During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in Ballari on Friday, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre delivered a powerful message. He warned that while humans rely on the environment for their existence, the environment itself does not need humanity. His stark prediction: “If nature and the environment are destroyed, the entire human race will perish.”
Minister Khandre’s remarks followed the inauguration of the event, a collaborative effort by the Ballari district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Forest Department, and the KSPCB regional office, held at the Government PU College Ground.
He emphasized the escalating threat of climate change, which is intensifying natural disasters globally, leading to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, tsunamis, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Mr. Khandre asserted that global warming is at the core of these calamities, and the relentless increase in water, air, and noise pollution is causing irreversible harm to both human life and the planet’s diverse ecosystems.
Indira Gandhi: A Visionary in Environmental Protection
Mr. Khandre highlighted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a pioneering figure in environmental advocacy, not just in India but across the world. He recalled her influential address at the United Nations Conference in Stockholm in 1972, where she underscored the vital importance of environmental conservation. Following her foresight, pollution control boards were established by both Central and State governments in 1974. The Karnataka Pollution Control Board, now commemorating its 50th year, proudly carries forward her enduring legacy.
Prioritizing Forest Expansion for a Healthy Ecosystem
The Minister outlined Karnataka’s current forest cover, which spans approximately 43,000 sq. km (about one crore acres), representing 21% of the State’s total geographical area. He announced ambitious plans to increase this to 33%, aligning with recommendations from global experts who advocate for at least one-third of land to be under forest cover for healthy ecosystems. He affirmed that expanding forest areas is a top priority for the State.
He also celebrated Karnataka’s rich biodiversity, noting its five national parks, five tiger reserves, 37 wildlife sanctuaries, and 19 conservation reserves. The State leads the nation in elephant population with 6,395 elephants and holds the second position in tiger numbers with 563. Mr. Khandre stressed that robust wildlife populations are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Ensuring Pollution Control and Public Accountability
Mr. Khandre vowed strict enforcement of water and air pollution legislation. He issued a stern warning to industries against the reckless discharge of untreated waste into lakes, rivers, and tanks, practices that have tragically led to the deaths of aquatic life, livestock, and even humans. He mandated that authorities must consistently monitor water quality and the efficiency of purification plants. Furthermore, he highlighted that dust pollution from mining vehicles is a significant contributor to respiratory illnesses.
He urged local bodies and the KSPCB to judiciously utilize funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) to promote sustainable development and bolster environmental protection efforts in Ballari.
Towards a Pollution-Free Future
KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendra Swamy, in his address, affirmed the board’s proactive measures to mitigate pollution stemming from mining operations and various industries. He shared promising news that Ballari district, historically plagued by mining-related air pollution, is steadily moving towards becoming a pollution-free region.
He further detailed that five Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) have been sanctioned for Ballari, with four currently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) phase. The regional office, he stated, is diligently monitoring air quality and ensuring adherence to all pollution control regulations.
Mr. Narendra Swamy also mentioned the operation of 29 sponge iron plants and 42 iron ore mines in the district. All these entities have been instructed to install advanced air pollution control systems, and local bodies have been directed to establish effective waste management units for the proper segregation and disposal of solid waste.
The event also recognized individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental protection with the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Environment Award. Honorees included Shreeshail Aladihalli (Sandur), G. Manohar (Ballari), Kunda Amaresh (Raichur), Amaresh Gowda (Raichur), and Salavuddin (Raichur). Additionally, prizes and certificates were awarded to students from various schools and colleges in the district who excelled in essay and poster competitions.
The gathering saw the presence of several distinguished guests, including Lok Sabha Member from Ballari E. Tukaram, Sandur MLA E. Annapurna, Ballari Mayor Mullangi Nandeesh, Deputy Mayor D. Sukum, KSPCB Member-Secretary S.S. Lingraj, Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad K., Zilla Panchayat CEO Mohammed Haris Sumair, Superintendent of Police Shobharani V.J., along with numerous senior officials, industrialists, and students.