Fri Nov 15 05:08:45 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Proposes Green Cess on Water Bills to Protect Western Ghats
**Bengaluru, November 15, 2024:** Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has proposed a novel initiative to protect the vital Western Ghats: a green cess on water bills. The cess, aimed at supporting forest conservation and development, would be levied on residents of cities and towns supplied by rivers originating in the Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats are the lifeblood of Karnataka, providing water to numerous rivers including the Tunga, Bhadra, Cauvery, and Krishna. Recognizing the importance of protecting this ecosystem, Mr. Khandre believes a small green cess, likely in the range of ₹2-₹3, will raise awareness about the Western Ghats’ significance and contribute to a dedicated conservation fund.
The proposed fund would be used for various initiatives, including:
* Promoting tree cultivation and forest development
* Purchasing agricultural land near forests from willing farmers to expand forest cover
* Installing railway barricades to protect forests and reduce human-wildlife conflicts
Mr. Khandre emphasizes that the funds collected will be strictly dedicated to Western Ghats conservation and will not be diverted for other purposes. The initiative has been well-received by environmental groups, who see it as a practical and innovative way to support sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
First Piper 