Government mulling over new environment policy to check pollution

Government mulling over new environment policy to check pollution
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: If it’s not now, then ever. In a bid to check the burgeoning pollution levels in Bangalore, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), along with civic agencies will soon come out with a new Greater Environment Policy.

The framework to be adopted for the new policy is under consideration and was discussed in the board meeting held last week. The policy making team will have experts from the field of environment, heads of civic agencies and bureaucrats. The team will chaired by Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board A Ravindra.

Speaking to this website's newspaper Chairman of KSPCB Dr H C Sharathchandra said that the new policy is expected to take shape soon after the policy team pool in all other civic body heads to discuss the present challenges faced in Bangalore’s environment conditions.

‘‘There has to be an holistic approach to curb the increasing pollution in Bangalore. The committee will work on reducing the effect of pollution. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bangalore Urban Water Supply Board have shown interest in the new policy and we have also briefed Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy about the policy,’’ he said.

‘‘There are several residential areas that have been converted into commercial arcades adding to the pollution. Though Yeshwantpur has been declared as an industrial area, apartments and star hotels are still coming up in the place.

When such residential areas have been converted into commercial areas, it will be difficult for the enforcement agencies to check pollution without a comprehensive policy as the offenders try to exploit loopholes in the existing laws. We are also planning to create a ‘buffer zone’ between the present industrial areas and upcoming townships,’’ he added.

Dr Sharathchandra said that the project will also involve stakeholders and general public.

‘‘No one should feel that it is being imposed on him or her,’’ he said.