Karnataka Pollution Control Board Chairperson calls for protection of rivers

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairperson P.M. Narendraswamy has stressed the need for the protection of rivers from pollution, particularly by avoiding the release of effluents to the water bodies, at a programme organised to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the board at Hassan on Tuesday.

Various factors, Mr. Narendraswamy said, had been polluting the rivers over the years. “Humans will face consequences in the coming days unless we protect the rivers. Every individual should collaborate with the board to stop the pollution of rivers,” he stated.

With regard to the Hassan and Chikkamagaluru, Mr. Narendraswamy said that effluents from coffee pulper units had been polluting water bodies in the Malnad region. The pollution could lead to natural disasters like landslips, he warned.

“The pollution control boards were set up in 1974 under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Karnataka board has completed 50 years, and we are organising programmes across the State to celebrate the occasion. Through the programmes, we are spreading awareness among people on conserving natural resources and avoiding pollution,” Mr. Narendraswamy stated.

T.D. Raje Gowda, MLA for Sringeri; Cement Manju, MLA for Sakleshpur; Shreyas M. Patel, MP; Madhu Made Gowda, MLC; and officials of the KSPCB were present at the programme.