BANGALORE: The Karnataka Biodiversity Board on Monday, clarified that reports claiming the Board had resolved not to prosecute institutions and companies that violate the Biological Diversity Act was completely misleading and false.
The issue is in the backdrop of the Board’s alleged decision not to prosecute the US firm Monsanto and its Indian subsidiary Mahyco, who had violated the provisions of the Act. Bangalore-based firm Environment Support Group (ESG) had earlier complained against the firms that they were involved in bio-piracy. “We have not said that nobody would be prosecuted. The Board will take decisions based on the orders of National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority,” said K S Sugara, secretary, KSBB member.
“We do not have the authority to prosecute anybody, and so far, we have not conducted any investigation. However, we have submitted the relevant documents to the Central authority,” he added. On the other hand, Minister of Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan said that the NBA had decided to take action against the violators for using local Brinjal varieties without the approval of the competent authority.
Scientist groups have urged the state government to accept the Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee’s (GEAC) recommendation for commercial release of BT Brinjal and lift the moratorium.