Karnataka is considering imposing a “green cess” on water bills for urban areas using rivers from the Western Ghats to support the conservation of this eco-sensitive region. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed his department to draft a proposal for the cess, which could be implemented soon.

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• Karnataka plans a green cess on water bills in urban areas using water from Western Ghats rivers.
• The cess aims to raise funds for the preservation of the Western Ghats.
• Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre instructed for a proposal to be drafted within a week.
• The cess would be a small amount added to users’ water bills (Rs 2-3).
• The collected funds will be used only for Western Ghats conservation.
• The money will support forest development and tree plantation projects.
• It could also fund land purchases on the forest fringe from willing farmers.
• The proposal aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
• The initiative is seen as a step to protect the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
• Khandre emphasized the funds would not be diverted for other purposes.