Kerala's waste continues to threaten Karnataka environment, six trucks carrying waste seized
Bengaluru: Despite repeated alerts over the past five years, trucks from Kerala continue to illegally carry tonnes of solid waste, including toxic materials, into Karnataka, posing a serious environmental threat. This ongoing issue has prompted the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to formally write to its counterpart in the neighbouring state.
On Monday, six trucks carrying tonnes of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials from Kerala were seized near the Mulehole check post in Gundlupet, as reported by Deccan Herald.
A complaint by KSPCB’s regional environment officer, Umashankar P.K., led to the registration of an FIR against seven individuals, including the drivers of the six trucks. The seizure came after the Gundlupet police found the vehicles transporting waste without proper documents and permits.
KSPCB member secretary H.C. Balachandra stressed the seriousness of the issue and raised the matter with the Pollution Control Board (PCB) in Kerala. He noted the dumping of solid waste in the border areas is illegal. He added that despite writing to the local authorities as well as the Kerala PCB, they are seeing violations.
The Board had earlier written to the deputy commissioners in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar which share the border with Kerala’s Wayanad region. Activist Sadanand H. Math told DH that trucks enter from Wayanad without any checks. He mentioned that there is a need for joint patrolling at key checkposts, such as Mulehole (Chamarajanagar) and Bavali (Mysuru district). He also called for more officers on the Karnataka side to monitor and check the menace of garbage-carrying trucks.
Math noted that waste dumping not only pollutes the environment, but poses a threat to wildlife in the protected areas of Bandipur-Nagarahole and BRT tiger reserves.
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AIMPLB criticises JPC's approach on Waqf Amendment Bill, calls for adherence to guidelines
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has raised serious concerns over alleged procedural violations by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas criticised the JPC's approach, describing it as a "transgression of principles" and a breach of constitutional norms.
Dr. Ilyas stated that the JPC should limit consultations to stakeholders directly associated with Waqf matters. However, he claimed the committee is seeking input from organisations that lack relevance, including Central Ministries, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and groups aligned with the RSS.
In recent developments, six opposition members wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker, expressing dissatisfaction with JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal’s conduct, which they allege has hindered fair discussions. This follows an earlier letter by opposition members condemning the chairman's behaviour.
The AIMPLB has demanded that the committee consider objections from AIMPLB and other recognised Muslim organisations, while excluding entities unrelated to Waqf issues. It also urged the JPC to refrain from rushing its report and to follow due process, ensuring thorough debate among members before submission.
