Karnataka
Karnataka Government Dismisses KSPCB Chairperson Over Misconduct
KSPCB Chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah was dismissed by the Karnataka government for misuse of power and rule violations in awarding contracts worth Rs 17 crore.

The state government on Friday dismissed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah from his position for abuse of powers and violation of rules in three different instances, including sidestepping transparency laws while awarding works worth Rs 17 crore.
Last year, the government had issued a notice to Thimmaiah stating that he violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act as well as the rules for selecting a single source agency in awarding advertisement works worth Rs 17 crore. This was done without the technical endorsement from the member secretary and the necessary administrative approvals.
Thimmaiah had replied that the decision was brought to the notice of the Board, which had given post-facto approval. He argued that giving notice to the chairman was inappropriate since the board had endorsed his action, making it a collective decision.
However, the government noted that work worth Rs 3.4 crore was given to Sai Advertisers though the agency did not submit the cost sheet. Similarly, the government said the chairman illegally awarded work to Signpost India Pvt Ltd without inviting bids.
In the case of Rs 7 crore work given to Adonmo Pvt Ltd, the government said Thimmaiah “abused power” and picked the company “illegally” by violating the rules to set up a selection committee. As per the rules issued in 1976, the chairman has powers to decide on tender worth up to Rs 25,000. “However, by awarding works worth over Rs 7 crore, it is very clear that Shanth A Thimmaiah has abused his powers,” the order said.
In the second instance, the government had served notice to Thimmaiah for appointing Suri Payala, the IT Manager at KSPCB, as the member secretary (additional charge). As per the rule, the post can be held by a senior All India Service officer with a master’s degree in science or an equivalent degree in allied sciences with prior experience in matters connected to KSPCB.
Thimmaiah was appointed for three years in November 2021 in violation of the law. As per rule, his tenure would have been limited to less than six months. The Congress government sought to correct the mistake by removing him in August 2023. However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay and allowed him to continue.
“As per The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Section 4(2)(f) and as per high court orders, appointing chairman, member secretary, and members is a power vested with the government,” the order said, adding that Thimmaiah exceeded his brief.
The third instance related to the alleged scam in the clearances given to Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd, a plastic recycling company. An audit by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the firm was not operational but had issued extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates for recycling 3.48 lakh tonnes. The KSPCB had issued consent to operate the factory within seven days after issuing consent to set up the plant.
To a notice issued by the government for not suspending the officials responsible for the scam, Thimmaiah had stated that prior permission from the government was necessary for such actions. However, Thimmaiah had unilaterally suspended three environment officers. “This shows contradictory positions and biased action,” the order said, adding that his argument was “baseless”.
The dismissal order was accompanied by another order in which the government gave additional charge of Chairman’s position to B P Ravi, principal secretary (Ecology and Environment).
Thimmaiah’s tenure as KSPCB chairperson has been marred by controversies and allegations of rule violations. His decisions to award contracts without proper procedure and his appointments within the board have raised serious questions about governance and transparency. The government’s decisive action to remove him reflects its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within its institutions.
The awarding of significant contracts without the required endorsements and approvals is a grave violation that undermines public trust in governmental processes. The appointment of an IT manager to a senior administrative position bypassing established norms also showcases a disregard for due process.
The scandal involving Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd further compounds the issues, highlighting the lapses in regulatory oversight and potential corruption within the KSPCB under Thimmaiah’s leadership. The swift issuance of consents to the non-operational company points to severe procedural failures that demand stringent corrective measures.
Thimmaiah’s removal is a crucial step towards restoring the integrity of the KSPCB. It sends a clear message that misuse of power and violations of rules will not be tolerated. The appointment of B P Ravi as the interim chairperson aims to bring stability and ensure that the board’s operations are aligned with legal and procedural standards.
The government must continue to scrutinize and rectify any further irregularities to rebuild confidence in the KSPCB. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations in maintaining the credibility of public institutions.
Karnataka
Hubli Tragic Incident : Migrant Worker Suspected in Child’s Murder Dies in Police Encounter
In a heartbreaking event that has shaken Hubballi, Karnataka, a five-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and killed, sparking outrage in the community. The suspect, a 35-year-old migrant worker from Patna, Bihar, was later killed in a police encounter on Sunday, April 13, 2025, according to authorities. The incident began when the young girl’s body was […]

The shocking incident in Hubli has intensified concerns over child safety and sparked widespread public outrage.
In a heartbreaking event that has shaken Hubli, Karnataka, a five-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and killed, sparking outrage in the community. The suspect, a 35-year-old migrant worker from Patna, Bihar, was later killed in a police encounter on Sunday, April 13, 2025, according to authorities.
The incident began when the young girl’s body was discovered in an abandoned shed, prompting a swift response from the Karnataka Police. Using CCTV footage, officers identified the suspect, Ritesh Kumar, who was accused of abducting and murdering the child. Authorities suspect the girl may have been sexually assaulted before her death, though they are awaiting postmortem results to confirm.
As the investigation unfolded, police tracked Kumar to an abandoned house near the Tarihal underpass. According to Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar, the suspect attempted to escape custody, attacking officers by throwing stones and damaging vehicles. In response, Sub-Inspector Annapurna fired warning shots before shooting Kumar in the leg and chest. He was rushed to Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute – Hubli but was declared dead on arrival.
The tragedy has left the victim’s family, originally from Koppal district, in deep grief. The girl’s mother works as a domestic helper and beauty parlor assistant, while her father is a painter. The community rallied outside Ashok Nagar police station, demanding justice and expressing frustration. Some locals called for harsh punishment, while others raised concerns about migrant workers, though the Police Commissioner urged against generalizations.
This devastating case has highlighted issues of child safety and crime in Karnataka, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to justice. The investigation continues as police await further reports to provide clarity on the circumstances of the girl’s death.
Bidar
Heavy Rain Hits Bidar: Thunderstorms Bring Relief and Disruption
On Thursday, April , 2025, Bidar city and several parts of the surrounding taluk experienced a refreshing yet powerful thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain. According to a recent report by Prajavani, the downpour brought a much-needed break from the heat, cooling down the region and leaving residents with mixed feelings of relief and concern. The […]

On Thursday, April , 2025, Bidar city and several parts of the surrounding taluk experienced a refreshing yet powerful thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain. According to a report, the downpour brought a much-needed break from the heat, cooling down the region and leaving residents with mixed feelings of relief and concern.
The rain, paired with rumbling thunder, swept across multiple areas, offering a soothing change in weather. While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the storm did leave its mark. In Chikli (J) village of Aurad taluk, fierce winds knocked down an electric pole, hinting at the intensity of the weather event. Thankfully, the damage was minimal, and life continued with little interruption.
For the people of Bidar, this sudden burst of rain was a welcome surprise after days of warm weather. The stormy skies not only lowered temperatures but also painted a dramatic picture across the region. As the clouds rolled in, they brought a sense of calm to some, while others kept an eye out for any potential disruptions.
This weather shift highlights how unpredictable nature can be, especially in early spring. For those in Bidar, it’s a reminder to enjoy the cool moments while staying prepared for whatever the skies might bring next. Keep checking back for more updates on how this rainy spell impacts the area!
Bidar
Janawada Lake Rejuvenation: A Lifeline for Bidar Fishermen and a Promising New Hotspot for Tourists
Imagine a once-dry lake in Karnataka’s Bidar city, now buzzing with life, supporting local fishermen, and pulling in visitors from nearby cities. That’s the story of Janawada Lake—a stunning transformation that’s breathing new energy into the community and turning heads as a must-visit picnic spot. Thanks to the Mission Amrit Sarovar program under the Mahatma […]

Imagine a once-dry lake in Karnataka’s Bidar city, now buzzing with life, supporting local fishermen, and pulling in visitors from nearby cities. That’s the story of Janawada Lake—a stunning transformation that’s breathing new energy into the community and turning heads as a must-visit picnic spot.
How Janawada Lake Rejuvenation Turned Into a Sustainable Source of Income for Local Fishermen
Thanks to the Mission Amrit Sarovar program under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), this lake got a second chance. Back in 2022, the rejuvenation project kicked off, aiming to revive 91 lakes across Bidar district. Janawada was one of them, and boy, has it paid off! After two solid monsoon seasons, the lake is brimming again, proving that a little care can go a long way.
For the local fishing families, it’s been a game-changer. Two societies, made up of 65 hardworking members, are now thriving here, raising four popular fish species—goldfish, catla, mrigal, and rohu. In just two years, they’ve harvested around 10 quintals of fish, sending their catch to big markets like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. It’s not just about the fish; it’s about steady income and hope for folks who’ve long depended on this land.
But it’s not all work and no play. Janawada Lake’s peaceful vibes and lush surroundings have caught the eye of tourists too. “It’s the natural beauty and easy access that make it a perfect getaway,” says Girish Badole, the Chief Executive Officer of Bidar Zilla Panchayat. Whether you’re from a neighboring village or just passing through, the lake’s charm is hard to resist.
Janamma, the Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department in Bidar, calls it an ambitious success. “We took on this project to bring ponds and lakes back to life, and Janawada is proof it’s working,” she says. The Sagar Society, which leases the lake for fish farming, has turned it into a sustainable hub—balancing livelihoods with nature.
So, next time you’re looking for a serene escape or a peek into a community reborn, Janawada Lake in Bidar might just be your spot. It’s more than a lake—it’s a story of revival, resilience, and a little slice of paradise in Karnataka.
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