Feeding street dogs: Punishable offence if stopped

Institutions should allow dogs and cats in apartments: Guidelines

Feeding street dogs: Punishable offence if stopped

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Feeding street dogs in designated areas cannot be prohibited or opposed. Facilities for pets should be provided in apartments. Beating or torturing community animals will result in fines or imprisonment.

The BBMP, which has decided to strictly implement the ‘Community Animals’ Act, is ready to register cases against those who do not follow the guidelines from January 15.

The BBMP has framed the rules in accordance with the above Prevention of Cruelty Act-1960, Animal Birth Control Rules-2023 and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules and orders of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Those who violate this will be punished with imprisonment from three months to five years.

Animals and birds need food, shelter, medicine, and safe places, and they must be provided. Animals also have five freedoms. The guidelines explain that animals are free from thirst, hunger, malnutrition; free from discomfort; free from pain, injury, disease; free from fear, distress; and free from normal behavior.

For those who feed stray dogs:

• You should start feeding stray dogs only if you are financially and physically able to feed them every day.
• You should not feed stray dogs from 11.30 pm to 5 am. You should not go to feed stray dogs in remote areas, including bushes.
• Do not put food in front of someone else's house, property, or parking area. Use reusable plates to feed them.
• Do not leave food left by stray dogs there and clean it up. Do not put food in areas where many citizens walk.
• Permission should be obtained before feeding stray dogs in the area of ​​educational institutions, tech parks or any associations.

For residents' associations, apartment owners' associations:

• No rule against or prohibiting keeping pets should be made in the by-laws of associations
• Pets should be allowed in places used by everyone. Pets should be allowed to be carried in lifts with a belt.
• Dogs barking like humans talk is an emotional process. Pet owners should not be forced to stop it.
• Associations should set aside separate morning and evening times for pets to walk and play for their necessary exercise.
• Pets should not be kept in any kind of cage. Pets should not be required to wear muzzles.

For pet owners:

• Dog owners should ensure that there is plenty of space for their dogs at home. The residents' association should be informed about the number of dogs.
• The pet dog should be vaccinated and the house, balcony and terrace should always be kept clean in a way that does not cause any problem to the neighbors.
• A clean and suitable bed should be provided to the pet dog. The pet dog should not be left in any unfenced area.
• People under the age of 18 should not take the pet dog for a walk. The pet dog should be trained in good behavior.
• If the pet dog defecates on the road or sidewalk, the owner should clean it up without causing any inconvenience to others.

For educational institutions, tech parks and public institutions:

• Community animals can be vaccinated and fed. However, they cannot be moved from their original place.
• Institutions should take steps to ensure that community animals have access to food and clean water. They should be housed in an area where students do not roam.
• A separate place should be allocated in discussion with the municipality for students, staff or citizens to feed community animals.
• It is illegal to chase away stray dogs, hit them with stones or sticks. Security personnel should be trained in the management of stray dogs.
• Necessary signs should be put up to alert the public about community animals when they are present on the premises of institutions.

What is the punishment?

If a community animal is killed, a fine of up to ₹75,000 and imprisonment for three to five years

If an animal is fatally attacked, a fine of ₹50,000 and imprisonment for one to three years.

If an animal is attacked in any way, a fine of up to ₹1,000 and imprisonment for two years.

If any rules are violated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, a fine of ₹50 and imprisonment for three months.

License to keep dogs?

‘There is a plan to issue a license for keeping dogs within the BBMP limits. A letter has been sent to the Urban Development Department to give a clear indication of the steps to be taken in this regard. Action will be taken after receiving information from there,’ Suralkar Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, told.

‘The guidelines have been given on how to take care of pet dogs. But no decision has been made regarding the permission to keep them and their census. Even though the census of stray dogs has been conducted, it is not final. It could be more or less than 20 percent, he said.

Zone; Number of stray dogs

East; 37,685

West; 22,025

South; 23,241

Dasarahalli; 21,221

R.R. Nagar; 41,266

Bommanahalli; 39,183

Yelahanka; 36,343

Mahadevapura; 58,371

Total Street Dogs; 2,79,335

Male; 1,65,341

Female; 82,757

Gender unknown; 31,237

AlSo. ReAD…. STRAY DOGs Attack, citizens in distress ಬೀದಿ ನಾಯಿಗಳ ಹುಚ್ಚಾಟ, ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಾಣ ಸಂಕಟ

Also READ…. Nutritious food for STREET DOGS ಬೀದಿ ನಾಯಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಪೋಷಕಾಂಶಯುಕ್ತ ಆಹಾರ

Also Read… Notice for collection of street dog information…. ಬೀದಿ ನಾಯಿ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ನೋಟಿಸ್‌

ALSO READ…. ₹3,035 Monthly Expenditure per Stray Dog…. ಪ್ರತಿ ಬೀದಿ ನಾಯಿಗೆ ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ₹3,035 ವೆಚ್ಚ

Also read… A ‘shelter’ for ALFA stray dogs! ವ್ಯಗ್ರ ಬೀದಿ ನಾಯಿಗಳಿಗೆ ‘ಆಶ್ರಯ ಕೇಂದ್ರ’!

Bengaluru will become Singapore... SMK

Bengaluru will become Singapore... They laughed when SMK said that…

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

High-tech facilities like flyovers and hanging bridges will be built in Bengaluru. Bengaluru will become 'Singapore'. The world will focus on our city...

When S.M. Krishna, who was the Chief Minister in 1999, made such statements, many people did not believe it at that time. However, the solid foundation of that time was the reason why Bengaluru became famous as Silicon Valley and Hi-Tech City. 

S.M. Krishna was very interested in providing infrastructure to Bengaluru. He also had a dream of making the city modern and attractive. He had set up the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) under the leadership of Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani to give a framework for the development of the city and speed up the implementation of the plan.

S.M. Krishna's interest, policies and regulations are the reason why Bangalore has become a top international player in the field of information technology. In 1999-2000, the number of 13 IT companies in the city, which was exporting software worth ₹ 100 crore, reached 1032 in 2001-02, and the export value reached ₹ 7,200 crore. In 2004-05, the software value of 1514 companies was ₹ 20,700 crore. A separate policy was formulated in 2002 to provide more opportunities for the development of information technology and biotechnology. Also, for the first time in 2002, the 'Bangalore IT.com' conference was organized by national and international organizations to increase their reach. All this laid a solid foundation for the growth of the IT-BT sector.

S.M. Krishna's vision was the reason for setting up the International Technology Park (ITPL), International Institute of Information Technology – Bangalore (IIITB) in private partnership. 

S.M. Krishna was very interested in implementing technology and computerization in administration. Krishna, who had introduced 'smart cards' for the entry of employees in government offices, had encouraged everyone to use 'smart cards' to enter his office in Vidhana Soudha. Krishna's contributions to Bangalore include the 'Bhoomi' software for land records in the Revenue Department, the 'Cauvery e-com kiosk' for water board bill payments, the 'Spot Bill' immediately after reading the Cauvery water meter, the 'Bangalore One' for government facilities, the first 'Rayatha Santhe' in Yelahanka for direct sales between farmers and consumers, and the 'Krishi Pradhan Vahini' websites. Krishna is also credited with releasing the Kannada script in 2001 through the Kannada Computer Council.

In addition to giving a new look to property tax collection in the city, Krishna, who laid great emphasis on the protection and beautification of parks, had the BDA develop Benniganahalli and Agar lakes into attractive destinations. It was during Krishna's time that the 'Bangalore Nephrourology Institute', unique in the country, was started to provide cutting-edge treatment for kidney-related diseases at low prices.

BDA Revival: 

In the early days of S.M. Krishna becoming the Chief Minister, a committee of high-ranking officials led by the Chief Secretary had suggested that ‘there is no money even to pay salaries to BDA employees, it should be closed’. Taking it as a challenge, Krishna appointed Jayakar Jarom as the Commissioner of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). From there, he ensured that the files came directly to the Chief Minister for approval.

Initially, BDA constructed commercial buildings in the layouts and ensured a continuous income. Anand Rao Circle, Airport, Jayadeva Hospital, Dairy Circle, Whitefield, Benniganahalli, Central Silk Board, Hebbal flyovers were built by BDA. A 26 km ring road was constructed in 8 months at a cost of ₹182 crore. Purchase orders were issued for BDA sites after 10 years. This was cancelled and purchase orders were issued to everyone. This helped thousands of people. The sub-registrar's office was opened in the BDA premises and all the registration processes were done there. BDA, which was on the verge of closure, became financially strong within a couple of years and also received the HUDCO award and the National Best Construction Award.

Encroachment on corner plots and civic amenities plots in BDA layouts was increasing. S.M. Krishna, who did not give in to any pressure, said in the assembly itself, 'Such encroachments will not be allowed'. He repealed 38 C(2) of the BDA Act and allowed the clearance of all types of encroachments. BDA cleared 175 acres of encroachment worth ₹700 crore. Not only that, he implemented many improved rules and simplified the land acquisition process for Anjanapur, Banashankari 6th phase, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya layout.

People who laughed when they said that Bangalore would become 'Singapore', the growth of the city made them to became silent by the end of 2004.

Toxic NO2 levels increase in Bengaluru

 High concentration in school areas of the city; 2,730 children also suffer from asthma!

Toxic NO2 levels increase in Bengaluru

• NO2 has been increasing for five years
• Standards unchanged for 15 years
• Greenpeace India Society report

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is very harmful to human health, is much higher than the limit set by the World Health Organization in many areas of the city. NO2 is high in places where schools are located.

According to the report released by Greenpeace India Society, ‘As per the United Nations guidelines, data from 13 air quality measurement stations in the city has been reviewed and all are higher than the prescribed limit.

Compared to other areas of the city, pollution is high at the city railway station. NO2 concentration is highest on 295 days of the year. Also, NO2 levels are high at air quality measurement stations located 500 meters away from five schools. The report said that NO2 pollution in the city's air is also responsible for the 2,730 cases of asthma diagnosed in children in 2019.

The highest pollution was recorded at the air quality measurement stations at BTM Layout and Silk Board, and traffic pollution is one of the main reasons for the increase in NO2 in these areas.

According to the data recorded at 13 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations in Bengaluru, the air is very polluted. The concentration of NO2 in it is very high, which is having an adverse effect on human health. There is no sign of a decrease in the concentration of NO2 in the city in the last five years. The report said that the satellite-based review has shown that the concentration of NO2 in the atmosphere is increasing day by day.

The standards in India to prevent the ill effects of air pollution are very backward. The standards here for toxic elements like NO2 are less stringent than the global standards. India's National Air Quality Standards (NAQS) have not been updated for 15 years, leaving millions of people exposed to the ill effects of air pollution.

The 'Beyond North' report released by Greenpeace India Society has examined the levels of NO2 in seven cities in the country and explained its impact. The World Health Organization's NO2 limit is 10 mg/m3, and Pune's level is 37. Jaipur's is 36, Kolkata's 28, Mumbai's 26, Bengaluru's 23, Hyderabad's 23, and Chennai's 15.

Adverse Effects of NO2

* NO2 entering the human body can damage the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can increase asthma and increase respiratory infections in children.

* Long-term exposure to NO2 can lead to increased lung infections. It also reduces lung function.

* NO2 causes many types of allergic infections. It also leads to premature death.

* Apart from causing eye and skin infections, a person loses the ability to smell.

Where and how much NO2 is recorded?

(mg/m3) (World Health Organization limit is 10 mg/m3)

Bapujinagar;23

BTM Layout;24

City Railway Station;29

Hebbal;23

Hombegowda Nagar;23

Jayanagar 5th Block;13

Jigani;13

Kasturinagar;10

Peenya;23

RVCE Mailasandra;11

Saneguruvanahalli;21

Shivapura-Peenya;15

Silk Board;22

How many days of the year is NO2 concentration high?

(Not to exceed one day as per World Health Organization)

City Railway Station;295

Hombegowda Nagar;125

Bapujinagar;120

Peenya;119

Hebbal;104

Jayanagar 5th Block;96

BTM Layout;89

Saneguruvanahalli;24

Jigani;22

Shivapura–Peenya;22

RVCE Mailasandra;6

BBMP: Record in property tax collection

 Collection crosses ₹4,000 crore; Target achievement four months away

BBMP: Record in property tax collection

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has collected more than ₹4,000 crore in property tax for the first time, creating a new record.

Although the amount collected in the entire period of the 2023-24 financial year is a record so far, it could not reach ₹4,000 crore. It also did not reach the target. With four months left for the end of the current financial year, more than ₹4,000 crore in property tax has been collected. ₹3,246.61 crore was collected by the end of December of the last financial year, which is 32.02% more than that.

In the current financial year, ₹3,828.64 crore in property tax is expected for 20.57 lakh properties. Out of this, ₹3,432.02 crore has been collected from 15,84,107 properties. ₹396.62 crore is yet to be collected from more than 4 lakh properties.

It was estimated that there are 73,615 properties that are out of tax or have not been assessed. Such properties are at their highest in Mahadevapura, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bommanahalli, Yelahanka zones. Out of these, ₹262.90 crore worth of property was to be paid this financial year. Out of this, only 140 properties have paid ₹13 lakh in tax. 

After Munish Moudgil became the Special Commissioner of Revenue, more emphasis was given to tax collection. He initiated processes like sending SMS to tax defaulters, calling them, issuing notices and locking and confiscating commercial buildings with high arrears. Also, the One Time Relief Scheme (OTS) has contributed a lot to the collection. 

There are still four months left for the financial year to end, and efforts will be made to achieve the target

Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner, Revenue Department, BBMP

OTS: ₹399 crore collected

Out of 3.95 lakh property owners who were property tax defaulters, 1.82 lakh owners have availed the One Time Relief Scheme (OTS) and have paid ₹399.17 crore. Even though the OTS ended on November 30, 2.12 lakh property owners are still defaulters and have to pay ₹334.44 crore excluding interest and penalty.

82,842 properties with the highest property tax arrears have been put under the ‘debt’ process and 6,676 commercial buildings have been sealed.

The tax of 15,731 properties has been revised and ₹398.49 crore was fixed. Of this, 9,202 properties have paid ₹114.74 crore (till Dec. 7). 

• 2,12,515; Property tax defaulters
• ₹334.44 crore; Amount to be collected from defaulters
• 4,73,700; Properties subject to tax for the current financial year
• ₹396.62 crore; Property tax due for the current financial year

Property tax collection figures

Year; Target; Collection

2020–21; ₹3,500 crore; ₹2,800 crore

2021–22; ₹4,000 crore; ₹3,110 crore

2022–23; ₹4,189 crore; ₹3,340 crore

2023–24; ₹4,558 crore; ₹3,900 crore

2024-25 target; ₹5,210 crore; ₹4,286 crore (till December 7, 2024)

Property tax collection (till December 7)

Area; Target; Collection; Amount

Mahadevapura;₹1,309.04 crore; 1,154.49 crore; 88.19%

East;₹891.89 crore;₹715.97 crore; 80.28%

South;₹769.50 crore;₹617.77 crore; 80.28%

West;₹610.39 crore;₹486.47 crore; 79.70%

Yelahanka;₹445.24 crore;₹415.08 crore; 93.23%

Bommanahalli;₹585.11 crore;₹421.67 crore; 72.07%

Rajarajeshwarinagar;₹434.35 crore;₹337.80 crore; 77.77%

Dasarahalli;₹164.95 crore;₹138.79 crore; 82.93%

Total;₹5,210.48 crore;₹4,286.04 crore; 82.26%

E-khata: Complicated if there is no document

E-khata: Complicated if there is no document

28 lakh properties; Sites and buildings under BBMP

23 lakh; Draft e-account of properties uploaded on BBMP website

6 lakh; Draft e-account downloaded by owners

30 thousand properties; Documents uploaded online

21,369 properties; Final e-account downloaded

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

In Bengaluru city, there are layouts approved by the Corporation and BDA within BBMP limits. There are sites and buildings allotted by housing organizations including Karnataka Housing Corporation. Development fee and approved map documents are available for these sites and buildings. These have to be entered while obtaining e-account. E-account is being made available as they are documents of government organizations.

Since e-khata is required for property sales, loans and other property registration processes, BBMP has started separate centers in all wards to complete the e-khata process of such property owners in a day. If the property owner provides all the documents, the e-khata will be available immediately. Even if there is not a single document, the process is not over.

What is the main problem?

In Bangalore, there are lands converted from agricultural land (DC conversion), lands acquired by BDA and abandoned, converted and unconverted lands, and there are plots created on agricultural land (Revenue). There are village areas that have come under the jurisdiction of BBMP from the municipality and the city council. Since everything was manual while getting A-khata or B-khata, the accounts are available even though there are no documents. Building maps are not being provided to those who have B-khata. Therefore, when getting e-khata, when you choose building with site, you have to upload the sanctioned map. Since it is not there, everything is managed online by the software, e-Khata is not available.

Now, in apartments, an approved map needs to be uploaded even when getting an e-Khata for each unit (flat). This is not available to most flat owners. Moreover, some apartments have more floors than the approved map. Although manual Khata is available for them, all the documents need to be uploaded to get e-Khata. E-Khata is not available due to lack of documents.

How is e-Khata available?

If the owners of the plots and buildings with A-Khata in the BBMP area upload the property tax, development fee and approved maps during the process of getting e-Khata, then e-Khata will be easily available online in a single day. Even if there is no document, e-Khata will not be approved.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has already issued e-accounts for the plots of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. To get e-accounts for plots or buildings of other layouts, you can apply online at Seva Sindhu. However, not everything can be done online. After this, you can get e-accounts only after meeting BDA officials in person and submitting documents. E-accounts can also be obtained through the same process for BDA approved plots and layouts.

BBMP e-Khata: Process/ Documents

Draft e-Khata: Download the draft e-Khata from the BBMP website (https://bbmpeaasthi.karnataka.gov.in/).

Registration: Register with mobile and OTP.

Start document submission: Start the process of submitting documents to get the final e-Khata through the EPID mentioned in the draft e-Khata.

Property Tax Receipt: Property information will be available if the tax payment number is entered

Purchase Deed Number: If the number is entered, the information will be linked from the Cauvery software

EC Certificate : If the property is to be sold, the documents EC - Encumbrance Certificate  so far should be submitted

E-KYC: Aadhaar number should be linked. Accordingly, photograph and mobile number will be registered

Property Location: The location of the property should be identified on the e-Khata process website with latitude and longitude information. A picture of the property-building should be uploaded.

Documents: Documents of the allotted institution, payment of property development fee, receipt of fee paid there if it has come to the local bodies, approved building plan should be uploaded.

E-Sign: After uploading all the documents, the application should be submitted through e-sign (provide Aadhaar number, OTP).

Confirmation Letter: After submitting the e-signed application, the submitted application and endorsement letter will be available under ‘Application Status’.

Approval: If all the documents are correct, the information about approval will be published under ‘Application Status’.

Final e-Khata: The approved final e-Khata can be downloaded by entering the property number (EPID) on the website (https://bbmpeaasthi.karnataka.gov.in/office/frmKhathaDownload.aspx) and paying a fee of ₹125

'Brand Bangalore' grant for roads

 Work under BBMP grant; 389 km road development by June end

'Brand Bangalore' grant for roads

• Expected to save ₹100 crore in tunnel road grant
• ₹300 crore from 'Brand Bangalore' grant
• ₹360 crore from other titles as per 'Revised Budget'

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: BBMP has decided to undertake all kinds of development work with the aim of making the Aterial and sub-arterial roads in the city ready by the next monsoon season. For this, the 'Brand Bangalore' grant has been cut.

There are a lot of potholes on the Aterial and sub-arterial roads, and no development work has been undertaken for five or six years. Even after repairing the potholes, they would reappear. Therefore, BBMP had decided to clear the surface layer and asphalt it.

Division-wise tender packages covering the assembly constituencies have been invited, and a deadline has been set for completing the work within six months. The tender period will end on December 25, and the BBMP intends to issue work orders to qualified contractors within the next 15 days.

The development work of the Aterial and sub-arterial roads is being undertaken by the BBMP's infrastructure department. Tenders have been invited from the respective zones, and its management has been entrusted to the zones themselves.

'The target is to complete the development work of the Aterial and sub-arterial roads by the end of May 2025. The aim is to complete all the work by the end of June, even if there are minor problems,' said BBMP Chief Engineer B.S. Prahlad.

Funding cut: The funds allocated for the 'Brand Bangalore' concept for the development project of the Aterial and sub-arterial roads have been cut. A total of ₹47.85 crore was provided for road development. An additional ₹600 crore was required. Of this, ₹300 crore has been provided under the Brand Bangalore-Sugama Sanchar Bangalore, Vibrant Bangalore, and Arogya Bangalore sections. The government has approved the remaining ₹360 crore to be met from the funds saved from other heads of the ‘Revised Budget’ for the year 2024-25.

₹880 crore was earmarked for ‘Sugama Sanchar’. Of this, ₹730 crore will be spent this year, including ₹100 crore out of the ₹200 crore for the tunnel road project and ₹50 crore out of the K-Ride project, resulting in a total saving of ₹150 crore. Similarly, ₹90 crore out of ₹265 crore for ‘Vibrant Bengaluru’ will remain, and ₹215 crore for ‘Arogya Bengaluru’ is expected to save, which has been provided for Aterial and sub-arterial roads development.

12,878 km; Length of road network under BBMP

1682.1 km; Total length of main, sub-main roads

389.68 km; Length of main, sub-main roads to be developed

₹694 crore; Total cost in nine sections

Development Model Design

A specific model design and improved maintenance system have been prepared for the development of main and sub-main roads. Accordingly, these works should be carried out.

• * Milling of damaged road surface
• * Installing NP-3 pipes in areas where there is no roadside drain to ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Completely clearing the silt from the drain and reconstructing the drain roof
• * Construction of grating to ensure smooth flow of water from the road to the drain
• * Construction of footpath with concrete base
• * Installation of curb stones to mark the road line and footpath on the roadside and leveling them.

Section; How many roads; How long; amount

East; 51; 76.85 km; ₹95 crore

West; 19; 23.40 km; ₹71.50 crore

South; 30; 34.90 km; ₹95 crore

Yalahanka;36;69.45 km;₹97.50 crore

Dasarahalli; 6; 14.10 km; ₹20 crore

Mahadevpur;30;82 km;₹140 crore

K.R. Pura; 8; 19.55 km; ₹35 crore

Bommanahalli;22;34.60 km;₹45 crore

Rajarajeshwari Nagar;16;34.83 km; ₹95 crore

Total; 218; 389.68 km; ₹694 crore

Pollution Control Board funds to prevent elephant menace

 Finance Department decides without KSPCB permission; Government order likely to be approved in board meeting on December 2

Pollution Control Board funds to prevent elephant menace

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: The government has decided and ordered to transfer ₹426 crore from the board's account to the forest department without the approval of the State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) meeting and despite public objections.

The Finance Department has agreed to release ₹300 crore for railway barricade work in various districts of the state to prevent elephant menace and ₹126 crore for the K-Shore project without the permission of the State Pollution Control Board meeting.

'The State Pollution Control Board, which does not receive any grant from the state government, will have to bear all the expenses from its own revenue. If new staff are appointed, they will have to be given salary and allowances. Therefore, the board's ₹300 crore should not be given for afforestation and installation of barricades to prevent elephant menace. Also, the Accountant General has already objected to the board's contribution of ₹17 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Concerns were expressed in the board meeting held on September 9 that there is a possibility of objection even if ₹300 crore is given.

After this decision, the State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary wrote a letter to the board's Chief Financial Officer and said, "There is a proposal to provide money to the Forest Department through a loan. This is an environmentally friendly activity. The Forest Department is a revenue generating department and the financial decision is taken by the government's Finance Department. The board meeting that releases the money has expressed the concerns of the members. The Investment Committee held on September 19 has directed to write a letter to the government to take a decision. The objections received from the public have also been directed to be submitted to the government and the Finance Department."

The Pollution Control Board Member Secretary, who wrote a letter to the government's Principal Secretary of the Forest, Biology and Environment Department on October 9, has requested that a proposal be submitted to the Finance Department along with the Board meeting, Investment Committee proceedings, and public objections regarding the release of money.

The Finance Department, which has received a letter from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, has said that ‘₹200 crore can be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board for a period of four years at 7.5% simple interest. If the Forest Department wants to get another ₹100 crore, it can be obtained as a grant from the State Pollution Control Board.’ The Additional Secretary of the Finance Department has given approval (FD/621/EXP5/2024; FEE/427/EPC/2024) on November 27.

₹126 crore for K-Shore

‘For coastal Karnataka, the Forest Department can avail ₹126 crore as an interest-free loan from the State Pollution Control Board for plastic management and use it for the K-Shore project. The approval of the State Finance Department has been obtained,’ the Secretary of the Forest, Biodiversity and Environment Department issued an order (Government Order: FEE 41) on November 26.

No proposal has been submitted to the State Pollution Control Board for providing funds to K-Shore. There was no discussion in the board meeting. Approval has been given as per the proposal of the Forest Force Chief and Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department.

‘The decision of the board meeting is final’

‘No decision has been taken in the board meeting regarding providing funds to the Forest Department by the State Pollution Control Board. Despite the government orders, the decision taken in the meeting is final,’ said a senior State Pollution Control Board official who did not want to be named.

‘The 247th meeting of the board, which was to be held in the first week of November, was postponed until a new chairman is appointed. A meeting was held under the chairmanship of the acting chairman in the following days. It has been decided to hold the 248th meeting on December 2. The objection was raised that the government would approve what has already been ordered since the meeting was full of officers. 

‘The government cannot take action without a decision being taken in the meeting of the State Pollution Control Board first. No important decision can be taken in the absence of a chairman who is not appointed as per the law in a statutory body,’ said lawyer Rishab Truckru and some public figures in a letter to the Forest Minister, top officials of the department, and the Board Member Secretary. 

Computer, TV, fridge for the Minister’s office: Money from the board

For the daily use of the office of the Forest Department Minister’s private branch, 19 types of electronic equipment including computers, tabs, printers, TVs, UPSs, and fridges have been supplied with the money from the State Pollution Control Board. 

Based on the note of the Minister’s Officer on Special Duty, the Board Member Secretary has approved the supply of equipment worth about ₹72 lakh. 

No harm to the board: Ishwar Khandre

It has been decided to take up the work of afforestation and prevention of human-wildlife conflict by receiving ₹300 crore from the State Pollution Control Board. This is an environmentally friendly activity, for which the board has submitted a proposal to the Finance Department. The money collected by the Environment Board should be used for environmentally friendly activities. The purpose of the Forest Department and the board is the same. This is an internal adjustment. There is no harm to the board from this,' said Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre.

K-shore is a World Bank-sponsored project, under which plastic waste that is causing the death of aquatic animals in the sea will be curbed in three coastal districts. In addition, this money will also be used to grow Kandla forests to prevent sea erosion. The state government has to spend ₹126 crore, and the money will be received and spent in stages from the board. The World Bank will later repay it to the board, he said.