Karnataka Forest Minister Ishwar Khande argued that even a small cess of Rs 2 or 3 on water bills could raise significant funds for the conservation and protection of the ecologically sensitive ghats.
Karnataka government is preparing to impose green cess on water bills. The government has taken this decision to meet the shortage of funds in the conservation of the Western Ghats. The Karnataka government is considering imposing a monthly “green cess” of Rs 2 to 3 on water bills in all corporations and municipalities that are supplied drinking water from the rivers originating from the Western Ghats. Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre on Wednesday directed the Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment and Ecology to submit a proposal within a week.
Work will be done on the Western Ghats
The Forest Minister plans to use this amount to help projects such as protecting and increasing greenery in the Western Ghats, purchasing agricultural land to build animal corridors and installing railway barricades for the safety of animals. The Forest Minister said in the letter that the amount collected will be completely reserved for the conservation of the Western Ghats. In a letter to the ACS, the minister said, “The Western Ghats of Karnataka are home to the Tunga, Bhadra, Cauvery, Kabini, Hemavathi, Krishna, Malaprabha and Ghataprabha rivers. We supply potable water to many cities and towns from these rivers. These will be able to meet our future water needs only if we protect their catchment areas along with the Western Ghats.”
Will be implemented as soon as possible
The minister argued that even a small cess of Rs 2 or Rs 3 can raise significant funds for the conservation and protection of the ecologically sensitive Ghats. He said, “This small amount can help in increasing awareness among people about the role of Ghats in our lives, and instill responsibility towards environmental protection.” After receiving the proposal from the departmental secretary in a week, it will be sent for government approval. The forest minister plans to implement the green cess as soon as possible.
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