Minor Irrigation Minister warns against direct use of treated water for agricultural purposes
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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister N S Boseraju on Tuesday warned of stringent action against individuals directly utilising treated water from the HN Valley and KC Valley irrigation projects for agriculture purposes.
The Lift Irrigation Scheme, a vital component of these valleys, channels treated water to districts like Bengaluru Rural, Kolar and Chikkaballapura, ultimately replenishing lakes to elevate groundwater levels.
The ongoing project has successfully increased groundwater levels, enabling agricultural use through borewells, according to the Minister.
Boseraju expressed concern over instances where second-stage treated water is being directly employed for agriculture, contravening project guidelines, a statement issued by the Minister's office said.
"While acknowledging the high quality of treated water, the Minister cautioned against its direct use, emphasising the need to preserve the project's primary objectives. Authorities have been directed to take robust action against those violating the directive," the statement read.
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Boseraju directed the officials to conduct regular inspections, preventing the direct use of treated water.
Individuals found violating the rule will face the consequences, the Minister said, adding that the officials failing to take necessary action will also be held accountable.
"This directive aims to safeguard the integrity of the irrigation projects, ensuring their effectiveness in raising groundwater levels and promoting sustainable water use in the designated districts," the statement said.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
