No call yet on bulk drug units

The state government was supposed to pronounce its decision on bulk drug units’ demands before the lapse of the deadline (January 20) given by the AP Pollution Control Board Appellate Authority.

The units were demanding permission to manufacture unconsented drugs and in quantities exceeding the permissible limit. The Appellate Authority had fixed January 20 as the date before which the state government had to come to a decision.

According to sources, the state government has sent the file for a legal opinion. In July 2012, the APPCB had issued closure orders to 12 bulk drug industrial units in Medak and Ranga Reddy districts for violation of norms and directed them to stop all industrial activities. However, these industries approached the Appellate Authority and

The APPCB had issued closure orders to 12 bulk drug industrial units in Medak and Ranga Reddy districts for norms’ violation

closure orders were suspended.

Even the APPCB passed the buck to the state government, while forwarding the recommendations of the High Power Committee headed by Dr R.K. Garg, former chairman, BARC, on the demands of industries.

The government is also reviewing the ban on expansion of industries in industrial estates of the state, including Nalgonda, Ranga Reddy, Mahbubnagar and Medak.

While the industries are pleading that they are causing no pollution due to installation of zero liquid discharge systems and increased awareness, the APPCB says otherwise.

Although it has send the file to the state government for a final decision, the APPCB gave extensive reasons with regard to the units’ violations and directions pertaining to the manufacturing of unconsented products.