Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre distributing prizes to winners of various competitions organized as part of KSPCB Golden Jubilee celebrations at KCT Engineering College Grounds in Kalaburagi on Saturday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre on Saturday warned that strict action would be taken against anyone encroaching on forest land and stressed the urgent need to maintain the balance of the environment amid growing environmental problems.
Inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) at the KCT Engineering College Grounds here, jointly organized by the district administrations of Kalaburagi and Yadgir, Mr. Khandre said that reckless exploitation of natural resources fueled by human greed has led to serious health problems that have result of air and water pollution.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed the tragic consequences of lack of oxygen. It is a reminder that our survival depends on protecting nature. If we fail to protect the environment, the very future will be at risk,” said the minister.
He pointed out that with the increase in the use of computers and mobile phones, households are producing more electronic waste (e-waste). The government, he said, is exploring ways to promote e-waste recycling and scientific disposal. Similarly, hospitals must ensure scientific disposal of biomedical waste to avoid risks to animals and sanitation workers.
₹ 100 crore afforestation plan for KK
Mr. Khandre announced that a ₹100 crore afforestation project under a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the Forest Department and the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) would soon be launched in five districts of the region that have low forest cover.
“The action plan will be approved in the next 15 days and the afforestation work will begin immediately. Of the total amount, ₹25 crore will be spent in Kalaburagi, which will be given special attention due to its hot and dry climate,” he said.
Highlighting the ongoing initiatives, the Minister said that Lumbini Park has already been established at Kalaburagi, while a zoological park at Madabool in Chittapur taluk is being constructed at a cost of ₹ 33 crore, where animals like tigers and lions will be kept.
“A tourism facility has also been launched at Chandrampalli in Chincholi taluk and a record level of tree planting has been achieved in Bidar district this year,” he added.
The need for clean air and water
In the keynote address, KSPCB Chairman PM Narendra Swamy said that environmental protection is one of the most important tasks of the present era. A future without clean air and water is unimaginable, he noted.
“Kalaburagi and Yadgir, home to several cement and pharmaceutical industries, are facing air and water pollution problems. The board’s regional offices are closely monitoring industrial effluents and emissions. I would personally inspect the local industries during his next visit,” he said.
The board, he said, had installed a real-time water quality monitoring system on the Bhima river near Ganagapur to monitor pollution levels. Water samples are taken monthly from rivers to analyze water quality trends, he added.
Citing the vision of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who established the Pollution Control Boards in 1974, he said the 50-year journey of KSPCB was being celebrated across Karnataka.
On the occasion, Minister Khandre presented the ‘Indira Priyadarshini Awards for Environment’. Naganath B., Manohar S., Srinivas Kushtagi and Mallikarjun Ningappa for their quiet and dedicated work in the field of environmental protection and pollution control. Children who won various competitions organized as part of the event were awarded.
Kaneez Fathima, MLA for Kalaburagi North and Chairman, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation, who presided over the event, said that environmental protection cannot be achieved without active participation of the public.
Published – 18 Oct 2025 20:03 IST
