'Industries to plant 1 cr saplings'

Water in 14 districts in State is high in fluoride content: Secretary

Taking part in a function organised to mark `Earth Day’ on Thursday, he said that these saplings will be planted in the vacant land of industrial houses.

“Sandalwood will be planted in Shimoga, Tumkur and other districts that provide a  conducive environment for its  growth. However, security will be provided to ensure the safety of trees,” he added.

Permission

“Industries will be permitted to operate only after they agree to plant saplings. It is an effort to make the industries tread the eco-friendly path,” the Chairman said. Earlier, State Secretary to Department of Environment and Ecology Kanwar Pal said that the government was working towards providing incentives to industries initiating eco-friendly measures.

Due compensation

“Those who contribute towards the protection of the environment need to be suitably compensated,” he added.

According to a report, the United Nations prescribes 135 litres of water per day for an individual, while Bangalore provides only 67 litres of water per day, said Kanwar Pal.

Expressing concern over  the water situation in the State, Kanwar Pal said that water in 14 out of 29 districts  had high in fluoride content, while water in 13 districts was saline.