Karnataka's "Green Cess" on Drinking Water Still Up for Debate

Bengaluru- A proposal to impose a "green cess" on drinking water to fund the protection of the Western Ghats has sparked division within the Karnataka Congress, with key figures expressing differing stances. While Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and Law Minister H.K. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and Law Minister H.K. Patil suggested considering the proposal. Shivakumar dismissed it as a rumor spread by the opposition BJP.

Patil, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, argued that taxing water is not unprecedented, citing existing taxes on irrigation and bottled water. According to Minister Patil, the government must find new revenue sources because the central government is not sharing taxes with states, saying, "Any government which wants to achieve development to be fast and that too when the Central government is not cooperating to share the taxes given by states, we have to mop up our resources."

However, Shivakumar categorically denied any plans to levy taxes on drinking water, labeling the reports as "bogus" and accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation.

The BJP, unsurprisingly, has criticized the proposal. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the move as "highly condemnable," accusing the Congress government of burdening citizens under the guise of environmental protection. He further stated that the BJP strongly opposes this "anti-people" approach and warned that imposing a tax on essential resources like air could be the next step if the government's coffers remain empty.

The proposal is still under consideration and no decision has been made yet.Khandre clarified that the suggestion requires further discussion and evaluation before any potential implementation.