Latest news with #KarnatakaStatePollutionControlBoard
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Mayor directs cleanup of Nucchambali Bhavi for Ganesh idol immersion
Pic: HDMC Mayor Jyothi Patil and commissioner Rudresh Ghali inspect the condition of Nucchambali Bhavi in Dharwad. The waterbody is used for immersing large sized idols of Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi Dharwad: The century-old Nucchambali Bhavi in the Hosayellapur area of Dharwad, which had fallen into disrepair after years of being used as a dumping site by locals, is now being revived for the immersion of Ganesh idols during the upcoming festival. With the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaching, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) faced the challenging task of cleaning and preparing the open well for the immersion of large-sized idols by various Mahamandals. Following a ban imposed by the HDMC and the district administration on immersing idols in natural water bodies, Mahamandals were struggling to find suitable alternatives. Although the HDMC, with support from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), has arranged mobile immersion tanks for idols installed in households, these tanks are not equipped to handle the larger idols typically used by Mahamandals. In response, representatives from various Mahamandals submitted a petition requesting the HDMC to restore and prepare the Nucchambali Bhavi for idol immersion. Acting on their appeal, Mayor Jyothi Patil and HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali inspected the site and reviewed the ongoing cleanup efforts.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Burning of tyres and plastic in jaggeryunits poses health risks to residents
Mysuru: Hundreds of jaggery production units or 'alemanes' in Chamarajanagar are burning worn-out tyres, plastic, and rubber waste instead of firewood due to cost concerns. This hazardous practice is triggering health risks and polluting the environment. These fuels, though cheaper and easily available, release toxic fumes harmful to humans. Per tonne of worn-out tyres, including plastic and other rubber waste, is readily available at a cheap rate of Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 per tonne. A number of trucks from neighbouring states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu dump such materials at the jaggery-making units of Hanur, Kollegal, and Chamarajanagar, where they are in sizable numbers. Even though the govt is promoting more modern, electric-powered jaggery-making units under various schemes to end pollution, the jaggery producers of Chamarajanagar district still rely on the traditional firewood furnaces. "As many of the jaggery production units started to use worn-out tyres, plastic, and other waste as a fuel source during the rainy season due to the scarcity of firewood, it is leading to toxic emissions, pollution, and health hazards to the people living in the surroundings of jaggery-making units near Chamarajanagar," said Mahadevaswamy, a villager. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Foods and Natural Strategies That May Support Lower Back Wellness Learn More Undo Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene general secretary Mahesh Prabhu said apart from burning tyres, there are complaints that most of the jaggery units are adulterating jaggery with sugar. He demanded that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officials must initiate serious action against jaggery producers found involved in using worn-out tyres, plastic, and rubber waste by conducting surprise inspections, as toxic emissions from such activities are causing lung infections, respiratory problems, and cancer-like diseases among children and elderly persons in the vicinity of jaggery-making units. Speaking to TOI, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board environmental officer (Chamarajanagar) Savitha said burning tyres, plastic, and rubber waste in jaggery-making units is a serious offence. She said surprise inspections will be carried out by the department to check such activities in jaggery-making units, and show-cause notices will be issued. "KSPCB will also direct the local gram panchayat to curb such activities and coordinate with the Pollution Control Board to end such activities," she said.
New Indian Express
28-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Plaster of Paris idol sales continue across Karnataka as ban enforcement falters
BENGALURU: With less than a month to go for the Ganesha festival, state government agencies, particularly the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), are yet to crackdown on Plaster of Paris (PoP) and heavy lead paint idols manufactured and sold across the state. So far, raids have been conducted only in two places -- Bengaluru's Dasarahalli zone and Hubballi where 1,000 and 180 idols, respectively, were seized. 'It has been a year since the government issued orders banning PoP idols. From the last last festive season till now, all the idols that were stored should have been seized and scientifically destroyed. Now, when the festival is just a month away, insignificant checks have started,' said an environment expert working with the KSPCB. On Thursday, Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre had reiterated the state government's 2023 ban and directed officials to take stock of the clay and P0P idols and strictly enforce the ban. Sellers, however, pointed out that they have old stocks which they have invested upon and need to be cleared. 'These idols were made during the previous years and I have paid for each of them. They are to be used in community/public spaces. The government should give us at least one-year time to ensure that they are disposed. Nobody wants second-hand idols for festivities, which the government has been promoting,' said Mallappa, a trader on Mysuru Road. BBMP's construction and debris waste management officials said there are incinerator plants to scientifically dispose PoP idols, but no idols come to them due to religious sentiments. The KSPCB banned the use of PoP idols in 2016. The National Green Tribunal issued orders banning sale, manufacture and usage of PoP idols in 2023 and the Karnataka government issued orders banning them in August 2024. The chief secretary also issued orders for the formation of committees under the district administrations to ensure sale, manufacture and usage of eco-friendly idols and green crackers. KSPCB senior environmental officer G Yateesh said, 'The board has written to the district administrations to seize all those manufacturing and selling PoP idols. But the police and district administration is not cooperating. People should also understand and stop purchasing. We are aware of the idols and seizures are being done. People must also come forward and give details of where they see such idols.' How to identify PoP, lead paint idols Lift the idol; if it is solid inside and hard then it is PoP Idols made with eco-friendly items like clay, gunny sacks and hay stacks are light and not hard Eco-friendly paints are not bright, shiny and glossy
Time of India
24-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
VK drawing competition raises environmental awareness among kids
Mangaluru: The Vijay Karnataka Environment Drawing Competition not only provides information and awareness to participating children, but also to their parents and those around them. The effort by a media outlet like 'Vijay Karnataka' (VK), a sister concern publication of TOI, to work towards environmental conservation is commendable, said H Lakshmi Kantha, environmental officer at the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Mangaluru regional office. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony for the district-level drawing competition organised by VK and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Mangaluru, on the occasion of World Environment Day celebrations on Thursday, he emphasised that while environmental conservation might seem trivial, it has gained significant importance. Children expressed whatever came to their minds through art. Along with children, it is imperative for adults to also be aware of environmental conservation, he said. Manju Rajanna, deputy environmental officer at the KSPCB, Mangaluru, mentioned that students should plant and nurture a tree on their birthdays for the benefit of the environment. Planting many trees over a lifetime is a significant contribution to the environment, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo Maheshwari Singh, deputy environmental officer, stated that VK has raised awareness about the environment, reaching millions with the message of environmental conservation, which is commendable. Parents of participants also spoke on the occasion. It is gratifying that VK has instilled environmental awareness not only in children, but also in adults through such competitions, said parent Kavitha from Panja. Winner First Prize: NilIshka K (10th grade) Vivekananda English Medium School, Puttur, Ajith S Kamath (9th grade), Sri Vyasamaharsi Vidyapeetha, Kilpadi, Mulki, Ashni Rajesh Jogi (8th grade) Sri Vani School, Pavanje, Mangaluru, Sanvi NS (7th grade) Government Model Higher Primary School, Panja, Aaradhya (6th grade) Holy Family English Medium School, Surathkal. Second Prize: Keerthan (10th grade), Ankur English Medium, Kulai, Deepti D (9th grade) St Rita English Medium School, Jeppu, Y Hansika (8th grade) Canara School, Urva, Mangaluru, Shashwat VA (7th grade), Saraswati English Medium School, Kadaba, Sushanth J Shettigar (6th grade) St Lawrence English Medium School, Bondel, Mangaluru. Third Prize: Mohal Santosh Devadiga (10th grade) Sri Vyasamaharsi Vidyapeetha, Kilpadi, Mulki, Sonali KS (9th grade), Ladyhill Victoria High School, Bhavesh V Sawant (8th grade), Bharathi English Medium School, Kulai, Kushith Mallar (7th grade) Kumaraswamy Vidyalaya, Subrahmanya, Anvitha Shetty (6th grade) St Anne's English Medium School, Panja, Kadaba.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Manufacture, storage of biodegradable carry bags gets cabinet nod
Bengaluru: The cabinet has approved an important amendment to allow the manufacture, storage, and sale of biodegradable carry bags, announced Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday. Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Khandre said that under the 2016 state notification, the manufacture and sale of plastic carry bags, flex banners, posters, plastic plates, cups, and spoons were completely banned. However, with the recent innovation of plant-based biodegradable bags, which decompose within 180 days, the government has now approved a policy change to facilitate their use. He recalled that during a recent meeting of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, he had proposed amending the 2016 notification to align with the 2021 Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules issued by the Union Ministry of Environment. Khandre clarified that the amendment will now permit eco-friendly, biodegradable (compostable) bags, as well as pre-sealed packaging plastic that meets specific safety standards. The decision is in accordance with the Centre's 2021 directive. The move is expected to ease restrictions for industries producing biodegradable alternatives while ensuring that environmental safety remains a top priority. Boundary Revision of Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary okayed The Cabinet has approved a proposal to revise the boundaries of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary located across Shivamogga, Tirthahalli, and Hosanagara taluks of Shivamogga district, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced on Thursday. Khandre said that the sanctuary was originally notified in 1974 with a designated area of 395.60 sq. km. The revision will now officially define the sanctuary's area as 396.165 sq. km, without reducing the original extent. The Minister explained that when the sanctuary was first declared in November 1974, it inadvertently included infrastructure and human settlements such as roads, bus stands, inhabited villages, patta lands, and areas earmarked for Sharavathi backwater rehabilitation. To resolve issues and reduce inconvenience to local residents, the Forest Department decided to revise the boundaries while maintaining ecological integrity. The proposal was sent to and has been approved by the National Board for Wildlife, clearing the path for formal re-notification of the revised limits. This update is expected to improve both wildlife protection efforts and community relations in the region, striking a balance between conservation and local development.
