Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the green signal for reopening jeans washing units in Ballari that have functional individual Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), MLA Nara Bharath Reddy announced on November 20. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had earlier shut these units following a suo motu case by the Upa Lokayukta over effluent mismanagement.
Speaking to reporters in Ballari, Mr. Reddy stated that the Upa Lokayukta, during a recent inspection, identified environmental violations and initiated proceedings. As a result, the KSPCB ordered the closure of 36 units lacking individual ETPs and disconnected their three-phase power supply on November 6.
He added that members of the Jeans Association, including president Ibrahim Babu, Label Raju, and Rocky, had approached him for relief. Temporary restoration of electricity was arranged on humanitarian grounds. After discussions with Ballari Rural MLA B. Nagendra, the matter was taken to the Chief Minister. At a meeting chaired by Mr. Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on November 19, approval was granted to reopen all units equipped with their own ETPs. Additionally, ₹22 crore has been sanctioned to establish a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), with ₹11 crore each from the KKRDB and KMERC.
Mr. Reddy further noted that a 600-acre Jeans Apparel Park is coming up at Mincheri–Sanjeevarayanakote, in line with assurances made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the 2023 Assembly polls. Plots will be allotted to interested entrepreneurs with a 25% subsidy.
Valmiki Circle inauguration on January 3
He also announced that the redeveloped Valmiki Circle, featuring a statue of Maharshi Valmiki sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, known for carving the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya, will be inaugurated on January 3.
Mr. Reddy added that 900 Ashraya houses built near Mundrigi are complete and ready for occupation, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan is expected to inaugurate the project soon.