Only a matter of time before KSPCB can levy penalties: Lakshman

Bengaluru has reached new highs in terms of pollution and the problem is not likely to go away on its own. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is our regulatory authority, with the know-how and the technology to address the woes of the average Bengalurean.

So what stops it? No other department takes the KSPCB seriously enough to follow its orders. If all goes as planned, however, the recent efforts of the Chairman will give the KSPCB the authority to levy a penalty of anywhere between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 crore as well as announce imprisonment terms depending on the nature and magnitude of the offence.

This is a big move, made more significant by the fact that Lakshman’s appointment as the Chairman of the Pollution Control Board was shrouded in suspicion. Being a builder himself, there was a good deal of skepticism over whether or not he could take decisions against encroachers.

He is, at first glance, a man of few words, his immediate passivity seems incongruous with the role he must play. As he talks, though, and outlines his elaborate plans to rejig the system in its entirety, I am convinced that there is more to him than meets the eye.

Our conversation veers toward the rising levels of noise and air pollution in Bengaluru. “I just finished a meeting on the same issue,” he smiled. Curbing pollution of any kind requires many levels of effort, from different agencies. “The police, BMTC, RTO and Transport Department must join hands with us. And we must go at it with unwavering focus and determination.”

This is relevant. As things stand, a KSPCB notice barely evokes a response from government agencies. He talks about it with tact, however, saying, “The RTO officials are holding many drives, but that’s not enough. Bengaluru is the most polluted city in Karnataka, but we are much better off in comparison with cities like Delhi and Mumbai. But that’s no reason for us to do nothing!”

The KSPCB has, in an attempt to curb irregularities in noise levels, decided to hold inspections in some of the most crucial junctions of the city throughout the coming week. It was at this point that he talked about the severe limitations the board faces. “ We are often touted to be a toothless body. In reality, however, we have the power to file criminal case against violators and we make full use of it. Filing cases isn’t enough, though. We want the power to penalise offenders.”

A team of KSPCB officials led by Lakshman has managed to convince the Union government to grant punishing powers to the KSPCB. Acknowledging the need to empower such a body, the Union government has agreed to give it more powers.

It means good news for anybody who hopes to see sustainable growth for Bengaluru - the KSPCB can now levy a penalty of anywhere between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 crore, as well as announce an imprisonment term depending on the nature of the violation.

“This is a big step forward for us. Now, it’s only matter of time for a final notification to be issued,” he says, his face breaking into a broad smile. With so many plans ahead, Lakshman says the immediate focus of the Board is to bring down air pollution levels and to monitor bio-medical waste and e-waste disposal.

“We have some state-of-the-art technology available and expert officials who know to make use of it to improve the city. Our stakeholders - BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, BMTC and RTO should improve very much to make the big difference. We’re not there yet, but we’re well on our way to making Bengaluru a better place.”