Karnataka govt forms panel to rejuvenate 17 polluted river stretches

Bengaluru, Nov 29: The Karnataka Government has formed 'River Rejuvenation Committee' (RRC) as per direction by National Green Tribunal (NGT) to see that all the 17 polluted river stretches (mentioned by NGT) as per CPCB in the State are fit at least for bathing purposes.

According to GO issued on November 24, the Principal Secretary (Ecology and Environment) Forest, Ecology and Environment Department will be the RRC Chairman, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Director and The Commissioner for Industrial Development and Department of Industries and Commerce will be the members while the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Member Secretary will be the Member-Convener.

The NGT has, according to CPCB, stated that 351 polluted river stretches in the country where the BOD content is more than 3mg/L, out of which 17 river are in Karnataka.

The Committee has been entrusted with the task of preparing Action plan within two months and see that the polluted river stretches to be fit at least for bathing within six months of approval of the Action Plan.

The GO stated that the Committee shall focus in the action plan having speedy, definite or specific timelimits for execution of steps, prepare provision to pool the resources, utilizing funds from State budgets, local bodies, State Pollution Control Board and out of Central Schemes.