Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment of Karnataka Ramalinga Reddy during a press meet in Bengaluru on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN
Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday directed officials to inspect Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in apartment complexes in Bengaluru and ensure that they are functional.Mr. Reddy, who conducted a review meeting of the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, asked officials to prepare a list of functioning and non-functioning STPs and directed them to ensure that non-functional units are made functional within 15 days.He directed officials to initiate legal action against apartment complexes flouting the rules.The Minister stated that 1800 MLD of wastewater was being discharged under the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), out of which only 1200 MLD of wastewater was being treated.“It is found that the wastewater treatment is not being done properly, and a notice should be issued to the BWSSB Chairman regarding the non-functioning and poorly maintained STPs,” he said.Mr. Reddy directed officials to take action against polluting industries which are located on riverbanks under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).Shrill hornsOn vehicle horns that emit loud and shrill sounds, he said a notice should be issued to the Transport Department Commissioner to take action against the manufacture, sale and installation of such horns.With the Ganesha festivities around the corner, he called for a ban on the sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols. “Issue notices to those manufacturing or selling PoP idols and file criminal cases against them,” he said.Bigg Boss showOn the Bigg Boss reality show, the Environment Minister said permission had not been sought from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to host the new season. Last year, the KSPCB ordered the closure of the studio where the show was shot in the Bidadi Industrial Area of Bengaluru South district for non-compliance with environmental norms. The board said the amusement park had been established and was operating without valid consent, despite falling under the Green Category. Following the order, the studio said it would comply with all rules and pay any penalties for violations of environmental norms. “If they have not paid the pending fines, do not grant them permission to shoot the show,” Mr. Reddy told officials. Published - August 31, 2026 07:42 pm IST
