KSPCB ropes in SHGs to keep temples clean

BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) will now undertake solid waste management programmes in all the pilgrimage centres across the state with the help of self help groups.The KSPCB Chairman A S Sadashivaiah said, “We have devised a plan to inspire and encourage self help groups to take up solid waste management in all major pilgrimage centres in the state based on the model developed by Vellore Institute of Technology.This will help us in preventing pollution and generate income to the local people. The entire scheme would be implemented under the supervision and coordination of the KSPCB officials.” Sadashivaiah said the self help groups will be trained to collect the waste from different sources in the pilgrimage centers, segregate the waste into different categories and recycle the waste that can be recycled locally through various scientific methods like compost culture.The self help groups will also have to shoulder the responsibility of educating the locals about waste management and segregation.Sadashivaiah said, “This project will keep the pilgrimage centers clean. Initially we are planning to implement this project in Dharmasthala, Kuke, and MM Hills.”