The Hindu 08.12.2009
Action plan to tackle water contamination in Bellary
Staff Reporter
| To be implemented in seven months; river water pollution also being checked |
— Photo: K. Murali Kumar 
fighting climate change: Eva Shuephach, from the European Commission’s Unique Accent Community, being greeted by A.S. Sadashivaiah, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, at the seminar in Bangalore on Monday.
BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is drawing up an action plan to contain water contamination in the Bellary mining belt and it is to be implemented within seven months.
This was disclosed by the board Chairman A.S. Sadashivaiah here on Monday during a seminar on climate change. Responding to a query on water pollution in Bellary, Mr. Sadashivaiah said, “We are aware of it and we are on it.” To another question on river water contamination by sewage, Mr. Sadashivaiah said the National River Conservation Programme, sponsored by the Central Government, had reached the final stage. The Rs. 22-crore project covers eight towns — Shimoga, Bhadravati, Harihar and Davanagere on the Tungabhadra basin and Nanjanagud, Srirangapatna, K.R. Nagar and Kollegal on the Cauvery river basin. Construction of sewage treatment plants, community toilets and dhobi ghats are part of this programme, he added.
Climate change
Earlier, Eva Shuephach from the European Commission’s Unique Accent Community, presented a report on the basis of a study and research conducted on climate change over the years by scientists, at a seminar organised by ACTS Trust, a non-governmental organisation based in Bangalore.
Prof. Shuephach expressed her willingness to collaborate with NGOs and government organisations to share her information to create awareness on climate change. She has conducted studies in different countries on climate change and education and has provided education material. In India too, she said she would undertake a study on the subject and provide required material.
Mr. Sadashivaiah said the board was also willing to partner with NGOs and scientists in disseminating information. “We will launch an awareness programme in this regard soon,” he said. ACTS Group of Institutions President Ken Gnanakan urged Mr. Sadashivaiah to try to bring in funds earmarked by the Central Government for environment education to the State so that the mission could be undertaken on a large scale.
