K C Valley Project: JD(S) MLA shows bottle with discoloured water in K'taka Assembly
Bengaluru, Mar 10 (PTI): Demanding tertiary treatment of water under the K C Valley project that pumps treated sewage water from Bengaluru to lakes in drought-prone Kolar and Chikkaballapura districts, JD(S) MLA Samruddhi Manjunath on Tuesday displayed a bottle containing discoloured water in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
He accused the Congress government of supplying impure water to Kolar and Chikkaballapura, and alleged, "You are poisoning our children."
Responding to the MLA during the question hour, Minor Irrigation Minister N S Boseraju said that the project was planned only for secondary treatment to improve groundwater tables.
The groundwater table that had gone to 1,500 feet, has now improved following this project and water is now available at 250-300 feet, he said, adding that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is regularly giving reports regarding the quality of water.
ALSO READ: Man arrested for illegal diesel storage in Dakshina Kannada
Intervening, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda hit out at the JD(S) MLA of playing politics over the issue, and said the Koramangala-Challaghatta (KC) Valley project has been appreciated by UN and World Bank officials.
The IISc, which is the country's premier institution, does test every three months. The government was ready to accept recommendations by any "genuine" scientific institutions, on further improving the project, he said.
Food & Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa, who hails from the region, suggested the government convene a meeting of legislators from Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Bengaluru Rural districts, as well as experts from the IISc, and other institutions involved, aimed at addressing the concerns and to provide clarity.
The project is aimed at filling up tanks with secondary-treated water, he said, clarifying that for drinking water projects, tertiary treatment is required.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka Speaker Khader finishes fourth in Dirt Prix event
Mangaluru (PTI): Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Sunday finished fourth in a dirt track racing event organised by the Indian Motor Sports Club here.
Driving a Volkswagen Polo GT, Khader narrowly missed a podium finish, ending just seconds behind the third-place finisher.
An avid motorsport enthusiast since his college days, Khader has participated in several racing events involving both motorcycles and cars.
Organisers said his performance on the dirt track was consistent with his previous racing record.
Speaking informally after the event, Khader said he continues to follow motorsport and enjoys driving, describing the experience as a "refreshing change" from his official responsibilities.
The Dirt Prix event saw participation from multiple racers and was aimed at promoting grassroots motorsport.
