Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has announced that a meeting of all 28 Bengaluru MLAs will soon be convened to ensure the city does not turn into a “gas chamber” like the national capital.
Bengaluru, Feb 26: With growing concerns over deteriorating air quality, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has announced that a meeting of all 28 Bengaluru MLAs will soon be convened to ensure the city does not turn into a “gas chamber” like the national capital.
The announcement came after a high-level review meeting held at the request of Rajajinagar MLA Suresh Kumar. The Minister acknowledged that air, water, and noise pollution levels in Bengaluru are steadily rising and emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to address the crisis.
Rising Air Quality Concerns
MLA Suresh Kumar highlighted that dust pollution from roads is significantly affecting air quality, leading to increased respiratory problems among children. He noted that doctors are reportedly advising residents to move to the city outskirts due to worsening air conditions and called for urgent intervention.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Khandre said that air quality is currently being monitored at 11 fixed stations and 13 mobile units across Bengaluru. He directed officials to issue notices to local bodies if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100 and to enforce corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in legal action under environmental laws.
Deputy CM to Chair Special Meeting
The Minister further stated that he would discuss the matter with Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar. A comprehensive meeting under the Deputy CM’s chairmanship involving all public representatives and senior urban local body officials will be convened shortly.
Tackling Heat and Green Cover Loss
Referring to Bengaluru’s changing climate, the Minister observed that the city, once known as a “pensioners’ paradise” and a cool garden city, is now witnessing rising temperatures. While global warming and climate change are contributing factors, he stressed that increasing the city’s green cover is essential to protect air quality.
Single-Use Plastic and Waste Management Review
Highlighting the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, the Minister instructed authorities to form awareness and enforcement squads in coordination with local bodies and departments.
He also directed the Environment Department to submit a detailed report within one month covering:
- Number of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Bengaluru and across Karnataka
- Operational status of these facilities
- Installed capacity versus actual sewage treated (in MLD)
- Quantity of untreated wastewater entering water bodies
The meeting also reviewed enforcement measures taken under the Water Act and Air Act to control pollution in the city.
Senior officials including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Negi, Chief Wildlife Warden Kumar Pushkar, Environment Department Principal Secretary Srinivasulu, and others were present at the meeting.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ‘ದೆಹಲಿ ಮಾದರಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಗ್ಯಾಸ್ ಚೇಂಬರ್ ಆಗಬಾರದು’: ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸಭೆ ಶೀಘ್ರ
About the Author
