CPCB Issues Notice to Koppal’s ILC Iron and Steel Over Pollution Norm Violations

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has initiated action against ILC Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, an industrial unit located approximately 2 km from the Tungabhadra backwaters in Koppal, Karnataka, for violating environmental regulations. The notice comes after inspections revealed multiple non-compliances with established pollution control norms, triggering serious concerns over the plant’s operations in the ecologically sensitive region.

ILC Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, part of Karnataka’s growing industrial landscape, has been under scrutiny for its proximity to the Tungabhadra backwaters — a critical water body that supports regional biodiversity, agriculture, and local livelihoods. The CPCB’s notice highlights lapses in the plant’s adherence to prescribed guidelines, including inadequate effluent treatment, improper waste disposal, and emissions that could potentially contaminate nearby water resources and air quality.

The CPCB’s intervention underscores the increasing regulatory attention on industrial operations located near environmentally fragile zones. The Tungabhadra backwaters serve not only as a vital water source but also as a significant ecological habitat, making pollution control in the area a top priority for both state and central authorities.

Environmental experts have raised concerns that continued violations by such industries could lead to irreversible ecological damage, affecting both human and wildlife populations in the region. The CPCB has warned that failure to comply with corrective measures may result in further legal and penal action, including possible shutdown orders or heavy fines.

This development adds to a growing list of pollution-related cases across India, where regulatory bodies are stepping up enforcement to ensure industries maintain sustainable practices and adhere to environmental protection norms.

The CPCB is expected to monitor ILC Iron and Steel’s compliance closely in the coming weeks as the company responds to the notice.