Ensure Bengaluru does not become a gas chamber like Delhi, Khandre tells officials

Minister for Environment Eshwar Khandre on Thursday instructed officials to ensure that Bengaluru’s air does not turn toxic like that of New Delhi.

Speaking to the Chairman and members of the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), who have been appointed to review the impact of various projects on the environment, and the Principal Secretary of the Karnataka Pollution Control Board, Mr. Khandre asked them to make a resolution to protect nature and the environment.

“When I recently went to Delhi, it was difficult to breathe in the smog-filled atmosphere. The officials should be committed to protecting Bengaluru and strictly follow all the laws framed by the State and the Central governments for environmental protection,” he said.

During a review meeting with senior Forest Department officials, Mr. Khandre instructed them to formulate an action plan so that human lives are not harmed and wildlife is not harmed, and the crops grown by farmers are not damaged by wildlife.

He also said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had given full support to every tough decision taken by the department.