Criminal cases to be filed against those polluting lakes, rivers: Karnataka minister

Bengaluru,

Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday directed officials to register criminal cases against those responsible for polluting water bodies such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs by dumping biomedical and electronic waste. During a surprise visit to Yantaganahalli Gram Panchayat in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district, locals complained that medical waste was being dumped into the village lake.

Responding to the complaint, the rural development and panchayat raj minister instructed taluk executive officers to conduct an inquiry and lodge a police complaint against those responsible. While reviewing public grievances, Khandre also directed officials to dispose of the pending 11B applications related to gram panchayat property tax records within 15 days.

According to a statement issued by the minister's office, after inspecting the attendance register of panchayat officials and staff, Khandre instructed them to report to work on time, adopt a people-friendly approach and avoid making villagers visit the panchayat office repeatedly without valid reasons.

Responding to complaints about delays in issuing e-Swathu records, Khandre said technical issues, if any, should be brought to the notice of higher authorities. He directed officials to issue e-Swathu certificates within the stipulated timeframe wherever documents were found to be in order. Later, the minister visited the Hanchipura purified drinking water unit and inspected the quality of the water.

He directed officials to replace water purification membranes regularly and conduct periodic quality tests to ensure that the drinking water does not adversely affect the health of villagers. Khandre visited an anganwadi centre and inspected the quality of food being served to children. He instructed panchayat development officers and taluk executive officers to inspect anganwadi centres regularly and ensure the availability of water and cleanliness in toilets.