P M Narendra Swamy
Credit: DH POOL Photo
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday appointed Malavalli MLA P M Narendra Swamy as the Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) amid row over dilution of rules prescribed by the Supreme Court to make appointments to the position.
After being forced to withdraw a public notice inviting applications to the post in November 2024, the state government had in January 2025 notified a fresh set of rules, including the formation of a selection committee, ostensibly in alignment with a Union environment ministry notification.
Sources in the government said Narendra Swamy went to the KSPCB office late in the evening. Speaking to DH, Swamy said he visited the office to meet the officers. "They were waiting there to wish me on my appointment. I will assume charge on Thursday morning," he said.
Swamy, a civil engineer, will look into the issues surrounding the environment, including the matters related to issuing of consents for establishing and operating industries in Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the High Court of Karnataka last week admitted a petition filed by activist Anjaneya Reddy and posted the matter for further hearing in March.