Agartala, Feb 24 (UNI) Paint factory owner Rajuram Sau, who was earlier arrested in connection to polluting river howrah by disposing chemicals from the factory, was today produced before the court here, police said.

The owner, reportedly, said he had obtained necessary licence from the District Industry Department in 2003 before setting up his Thiner manufacturing industry at Kashipur, near here. However, according to official sources, he did not renew his licence within the stipulated five-year's time.

The Environment and Pollution Control Department is now investigating whether the owner had actually received the necessary clearance certificate.

Though the situation was peaceful, a picket has been posted in the area to maintain law and order, police said.

Supply from two of the water treatment plants in Bordowali and College Tilla was suspended as a precautionery measure.

It is noteworthy that the PHE department collects water from Howrah river and after necessary treatement, the water is circulated.

Sources said that PHE will resume water supply only after necessary testing has been done and it is known for sure that the river water is safe for use again.

The condition of the affected people has been stated to be out of danger, sources said, adding that they can now be released from the GB and IGM hospitals.

UNI