Karnataka Minister seeks report on ouster of pollution control board member secretary

On July 14, KSPCB Chairman Shanth A Thimmaiah issued a circular stating that Payala had improperly issued memorandums and circulars without his approval.

“The member secretary issued OMs (Office Memorandums) and circulars on a regular basis in a whimsical manner without the approval of the competent authority i.e. chairman of the board by ignoring provisions of rules. This has created a lot of confusion in both administrative control and day-to-day business of the State board seriously affecting the functions of the board and among officials across the state,” the official circular issued by Thimmaiah read.

It further stated, “Based on violations of the Water Rules 1976 and failure to discharge duties per the law, Payala’s appointment as Member Secretary is withdrawn.”

A KSPCB official said that Payala had flagged irregularities in KSPCB work orders amounting to Rs 17 crore.

Minister Khandre said the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister, and action taken soon. “Till now we did not deem it appropriate to interfere in the matters of the KSPCB. But now the dignity of the board has received a jolt. I was in an official meeting in Mysuru and hence could not respond to the issue when this had happened. I have sought a report from the additional chief secretary on the issue,” the minister said.