​Karnataka forest minister orders ban on sale of shampoo, soaps near rivers, lakes

Bengaluru: Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has directed his department to immediately ban sale of soaps and shampoo within 500 metres of the freshwater sources like rivers and lakes.

In a direction issued to Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Khandre noted that devotees who visit rivers near temples take bath and often dump shampoo sachets, covers and unused soaps in the sensitive area.

“You are hereby directed to restrict sale of soaps, shampoo and other (polluting) materials in 500 metres from the river, lake, tank and kalyani of pilgrimage sites. Similarly, steps should be taken to ensure that devotees do not discard their clothes in the waters,” the letter dated March 6 said.

In a statement accompanying the note, the minister’s office said that shampoo sachets and mini soaps were discarded by people on the banks.

These end up contaminating the river and affecting the health of the people and animals dependent on the waters.

The minister also referred to mounds of discarded clothes at pilgrimage sites, clearing which has become a challenge for the local governments which are often ill equipped to deal with the scale of waste.

17 rivers polluted

The state government has faced the ire of the National Green Tribunal over the pollution of rivers. As on date, a total of 17 river stretches in Karnataka are considered polluted, with domestic sewage being the major concern. Tourism has increased the burden, especially in places like Gokarna.