In a significant development, members of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have strongly objected to the transfer of Rs 426 crore from the board’s account to the Forest Department, with the decision being blocked during the 248th board meeting held on December 2. The move was initially proposed by the state government, which sought to allocate Rs 300 crore for the construction of railway barricades to prevent afforestation and elephant infestation, as well as Rs 126 crore for the K-Shore project aimed at managing plastic waste along the state’s coastal areas. However, the KSPCB members argued that such a transfer should not be approved under any circumstances, citing several legal, financial, and procedural concerns.
Concerns Raised by KSPCB Members
KSPCB members raised multiple objections to the proposed fund transfer during the meeting. A senior official from the board explained that there were significant technical difficulties in the law regarding the transfer of funds from the Pollution Control Board to another department. According to the official, these orders from the government had not been approved by the board, and a thorough review was required before any action could be taken.
“The Pollution Control Board does not receive any direct funding from the state government and is expected to cover all of its operational costs from its own revenue,” the official said. “We are also facing the burden of paying salaries and allowances to new staff. Therefore, transferring such large sums to the Forest Department would put undue strain on the board’s finances.”
In addition to these financial concerns, members also highlighted objections raised during the 247th board meeting, which took place on September 9. During that meeting, members had expressed concerns over the board’s previous contribution of Rs 17 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which had already drawn objections from the Accountant General. The members emphasised that further financial transfers could result in similar complications, particularly the Rs 300 crore proposed for the Forest Department.
Procedural Concerns and Legal Issues
The issue has taken on a procedural and legal dimension, as the board’s member secretary sent a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department on October 9, expressing objections to the transfer of funds. The letter emphasised that the Forest Department submit a formal proposal to the Finance Department to access the Pollution Control Board funds.
This move gained support when the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department wrote a letter to the Finance Department, suggesting that the Forest Department could access funds in the form of a simple interest loan at a rate of 7.5 per cent for four years. Additionally, if further funds were required, the Forest Department could apply for a grant from the Pollution Control Board.
Forest Minister’s Justification
Despite the objections raised in the board meeting, Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre defended the fund transfer, describing it as an environmental-friendly initiative. According to Khandre, the activities for which the funds were being allocated, including afforestation and wildlife conflict prevention, were aligned with the goals of the Forest Department and the Pollution Control Board.
He further argued that the transfer of funds was simply an internal adjustment and that the money would be used for activities that supported the board’s environmental objectives. “This is a collaborative effort, and the activities funded by the transfer are aligned with the board’s mission. There is no harm to the board’s financial health from this transfer,” Khandre stated.
The K-Shore project, partially funded by the World Bank, aims to address plastic waste pollution in three coastal districts of Karnataka. The project also seeks to restore Kandla forests to prevent sea erosion. The Rs 126 crore proposed for the K-Shore project would be given to the Forest Department in stages, with the World Bank eventually repaying the amount to the Pollution Control Board.
Controversy Over Minister’s Office Equipment
Adding fuel to the fire, the board approved purchasing electronic equipment worth Rs 72 lakh for the Forest Minister’s office. The purchase includes 19 types of electronic equipment, including computers, printers, TVs, fridges, and UPS systems, funded through the Pollution Control Board’s funds. This raised additional concerns among board members, who questioned the appropriateness of using the board’s funds for office equipment rather than environmental activities.
“This expenditure seems to be an inappropriate use of funds that were meant for pollution control and environmental activities,” one member stated. “Using board funds to equip a minister’s office with such high-value items raises serious ethical concerns, especially when funds are being diverted from the core mission of the Pollution Control Board.”
Lack of transparency
The objections raised by KSPCB members highlight the lack of transparency and procedural issues surrounding the transfer of funds to the Forest Department. While the Forest Minister justifies the decision as part of an environmental initiative, critics argue that such transfers should only occur after considering the board’s financial health and legal framework. The controversy also brings to light the questionable allocation of funds for ministerial office equipment, which could further damage the credibility of the decision-making process.
With the board’s decision to block the transfer, the matter is likely to escalate to higher levels of governance, and it remains to be seen whether the government will address the legal and procedural concerns raised by KSPCB members before proceeding with the fund transfer.
