Sun Mar 09 14:49:51 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Orders Crackdown on Pollution at Pilgrimage Sites
**Bengaluru, March 9, 2025** – Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has issued a directive to curb pollution at water bodies near pilgrimage sites. The order follows concerns over increasing contamination caused by discarded soap, shampoo, and clothing.
Minister Khandre has instructed officials to prohibit the sale of soaps and shampoos within 500 meters of water bodies, including rivers, streams, ponds, and temple tanks (kalyanis). He cited the readily available sachets and bars near these sites as a major contributor to the problem. The minister also emphasized the need to prevent pilgrims from discarding used clothing near these sacred water sources, a practice attributed to superstitious beliefs.
The directive highlights the detrimental effects of pollution on aquatic life and human health. Minister Khandre stated that the discarded waste is leading to the death of aquatic animals and causing illness in those who consume the polluted water. The Forest Department will collaborate with other departments to enforce the new regulations.
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