Latest news with #KSPCB
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
‘Green Pledge 2025' rally for sustainability, electric mobility
Bengaluru: In a renewed push for urban sustainability and greener mobility, Bengaluru witnessed the launch of the 'Green Pledge 2025' campaign on Saturday with an electric bike rally and mass sapling plantation drive around Hulimavu Lake. The initiative, themed 'Go Green, Go EV,' was organised in association with the Hasirotsava Forum, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Suraksha Enviro Solutions, and the Sudaya Foundation, to mark World Environment Day. Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, who inaugurated the event, stressed the need for a collective commitment to preserving Bengaluru's ecological assets. 'The city must remain green and its air clean. Lakes like Hulimavu are not just heritage landmarks but ecological lifelines,' he said, adding that ₹14 crore has been earmarked for the lake's rejuvenation.
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Bengaluru Hosts 'Green Pledge 2025' Rally to Promote Sustainability and Electric Mobility
Bengaluru: In a renewed push for urban sustainability and greener mobility, Bengaluru witnessed the launch of the 'Green Pledge 2025' campaign on Saturday with an electric bike rally and mass sapling plantation drive around Hulimavu Lake. The initiative, themed 'Go Green, Go EV,' was organised in association with the Hasirotsava Forum, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Suraksha Enviro Solutions, and the Sudaya Foundation, to mark World Environment Day. Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, who inaugurated the event, stressed the need for a collective commitment to preserving Bengaluru's ecological assets. 'The city must remain green and its air clean. Lakes like Hulimavu are not just heritage landmarks but ecological lifelines,' he said, adding that ₹14 crore has been earmarked for the lake's rejuvenation. Highlighting the historic vision of city founder Kempegowda, Reddy said, 'He developed interconnected lakes to support the city's ecosystem. We must not take this natural wealth for granted.' S.E. Sudheendra, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board, flagged off the electric vehicle rally and underscored the city's responsibility to remain environmentally conscious. 'Bengaluru's weather draws people from across the country. It's up to us to protect it and move toward a plastic-free, sustainable future,' he said. Speaking on air pollution, Dr. B.R. Balagangadhar, retired senior scientific officer from KSPCB, warned of rising respiratory ailments linked to fossil fuel emissions. 'Switching to electric vehicles is not just smart—it's essential,' he said. Over 500 saplings were planted during the event, and more than 40 electric bikes, including those led by women riders, took part in the rally. Among the participants were former corporators Bhagyalakshmi Murali and Muralidhar (Arakere ward), and Bommanahalli regional environmental officer Ashok Kumar. The organisers encouraged citizens to contribute by planting saplings in their neighbourhoods. The Hasirotsava Forum can be contacted for support and guidance in such initiatives. The event was supported by BBMP, Sparsha Foundation, Biocon Biologics, Nexus Vega City Mall, Forum Mall, Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital, Rentelo EV Bikes, Ezone EV Bikes, and others.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
'Hasiru Sankalpa' launched merging ground-level action with strategic policy to highlight Karnataka's leadership in sustainable and bioenergy transition
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 30 (ANI): In a landmark collaboration, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Bengaluru South Officers, Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) under Chairman S E Sudheendra, and Hasirotsava Forum on Monday launched 'Hasiru Sankalpa' (Green Resolve). The initiative merges ground-level action with strategic policy to highlight Karnataka's leadership in sustainable and bioenergy transition, a press release said. Over 150 electric vehicle (EV) owners, environmental activists, and citizens kicked off the initiative with a vibrant rally from Nexus Vega City Mall to Hulimavu Lake. The rally underscored the state's commitment to electric mobility as a critical pillar of its clean energy strategy, reducing urban emissions and fossil fuel dependency. At Hulimavu Lake, Sudheendra, alongside Satish Reddy (MLA, Bommanahalli), led a mass plantation drive targeting biofuel-linked species. The drive emphasised engaging youth in ecological restoration, directly supporting KSPCB and KSBDB's joint mission to scale sustainable biomass supply chains. In his keynote address, the KSBDB Chairman outlined a comprehensive roadmap to emphasise Karnataka's leadership in renewable energy. Future key strategic pillars unveiled: Focus Crops: Non-edible oil seeds (Honge, Neem, Hippe, Simarouba) for biodiesel production with the goal to create farmer-centric supply chains for energy security and rural prosperity. Biomass Industrialisation: Scaling production of biobriquettes, biopellets, and biochar to replace coal in factories. Gaseous Fuel Revolution: State-backed push for Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants and pilot projects for green hydrogen. Sudheendra announced full support from Karnataka's highest offices. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly mandated KSBDB to accelerate statewide bioenergy deployment. Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre committed to three crore tree plantations with emphasis on biofuel species, linking ecology to energy. RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge said, 'Integrating bioenergy solutions across all 6,000+ Gram Panchayats for decentralised energy access.' The event featured resounding endorsements from cross-sector leaders. Ashok Kumar (KSPCB) said, 'Bangalore South 'Pollution control begins with clean energy. KSPCB stands with KSBDB to enforce this transition.' Pandiyan Biocon Biologicals said, 'Go Green, Create Environment awareness at the grassroots level.' Sreehari Kolar (Entrepreneur and Environmental Activist) praised the state's 'farm-to-fuel' model for empowering rural communities. Hasirotsava Forum (Aarthi, Shanmuga Anand): Mobilised citizen networks for ground-level execution. Divya (Urban Environment Activist) said the need of the hour to create awareness for urban contribution in sustainable energy, enrich oxygen with greenery. Dr B R Balagangadhar: Highlighted biochar's dual role in soil health and carbon sequestration. Key Sponsors playing a vital role for event success - Apollo Cradle Group, Sparsha Foundation, Little Genesis, EZON, Nexus Vega, Forum, Media Connect, Biocon Green Warriors Team. (ANI)
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- New Indian Express
Water in Bengaluru lakes not fit for even farming
BENGALURU: The quality of water in 2,020 lakes in and around Bengaluru coming under different zones of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) are of 'D' and 'E' categories, which makes them unfit even for agriculture. This was revealed when Lokayukta officials paid a surprise visit to KSPCB offices and conducted a search in the city on Wednesday. BBMP and BWSSB are letting untreated sewage into the Vrishabhavathi river due to the lack of an underground drainage system, and not industries or apartments. The water quality in this catchment area is categorised as 'D' and 'E'. While test results have been the same every month for the last several years, no steps have been taken to address it and neither have criminal cases been registered against both agencies by KSPCB under provisions of the Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts and Environment (Protection) Act. Although KSPCB authorities claimed there is a 50-metre buffer zone along the Vrishabhavathi in BDA and BBMP limits, as there was an exception against the actual 500m buffer zone, they have not prevented illegal constructions even within 50m. Except a few lakes which are monitored by courts taking up suo motu cases, the majority of lakes are polluted severely, besides being encroached. This was disclosed by KSPCB authorities themselves when Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa accompanied judicial and police officers who visited RR Nagar region. This team is one among 27 teams which paid surprise visits. Water bodies with water quality in 'D' and 'E' categories include 35 lakes in Anekal Zone, 40 lakes in Bommanahalli Zone, 35 lakes in Bengaluru South Zone, 1,772 lakes in Bengaluru East Zone comprising Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Mahadevapura and Hosakote, 24 lakes in Bengaluru City Zone, 8 lakes in Bengaluru City East Zone, 16 lakes in Sarjapur Zone, 40 lakes in Mahadevapura Zone, 12 lakes in Hosakote and Devanahalli Zone, 2 lakes in Bengaluru City West Zone, 6 lakes in Bengaluru City South Zone and 30 lakes in Bengaluru North Zone. This was disclosed by KSPCB authorities when Justice Veerappa confronted them with the provisions of law during the visit. It was also found that KSPCB officials had done UPI transactions beyond their legitimate income, hence their financial statements have been sought by Justice Veerappa. Corruption charges Lokayukta Justice BS Patil visited the KSPCB head office, and Lokayukta IGP Subramanyeshara Rao visited Peenya Industrial Area. The visit came in view of complaints received against KSPCB officials on corruption charges, nepotism, maladministration, and dereliction of duty.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- 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.
