Cong will plunge the state into financial crisis while implementing guarantee: Bommai
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has appealed to the newly formed Congress not to put the state in a financial crisis in bid to implement the guarantees scheme.
Speaking to reporters at his government residence on Racecourse Road in the city on Friday, he said that the Congress had shown a lot of hope to the people before the elections. However, there is a big difference between the pre-election speech and the post-election speech of the Congress party, which won the election by keeping the expectations of the people at a high level. They said 200 units of electricity is free for everyone. And it is the Same with the guarantee card, he said.
Bommai expressed his concern over the discrepancy regarding the provision of free electricity. Initially, it was stated that households consuming either 70 or 80 units would be eligible for free electricity. However, the new statement suggests that the Chief Minister plans to calculate the annual average consumption and provide free electricity accordingly. Bommai believes that this approach will result in an average difference of 120 to 125 units, indicating a hidden agenda behind the change in policy.
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In Annabhagya, only an additional five kg is given, the central government is giving 5 kg of rice under the Food Security Act. In our state we are giving 5 kg of rice along with 1 kg of millet and 1 kg of maize. Will it continue? He said it was not clear.
There is a big scam in the Gruha Lakshmi Yojana. In the house of the poor there are elderly women. Asking them to apply online is a trick to deny them the benefits of the scheme. Expressing his displeasure, Bommai said that it involves wasting one month to apply and one month to process.
They say that the Yuva Nidhi scheme will be given to degree holders who pass out in 2022-23. After completing the degree, they go for further studies. Thus, most of the unemployed are not benefited. Again, they have not told how much will be spent on the implementation of these projects, he said.
We have allocated Rs 6800 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. What does it do? It has not been mentioned which projects will be stopped and where the money will be brought from. Bommai said that if the government spends money that does not generate much revenue, the state will face financial difficulties.
"There is no confusion in the election of the leader of the opposition."
Former CM Basavaraj Bommai stated that there is no confusion regarding the election of the Leader of the Opposition, and the process will be concluded before the commencement of the next session. He emphasized that there is no competition involved in this matter and everyone is united. The decision will be made collectively.
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Nearly 700 km of Karnataka rivers polluted; cities, towns depend on contaminated water
Shivamogga: A total of 693.75 of river stretches across Karnataka are polluted, and water from several of these rivers is being supplied to towns and cities, the State government informed the Legislative Assembly.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express on Monday, replying to an unstarred question by Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra during the winter session in Belagavi, Forest, Environment and Biodiversity Minister Eshwar Khandre said rivers are classified into five categories, P1 to P5, based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, with P1 being the most polluted.
He reportedly said untreated domestic wastewater from urban and rural areas is the main reason for river pollution. Arkavati, Lakshana Teertha, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Tunga, Cauvery, Kabini, Kagina, Krishna, Shimsha, Bheema and Netravati are the polluted rivers and so far, 112 polluted drainages along these rivers have been identified.
Khandre explained that rivers are classified into five pollution categories P1 to P5. The Arkavati River has been placed in the P1 category, while no rivers fall under P2 and P3. Tungabhadra, Bhadra and Shimsha are categorised under P4, and eight other rivers fall under P5.
Khandre allegedly said domestic wastewater from municipalities, towns and villages along riverbeds is being discharged into at least 17 rivers, identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the primary cause of river pollution.
According to the report, the minister said drinking water is being supplied from polluted rivers in districts such as Mandya, Ramanagara, Vijayapura and Shivamogga. In parts of Uttara Kannada, Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot, local bodies are also drawing water from polluted river sources.
In 2022-23, CPCB identified South Pinakini, Aghanashini, Sharavathi and Gangavali rivers too as polluted. But wrote to CPCB, stating that these rivers are not polluted and sought their removal from the list. An action plan is being prepared for the South Pinakini River, he said.
On remedial measures, Khandre reportedly said the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is setting up sewage treatment plants as per the directions of National Green Tribunal.
As per the report, under 12 river rejuvenation plans, the state generates 817.31 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. While 41 STPs with a capacity of 614.1 MLD are operational, 203.21 MLD of sewage remains untreated.
Work is underway to establish 19 STPs with a capacity of 248.91 MLD, while 39 more STPs with a combined capacity of 357.92 MLD are in the planning stage. Progress is being monitored and reported regularly to the NGT and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The minister reportedly said the state government gave its approval for underground drainage works worth Rs 535.56 crore in 2021 for 24 cities/towns besides Rs 523.80 crore for nine UGD projects.
