Govt working on pollution control, AQI to be assessed in various parts of B'luru: Minister Khandre
Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has said that the state government was focusing on preventing the state capital from converting into a gas chamber like New Delhi and would soon call a meeting of all 28 legislators to discuss the issue.
The minister, who chaired a meeting of government officers held at the request of senior BJP MLA from Rajajinagar Suresh Kumar in Bengaluru on Thursday, said admitted that pollution level was rising in Bengaluru. He also called upon elected representatives to sideline ideological differences and join hands to control pollution.
Suresh Kumar complained that cases of children with breathing problems were increasing in his constituency due to air pollution and dust on the streets. “As doctors are advising citizens to shift to the outskirts of the city to overcome the health problem, the government needs to take urgent measures to deal with the issue,” the legislator urged.
Khandre, who responded, said that air quality index (AQI) was being assessed in 11 locations of Bengaluru and at 13 traffic units. “Notices will be issued to institutes responsible for rise in air pollution if the AQI crosses the 100-mark. The institutes will be directed to take steps to control the pollution. Also, cases will be filed against companies violating the rules regarding air pollution,” he clarified.
He directed officials to form awareness committees with the support of various departments and local organizations to control the problem of single-use plastic, as garbage disposal too has become a major problem in Bengaluru.
The Environment Department was asked to provide information on the number of waste treatment plants across Karnataka, the capacity of the units and the quantity of liquid waste treated in the units.
The minister added that a meeting of all elected representatives and heads of prominent institutions in Bengaluru would be held soon under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Bengaluru City Development DK Shivakumar to discuss prevention of pollution.
MLA Suresh Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Negi, Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, Environment Department Chief Secretary Srinivasulu and others were present at the meeting.
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Youngster alleges assault at Forest Office in Kadaba; Admitted to Puttur Hospital
Kadaba: A 27-year-old youth has alleged that he was assaulted inside the range forest officer’s office when he had gone there to give a statement in connection with a wild boar hunting case. He has been admitted to the government hospital in Puttur.
The injured has been identified as Jeevan (27), son of Monappa Gowda of Konde Mane in Aithoor village of Kadaba taluk. He and Jain Varkey (50) of Kermai were recently booked in a case related to alleged wild boar hunting in Aithoor forest.
According to sources, both had gone to the Subrahmanya range forest officer’s office on Wednesday to record their statements. It is alleged that Jain Varkey was sent outside and Jeevan was assaulted inside the office.
He was later taken to the Kadaba Community Health Centre for medical examination. On learning about the alleged assault, members of the public gathered at the hospital premises and expressed anger against the forest officials.
Locals have demanded action against Subrahmanya Range Forest Officer Vimal Babu and staff members Prakash and Adarsh, who have been accused in the incident. Jeevan has been shifted to the Puttur government hospital for further treatment, sources said.
