K’taka CM to come up with green budget

After taking unconventional and unique steps like banning garlands at public functions and guard of honour, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has turned to the environment by declaring that he will come up with a ‘green budget’ to make up for ecological losses every year in Karnataka.

This is for the first time the state will implement the idea of a green budget at a time when it, like many other places, witnessed unprecedented floods, landslips, heat waves, coastal erosion and unseasonal rains.

Speaking at a function, he said he is willing to take a step towards mitigating the disastrous effects of the ecological disturbances, triggered by “ill-conceived projects and policies”.

“The forest department in the state should start assessing the total green loss every year so that budgetary allocation can be made. This is the first time such a provision will be made. It’s frightening to know ecological degradation of the last two decades is equivalent to what occurred over the last 2,000 years,” he said during the National Forest Martyrs’ Day event in Bengaluru.

“We hope it will help recover 5060% of the loss and ensure a sustainable life for the next generation. The green cover in the state stands at 43 lakh hectares (21.5%), which is lower than the national average of 33%. It should be increased,” he added.

“Afforestation means not just planting saplings but involves a holistic approach to safeguard natural resources. If we don’t take measures to stop ecological degradation, it amounts to stealing from the future,” he remarked.

For the past few years, the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science has been urging governments to assess ecological losses and make a budget.