BIDAR, Aug. 11 -- The state government on Monday ordered the immediate closure of three industrial plants in Humnabad Industrial Area after residents alleged that untreated chemical waste was being discharged into local water bodies, including the Guruganga and Manjra rivers.

State rural development minister Eshwar Khandre, who is in charge of Bidar district, ordered the deputy commissioner to issue closure orders against M/s 6H Industries, M/s Sathyadeepthi K. Industries and M/s Himalaya Industries. He also sought a compliance report within 24 hours.

The minister took note of complaints of foul-smelling effluents entering a stream at Maniknagar and subsequently the Guruganga and Manjra rivers.

Residents also alleged that the contamina...