Conocarpus: 'Dubai plant' dangerous to health

 Thousands of plants are also planted in nurseries of Forest Department, BBMP, BDA on roads

 'Dubai plant' dangerous to health

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Conocarpus plant, which spoils the rain environment, adversely affects the health of citizens, is banned in the UAE and two states of the country, is spreading in the city.

 Conocarpus plant has been banned in Gujarat and Telangana states in 2023 as it is harmful to human health and will cause a situation where the rains do not come down in the area where these plants grow. In Gujarat these plants and trees have been cleared uprooted and burnt.

 The harmful Conocarpus plant also known as 'Dubai plant' has been planted and is being planted by Forest Department, BBMP, BDA in most areas of the city. BBMP and BDA are growing hundreds of conocarpus plants in the middle of the city's main main road, outer ring roads and central part roads. BBMP has also planted conocarpus in its gardens.

 Thousands of saplings are also being cultivated in the nurseries of BDA, BBMP and Forest Department. Conocarpus is fast growing and does not require much care. Rather quickly the green spreads and takes root. Due to this, government departments are planting more of this plant. In order to show more greenery, citizens, authorities are nurturing plants that are harmful to the environment.

There was not much information about the adverse effects of Conocarpus plant. Planted to grow fast. There are also plants in nurseries. Recently, experts have brought to our attention that it absorbs ground water more and affects breathing. Its seeds are large, from which plants arise. We now know that this is fatal. We have brought to the attention of senior officials about banning these plants. BBMP and BDA officials said that the higher officials of the forest department should take action.

 Associations and citizens should not plant large number of deadly Conocarpus plants in the nursery of BBMP and Forest Departments on the occasion of Environment Day. Experts have requested that only local plants should be given priority.

Harmful to Health...

 Conocarpus plant – The tree is high in carbon and emits a deadly acid that has a harmful effect on the human body, causing respiratory problems. Allergic diseases including cold, cough, asthma arise. Harmful to the health of native insects, birds and animals. In winter, this plant-tree is more affected. Excessive rooting can also damage underground cables and pipelines. 

 'should be Clear...'

 Conocarpus, which is prohibited elsewhere as it affects health and is naturally deadly to insects and birds, should not be cultivated. Plant expert N.M. should also take action to clear the trees and plants that are being planted and grown. Ganesh Babu demanded.

'We have brought to our attention...'

 We have brought to the attention of the forest department officials about the planting of conocarpus trees in BBMP. The dangers caused by these plants were explained to them and they were requested to take action to ban them. Planted plants should be removed. Before that, care should be taken not to plant these trees,' said 'Tree Doctor' Vijay Nishant.

 'We will take action...'

 Experts have brought to our home attention about the ill effects of Conocarpus plants. The plant is grown in the middle of the roads as it is more green. We will bring it to the attention of senior officials and discuss it and take action," said BBMP Forest Department officers.

KSPCB: Expenditure is more than three times the income

 Approval of State Pollution Control Board Action Plan

 Expenditure is more than three times the income

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

 BENGALURU: The board meeting has approved an action plan for three times the expected revenue of the State Pollution Control Board.

 In the 243rd Board meeting, an action plan of ₹1,546.44 crore was approved despite the expected revenue of only ₹600 crore in the next three years. It is alleged that this is a plan to immediately spend the remaining ₹1,050 crore in the financial year 2023, which will bankrupt the board.

 A board member, who did not want to be named, complained that 'Such a decision has been taken to spend one thousand crores as per their wish'.

 The board meeting agreed to spend money for awareness and awareness programs including development of laboratories, water quality management system, software upgradation for 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26.

 The board members objected to the opinion of Chairman Shanth Thimmaiah that it is not right for the member secretary to send the agenda of the meetings to the members without the approval of the Chairman and said that the agenda can be sent to the members by the member secretary. Also, the members unanimously decided to keep the video-audio recording of the board meeting aside and put aside the chairman's words.

 The meeting approved the filling of 220 posts of the board and it was decided to request the government to fill up the rest of the posts except driver and watchman posts through the Karnataka Examinations Authority.

The State Level Enforcement Committee has been reconstituted and the members nominated by the Government have also been appointed. As per the KTPP Act, it has been decided to increase the amount of expenditure on projects approved by the Chairman and Member Secretary. It has been decided to amend the rules to increase the power of the Chairman from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore and that of the Member Secretary from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore.

 BBMP's ₹53 crore extravagance!

 The State Pollution Control Board has decided to spend ₹53 crore given by the BBMP to replace the action plan of 64 activities of the 'Vayu Yojana' selected on the Central Air Pollution Control Board's 'Prana' portal.

 The money allocated to BBMP in the 15th financial plan is being spent for monitoring air pollution, road dust study, upgrading of laboratories, vehicle air pollution monitoring, survey, study and report preparation. The board members complained that this will not be of any use.

 Project cost details

•  finance; ₹747.66
•  Chief Environment Officer–3; ₹233.17
•  Waste Management Cell–1; ₹208.31
•  administration; ₹123.71
•  building; ₹115
•  Groundwater Quality Study; ₹29.05
•  IT; ₹24.50
•  Branch of Mines and Geology; ₹18.45
•  Awareness and training; ₹15
•  Lake development; ₹13.35
•  17th category and e-electronic cell; ₹7.26 crore
•  Waste Management Cell–2; ₹7.15
•  Legal Branch; ₹3.83
•  Action Plan Total Amount; ₹1,546.44
•  From prospective sources of income; ₹600
•  Amount remaining in board till April 2023; ₹1,050

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

KSPCB: ಆದಾಯಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಮೂರು ಪಟ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವೆಚ್ಚ!

Suspension of Environment Officers

 Illegal establishment, operation consent letter for plastic processing plant

 Suspension of Environment Officers

 Bengaluru: Two environmental officers of the State Pollution Control Board have been suspended for illegally granting permission to set up and operate a plastic processing unit.

 S.K., who was a senior environmental officer in the Bengaluru South Zone and Ramanagara Zone Offices of the State Pollution Control Board.  Vasudev and C.R. who is an environmental officer in Ramanagara regional office.  Manjunath was suspended and the chairman of the board, Shant A.  Thimmaiah ordered.

 Certificates have been illegally issued to the plastic waste processing unit of Enviro Recyclene at Harohalli in Ramanagara.  On October 26, 2023, the Chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board directed the Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board that action should be taken against the concerned officer.

 The Member Secretary had instructed the Chief Environment Officer-3 to give a report on this.  The report was given on November 10, 2023.

 'S.K.  Vasudev, C.R.  Manjunath is directly responsible for the illegal case.  It is obvious that his dereliction of duty has come to light, he has acted in a manner unbecoming of board employees and has shown neglect of duty.  Hence it is deemed appropriate to take disciplinary action against you.  Being suspended as there is a possibility of destruction of evidence and documents if you continue on duty.  Your central location has been changed to Bangalore.  The board chairman explained in the order issued on January 3 that a departmental inquiry will be conducted.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ ...

ಮಾಲಿನ್ಯ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಮಂಡಳಿ: ಇಬ್ಬರು ಪರಿಸರ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಅಮಾನತು

Treated water for lakes in 38 villages

 19 Measures to prevent sewage water from flowing into water bodies: Project by Jalamandali with World Bank assistance

Treated water for lakes in 38 villages

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Jalamandali (BWSSB) has devised a World Bank-assisted project to stop the flow of sewage water into 19 lakes under the BBMP.

 A plan to set up Sewage Water Treatment Plants (SPT) has been submitted to the World Bank and its approval is in the final stage. The Jalamandali has planned to complete the installation of STP in one year after getting the approval.

 As per the instructions of the National Green Tribunal, water supply and sewerage lines will be installed in 110 villages on the 'trunked pipeline' model. So that the sewage water does not flow outside. Millions of liters of sewage water from 38 villages and about 30 new layouts under their jurisdiction are directly entering the lakes every day. To prevent this, 9 STPs are installed to drain the treated water into the lake. From this, a plan has been made to drain only treated water in the lakes of this part and the series of canals after it.

 Along with these STPs 10 Intermediate Sewage Pumping Stations (ISPS) are also being set up. The total cost of the project including setting up of ISPS units near lakes where STPs cannot be set up and pumping sewage water to STPs is estimated to be around ₹1 thousand crore.

 A plan has been made to install STP and ISPS to prevent sewage water from flowing into 19 lakes. World Bank assistance has been sought for this and administrative approval has been obtained. As soon as the financial approval is received, the tender process will be completed and the units will be installed, said Jalamandali Chairman Ram Prasat Manohar.

Now a plan has been prepared to treat the sewage water of 38 villages. Similar units will be set up in 110 villages in the coming days. Financial assistance and grants are being checked for this,' he said.

 Action to stop sewage flows to all lakes: Ram Prasat

 "Sewage water flowing into lakes in the city is a perennial problem. This is being gradually reduced and steps will be taken to ensure that sewage water does not flow directly into any lake in the next few years. Only treated water is thought to flow into the lake. Ram Prasat Manohar, president of Bengaluru Jalamandali said that many projects have been prepared for this purpose and the water board will try to save the environment of the lakes.

•  9 Sewage Water Treatment Plant
•  148 mld Total capacity of nine STPs
•  10 IS Pumping Station
•  21 mld Total pumping capacity of ten ISPS

 STP for sewage water of which villages?

 Kammanahalli, Kalena Agrahara, Basapur; Chikkatogur, Dodtogur, Bharatena Agrahara, Naganathpur, Parappana Agrahara; Kudlu, Haralur, Kasavanahalli, Kaikondanahalli, Junnasandra, Doddakallahalli; Dodka Kallasandra; Mallasandra, Judicial Layout; Hagadur, Vijayanagar, Gandhipura, Channasandra, Nagondanahalli; Kattigenahalli, Srinivaspur; Yallahalli, Chandrashekarpura, Gottigere, Pillaganahalli; Varthur, Gunjur, Sorhunse, Balagere.

 Sewage water does not flow to which lakes!

 Begur, Rayasandra, Saul Kere, Doddakallasandra, Jogikere, Channasandra, Kottigenahalli, Kogilu, Palanahalli, Jakkuru, Hulimavu, Varthur, Gottigere, Ambalipur, Chikkabellandur, Talaghattapur, Kammanahalli, Harohalli, Yalahanka Kere.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

38 ಹಳ್ಳಿಗಳ ಕೆರೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಂಸ್ಕರಿತ ನೀರು

Additional 10 TMC CAUVERY WATER to BENGALURU

 Reduction of excess water use in agriculture; Notice to water board to increase capacity

 Additional 10 TMC CAUVERY WATER to BENGALURU

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

 BENGALURU: The government has decided to supply 10 tmc ft of additional water to Bengaluru city to save Cauvery water, which is heavily used in agriculture.

 The new settlements and areas of the city, including the 110 villages covered by the Brihat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palika (BBMP), need more water. Thus, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) had submitted a proposal to the government that surplus water should be allocated. After reviewing this, the government directed the Cauvery Irrigation Corporation to review the feasibility of supplying additional water and submit a report.

 A committee led by technical experts conducted a review and found that 'rice, sugarcane and other agricultural crops are using much more water than required. If this is reduced, more water can be provided to Bangalore', the report said. Based on this report, the government has given in-principle consent to the BWSSB and suggested to increase the capacity to use the surplus water.

 Cauvery 5th phase project to supply water to Bengaluru is in the final stage and it is planned to supply water to 110 villages in April. On this occasion, it is intended to start the works to increase the capacity to collect and supply additional 10 TMC feet of water,'' BWSSB President Ramprasath Manohar informed.

 BWSSB uses 24 TMC feet of water from Cauvery annually, of which 20% is classified as 'Consumptive use'. That is, if using the water obtained from the river, 20% of it is returned to the river itself, there is a chance of getting that amount of water in excess. On this basis, the government has agreed to demand more water. Officials explained that most of the water used in the city is joining Kaveri River through Vrishabhavati, Arkavati and canal-valleys.

Consent in principle: Ramprasat

 A proposal was submitted to the government that due to the increase in the population of the city and the development of the areas, the allocation of water should be increased. BWSSB Chairman Ramprasath Manohar said that an in-principle consent has been given to save 10 TMC feet of water under the Cauvery Irrigation Corporation.

 Annual allocation of Cauvery water to the city

•  24 TMC Ft: Allotment as per Supreme Court judgment
•  19 TMC Ft: Water currently being used
•  5 TMC Ft: Water available for stage 5
•  34 TMC Ft: The total water allocation is 10 tmcft which the government has now agreed to

 Use of Cauvery water in the city

•  1,450 million litres: Daily supply of water in the city
•  1.6 TMC Ft: Water being supplied to the city every month
•  750 million litres: Additional water supplied daily on completion of 5th stage
•  2.4 TMC Ft: Current and Phase 5 water supply to the city every month

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚುವರಿ 10 ಟಿಎಂಸಿ ಅಡಿ ಕಾವೇರಿ ನೀರು

BBMP: Budget preparation begins

 Rethinking zone-wise budget; Citizens' advice is not invited

 BBMP: Budget preparation begins

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: BBMP has started preparing the budget for 2024-25, department-wise progress and consultation meetings are going on.

 Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has already held a meeting with the Commissioners of Zones including Special Commissioners of all Divisions. He instructed to provide information on budget preparation and status of expenditure and projects in this financial year.

 Officials said that the heads of all departments and executive engineers of BBMP have started the work of budget preparation and providing information and will give details within January 15.

 Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath had said last year that 'zone-wise budget presentation will be provided'. But as it was the occasion of assembly elections without any opportunity for that, the budget was presented as usual. But this time the thinking has started again for the zone wise budget.

 As Commissioners are appointed only for zones, they are responsible for the works there. It is intended to get information about works and projects from them and provide finance for them. Already, bills are being paid to the contractors by zone wise Chief Engineers. Thus, it is known that the budget has been planned to be presented sector wise.

 Officials informed that the budget of the departments that manage major and major projects like urban planning, Storm water drain, projects, solid waste, lakes, and road infrastructure will be separate.

Last time suggestions were invited from the public in December itself. This time no such process took place. The officials are not giving recognition to the few exists ward committee's opinions. Therefore, this time also the important officials and Deputy Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar's words and thoughts only will be in the budget, said a senior engineer, who did not want to reveal his name.

 As it has been decided to strictly collect all types of fees and taxes to be paid to the corporation including property tax, the income will increase. Therefore, it is said that this time the budget will also include a proposal to carry out huge projects including white topping and flyover under the corporation's grant.

 The budget for the year 2022-23 was presented on the website last year on March 31 at 11.30 pm as a 'secret' budget. The then Special Commissioner of Finance, Jayaram Raipura, had presented the ₹11,163 crore budget (2023-24) in a program held at the Town Hall on March 2 last year.

 Attempt this time: Tushar Girinath

 Last year the zone wise budget was not possible. This time trying to budget zone wise. It is suggested to prepare for presentation of zonal budget for maintenance and ward level works projects. The BBMP budget will be presented in a week after the budget of the state government,'' said BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath.

 ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ: ಬಜೆಟ್‌ ಸಿದ್ಧತೆ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ

KIADB has no authority to APPROVE PLAN!

 BBMP appeals to the government to withdraw the order; Millions of income to the Corporation

KIADB has no authority to APPROVE BUILDING PLAN!

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

 BENGALURU: A proposal has been submitted to the government that the authority to approve plans for buildings under Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) should be allowed to be handled by BBMP from now on.

 According to the Town and Country Planning Act, Karnataka Municipal Act (KMC), the respective local bodies, authorities have to approve plans for all buildings and layouts under their jurisdiction. According to the BBMP Act, this authority is vested in the corporation. However, KIADB has no recognition of such act or notification. Therefore, it is requested in the proposal that it should be indicated that the plan should be sanctioned from the BBMP itself.

 This proposal was submitted to the Urban Development Department by BBMP ten days ago, and if the government approves it, it is estimated that crores of revenue will be collected for the corporation.

 'Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is the competent authority for sanctioning building/ layouts plans in Bangalore. The government has issued a notification, that delegaes the power of approving plan to BBMP. However, KIADB has been given the authority to approve plans in the city through an order. The government has been requested to withdraw this order and continue the opportunity of sanctioning the plan to the BBMP," said senior officials of the BBMP.

According to the Town and Country Planning Act, KMC Act, Section 15 and Section 240 of the BBMP Act, the building plans must be approved. No body other than those in these Acts has statutory authority to sanction building or layout plans.

 Certain orders of the Supreme Court were also cited in the proposal, explaining the clear information in the order that only a local body can sanction a plan. According to the law, KIADB has no authority to sanction the plan, it was informed in the proposal submitted to the government with several examples.

 156 authority only!

 As per the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act – 1961, there are 32 urban development authorities and 53 town planning authorities in the state. Also, 75 municipal-town panchayats are functioning as planning authorities.

 Bangalore Development Authority was created by Bangalore Development Authority Act-1976. In addition, Bangalore Metropolitan Area Development Authority covers Bangalore International Airport Area, Greater Bangalore–Bidadi Smart City Planning Authority, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Channapatna, Magadi, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Anekal and Doddaballapur Planning Authority, Suburban Circle Road Planning Authority.

 A total of 156 authorities in the state have statutory powers to sanction building and layouts plans. BBMP's contention is that the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) is not in the list.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಕೆಐಎಡಿಬಿಗೆ ನಕ್ಷೆ ಮಂಜೂರು ಅಧಿಕಾರವಿಲ್ಲ!

A shower of Promises; Unseen development

Bengaluru: Rewind 2023....

 A shower of Promises; Unseen development

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

 While the capital city of Bangalore saw a flurry of promising development projects from the beginning to the end of 2023, there was no forecast for the implementation of those projects by the end of the year.

 Traffic control, signal-free traffic, non-stop water in rainy season, flyover, tunnel, elevated corridor, 25-year visionary development works, concrete roads, pothole-free roads...Hundreds of promises were made by those in power and those who came to power from the beginning to the end of the year. None of these were implemented.

 Although hundreds of projects have been announced in the name of 'Brand Bangalore', they are still in the meeting, ceremony and discussion stage. As the contractors were not paid for the work done, they protested and stopped the work. Many works have not yet started.

 BWSSB continues to promise that it will provide Cauvery water and sewerage system for drinking to all parts of the city. Bengaluru Development Authority, which had high hopes for allotment of new plots, did not implement a single scheme this year, not allotting plots to citizens.

 As it was an election year, three or four months passed, but stuck in the end of one government and the beginning of another government, Bangalore development works did not see any progress. Development could not be seen in the huge glow of promises.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

2023 ಮರೆಯುವ ಮುನ್ನ: ಭರವಸೆಗಳ ಸುರಿಮಳೆ; ಕಾಣದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿ