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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
District-level panels to monitor use of plastic water bottles in Karnataka
Bengaluru: In order to tackle growing plastic pollution across the state, the govt Tuesday ordered the formation of high-level committees in every district to monitor the handling and disposal of discarded single-use plastic water bottles. The announcement, which coincided with the govt's World Environment Day celebration, came from chief minister Siddaramaiah. The district-level committees to be headed by deputy commissioners will include CEOs of zilla panchayats, superintendents of police and deputy directors of food and civil supplies department. They will be tasked with tracking the sale of plastic bottles, ensuring their scientific disposal and raising public awareness. They will meet once in every three months to review progress and share enforcement data with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). Marking the day's theme — Beat plastic pollution — Siddaramaiah said: "It is a difficult job, but we must do it. Bengaluru alone generates 900 tonnes of garbage every day. If we are keen to safeguard the environment, we must discontinue usage of plastic and find suitable alternatives." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo Environment minister Eshwar Khandre said the move to regulate plastic water bottles is necessary. "We must first focus on scientific disposal of discarded plastic water bottles." The initiative is the latest in a series of measures aimed at improving management of plastic waste in the state. A month ago, Khandre directed the additional chief secretary of his department to ensure mandatory enforcement of extended producer responsibility (EPR) on manufacturers of plastic water bottles across districts. Under EPR mandate, manufacturers are expected to take responsibility for end-of-life collection and processing of their products. Khandre urged bottle manufacturers to adopt a buy-back model — purchasing used bottles from consumers while selling new ones. In a further incentive to encourage plastic bottle returns, KSPCB chairperson PM Narendraswamy announced that shredding machines would be installed within urban local body limits, offering users a refund of Re 1 for each discarded bottle returned. Meanwhile, a random survey conducted recently by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Bengaluru found that several brands of bottled water being sold in local markets were of substandard quality. This has raised additional concerns about the need for stricter monitoring of bottled water production and distribution in the state.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Won't tolerate threats of PIL by garbage mafia, says Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar Tuesday issued a stern warning to garbage contractors attempting to stall the govt's fresh tendering process for solid waste management in the city. His statement comes in the wake of a stay granted by the high court on the rollout of new garbage tenders — a move the govt had initiated to overhaul Bengaluru's solid waste management system. Reacting to the stay order, Shivakumar accused contractors of resorting to intimidation tactics, including the misuse of PIL petitions, and warned that the govt wouldn't yield under pressure. Speaking on the sidelines of a walkathon organised by the department of environment and ecology and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Shivakumar said: "Regardless of the work the govt takes up, some groups are constantly resorting to intimidation tactics by filing PIL or obtaining stay orders from courts just to threaten the govt. We won't tolerate this, and such tactics won't work." Questioning the motives of the contractors who challenged the new tenders, Shivakumar asked if the govt wasn't supposed to clean Bengaluru. When asked specifically about the court's interim order, he responded: "I'll look into it." Describing the network of existing garbage contractors in Bengaluru as a "mafia", he said: "Previously, there were 89 tenders. All those who bagged these tenders have formed a group. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40+ Say This Wrinkle Serum "Really Delivered' (Shocking Results) The Skincare Magazine Undo This is nothing but a mafia. They think they can mislead us. But we'll expose them and apprise the court about their actions. We'll mercilessly remove those trying to obstruct us and provide opportunities to new players to develop Bengaluru," he said. This isn't the first time Shivakumar has levelled allegations against garbage contractors. During the budget session of the state legislature in March, he had alleged that a cartel of contractors had formed with the objective of undermining the govt's efforts. He had also expressed disappointment that certain legislators were supporting these groups, suggesting a pattern of collusion and blackmail. The govt's push for fresh tenders is part of a larger effort to streamline and modernise waste management, which has long struggled with inefficient garbage collection and disposal systems. However, the process has faced repeated legal and logistical hurdles, many of which the govt now attributes to entrenched interests.
News18
5 days ago
- News18
Traffic Jam Expected In Bengaluru Near Palace Grounds: Check Alternate Routes
Last Updated: A large crowd is expected at Tripuravasini Palace Grounds today for the World Environment Day event. Bengaluru will host a major World Environment Day event on Tuesday, June 17, at Tripuravasini Palace Grounds. Organised by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the gathering is expected to draw over 5,000 participants, including students, citizens, and dignitaries. The event is focused on promoting environmental awareness through various activities and programs. However, authorities have warned of heavy traffic in the areas surrounding Palace Grounds and Bellary Road, urging commuters to plan their travel accordingly. To handle the anticipated crowd, Bengaluru Traffic Police has released a comprehensive advisory, as per Times Now. Commuters are requested to follow the suggested routes and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow. If you're heading to or passing near Palace Grounds today, here are the important travel updates you should be aware of. – Windsor Manor Junction → BDA Upramp → Ramanamaharshi Road → P.G. Halli Bus Stand → Kaveri Junction → Mekri Circle Service Road → Mekri Circle. – Parking is available at Gate No. 02 of Tripuravasini Palace Grounds. – Attendees can then walk to the event venue by following the posted signs. – After the event, buses should exit through the Hunasemara Gate on Jayamahal Road and continue via Mekri Circle, heading either into or out of the city. Participants coming from different areas can follow these directions: – From Hebbal (via Bellary Road): Use the Mekri Circle underpass and head to Gate No. 02 for parking. Walk to the venue from there. – From Yeshwanthpur: Follow Sir C.V. Raman Road to BHEL Circle, then via Sadashivanagar PS Junction to Mekri Circle Service Road. Park at Gate No. 02. – From Cantonment Railway Station (Dandu): Take Jayamahal Road, turn left at the TV Tower Junction, reach Mekri Circle Service Road, and park at Gate No. 02. In all cases, use the Hunasemara Gate on Jayamahal Road to exit and reconnect to Mekri Circle. Traffic Advisory for Private Vehicles Those arriving in private vehicles, including tempo travellers, cars, and two-wheelers, should: – Enter via Windsor Manor → BDA Upramp → Ramanamaharshi Road → Kaveri Junction → Mekri Circle Service Road. – Park at Gate No. 02 of Tripuravasini Palace Grounds. – Walk to the venue following the signage. All vehicles should exit through Hunasemara Gate onto Jayamahal Road, reconnecting to Mekri Circle. Strict No-Parking Zones To manage traffic during the World Environment Day celebrations, Bengaluru Traffic Police has reportedly declared the following roads as strict No-Parking zones: Palace Road, MV Jayaram Road, Vasanthanagar Road, Jayamahal Road, C.V. Raman Road, Bellary Road, Ramanamaharshi Road, Nandidurga Road, and Tharalabalu Road. Plan and Avoid Peak Areas As per Times Now, those not attending the event should avoid Mekri Circle, Bellary Road, Jayamahal Road, and nearby routes, especially during peak hours. Opt for alternate paths and allow extra travel time to avoid delays.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
MP orders fencing, Shikaripalya lake gets lifeline
Shikaripalya Lake Bengaluru Rural MP Dr CN Manjunath Anekal Tahsildar Shashidhar Make or break lake When informed, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board's (KSPCB) environmental engineer Narayan Swamy said he has already written a letter to Hulimangala panchayat emphasising the need of setting up an STP near the lake. Protecting water bodies is our duty, increasing groundwater, and preventing sewage entry to ensure potable water Dr CN Manjunath is again in the news. The lake was rejuvenated a few years ago at an estimated cost of Rs 1.50 crore but dumping debris and garbage continues due to lack of a fence around the water body. Residents have been running pillar to post to fix this problem for more than a year but finally they are happy withdirectingto take measures to fix the problem and save Shikaripalya the investment in rejuvenation, the lake remains under threat due to unchecked dumping of waste and sewage inflow. The absence of a protective fence has left the area vulnerable, causing frustration among residents who have consistently raised the issue with local January 31, 2024 edition, Bangalore Mirror published a report titled Make or Break Lake, detailing how Shikaripalya Lake was drying up even before summer had begun, largely due to pollution and neglect.'I am deeply worried about the lake. Many are dumping garbage and construction debris, and untreated sewage is also entering the water. We have been urging officials to fence the lake to prevent further damage,' said Ishaan Singh, a over a year of efforts by the community, residents say they are finally seeing hope. Bengaluru Rural MP Dr CN Manjunath responded promptly when approached, directing revenue officials to act on the matter. 'He was very supportive. After I met him, he immediately instructed officials to visit the site. They came on June 9 and promised that fencing work will begin after a feasibility check,' said Mani Ranjan, another Tahsildar Shashidhar confirmed the MP's instructions. 'I will ask the Panchayat Development Officer to submit a report. The fencing will be completed within 30 days,' he Manjunath stressed the importance of conserving water bodies. 'Protecting lakes is vital for groundwater recharge and ensuring clean water must be a priority,' he said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Fishing in troubled waters
National Green Tribunal Karnataka State Pollution Control Board The(NGT) has criticised the(KSPCB) and other agencies for not filing reports on fish kill incidents between 2017 and 2023 in Bengaluru's Southern bench of the Tribunal said in its order dated June 4, 2025, that the report by KSPCB and other official respondents in a suo motu case has not been filed despite several opportunities.'Despite several opportunities having been granted, the report of the Karnataka SPCB is still awaited. Likewise, the official respondents, except Respondent No.1 (Central Pollution Control Board), have not filed their respective replies/reports,' said the Green Court in its Tribunal filed the case based on an article published in Bangalore Mirror. The suo motu case was filed by the principal bench of NGT in May 2024, following the BM article that was published in March. The report highlighted an analysis of fish kill incidents in Bengaluru's lakes conducted by a city-based NGO, ActionAid article published in BM highlighted that between 2017 and 2023, Bengaluru witnessed as many as 61 fish kill incidents across multiple lakes. The detailed analysis of these incidents conducted by ActionAid Association showed that four lakes, namely Bhatrahalli, Munnekollala, Chelekere, and Iblur, with multiple fish kills in the given period, have exclusive Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The highest number of fish kills (6) was recorded at Kothnur Lake, followed by five episodes at Haralur and three at Madiwala, Bhatrahalli, and Kundalhalli in 2023 alone, 20 fish kill episodes were observed in 15 waterbodies, with multiple incidents reported from Kothnur, Kundalahalli, and Bhatrahalli lakes. Three of the 15 lakes (Kothnur, Bhatrahalli, and Iblur) also had a history of fish kill in 2022. The study also underlined that the number of these incidents is only increasing year after year.A correlation between water quality analysis of these lakes and incidents of fishkill was also established. The report underlined that the primary cause of all these incidents was untreated sewage. These lakes are situated around the 110 villages with no underground drainage connection except Sankey Tank and Madiwala Tank. Analysis showed that nine out of the 15 lakes that recorded these incidents in 2023 had water quality under Class E for one to five the report, NGT had noted violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Solid Waste Management Guidelines, 2016, and provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and sent notices to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Department of Fisheries of Animal Husbandry, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate.'KSPCB has been monitoring the water quality of lakes and rivers under the National Water Monitoring programme (NWMP) as a formality. NWMP has not gone beyond testing. Both CPCB and NGT must come down heavily on the state pollution monitoring agencies about their roles and existence. If SPCBs take no action on mitigating pollution, the NWMP is a waste of resources. KSPCB is neglecting its duty of restoring water bodies. Similarly, BBMP is missing on preventing pollution as the lake custodian,' said Raghavendra B Pacchhapur of ActionAid Association.
