP MLAs Devji Bhai Patel and Trilochan Patel, Deputy Opposition Leader Bhupesh Baghel of Congress, NCP State President Novel Verma, and a host of leaders from all political parties have raised the issue in and out side the state assembly on several occasions.

Although Ministers had promised to take action on that matter but nothing much had happened.