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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Hubballi: Gym trainer assaulted; police say clash due to personal reasons
Hubballi: A gym trainer was allegedly assaulted by a group of people following accusations of sexual assault and ‘love jihad’, even as both families involved in the case traded serious allegations.
According to police, a group of individuals went to the residence of Sameer Mulla, a resident of Vijayanagar, and questioned him over his friendship with a woman he had met at a gym. The situation escalated into a clash, during which he was allegedly dragged away and assaulted. He sustained minor injuries and was admitted to KIMS hospital.
N. Shashikumar said that after this incident, members from Sameer’s side went to the woman’s house, leading to another clash in which one person was injured. “It was wrong for groups to go near houses. We will take necessary legal action,” he said, adding that the incident appears to have arisen from personal reasons. Police have taken some individuals into custody and are investigating the matter.
Sameer Mulla was reportedly thrashed by a group of Sangh Parivar activists and later handed over to police at the Old Hubballi Police Station after relatives of the woman and members of Hindu organisations gathered at his residence in Rajnagar.
The woman’s family alleged assault and threats from Sameer’s relatives at their Vikas Nagar residence.
Meanwhile, Sameer’s family denied the allegations and accused the woman’s relatives and others of assaulting and kidnapping him. His sister said the two had been in a relationship for three years and that the allegations were baseless.
Police said statements from both sides have been recorded, and a detailed investigation is underway. Sameer remains hospitalised, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on findings.
In a video statement shared on social media, the 20-year-old woman alleged that Sameer had given her an intoxicant, recorded videos without her consent, and sexually assaulted her. She lodged a complaint alleging rape and blackmail, which police are investigating.
In another video, Sameer denied the allegations, claiming the video was recorded with consent and that the accusations were made under pressure.
Former Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA) chairman Nagesh Kalburgi termed the incident a serious matter and urged police to take strict action.
Police said the case involves multiple complaints from both sides, and further investigation is underway.
