BANGALORE: The Environment Support Group (ESG) has questioned the decision of the Karnataka State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) to not prosecute institutions and companies that violate the Biological Diversity Act.The Board resolved in its 19th meeting held on January 20 and presided over by Krishna Palemar, Minister for Environment and Ecology and the Chairman of Board, that it will not prosecute institution and companies that violate the Biological Diversity Act.This decision was taken by the board despite the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest that any officer of the rank of Range Forest Officer (operating under State law jurisdiction) or above have the right to prosecute.“The decision of the Board is shocking and ironically India is hosting the 11th Conference of Parties of the convention on Biological Diversity in October at Hyderabad and with such a decision the board has set low standard for the world,” said Leo F Saldanha, Coordinator-Trustee, ESG.However, in contradiction, initially the Board had pointed out that any BT crop which endangers the livelihood of farmers will not be accepted. ESG had earlier complained about bio-piracy against US company Monsanto and its Indian subsidiary Mahyco which along with their collaborators willfully violated the provisions of the Act.
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