Karnataka Minister Directs Immediate Action Against Institute for Polluting Historic Guruvayanakere Lake
In a decisive move to protect a historic waterbody, Karnataka's Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has issued urgent directives to multiple authorities to take immediate action against an educational institute allegedly responsible for polluting the Guruvayanakere lake in Belthangady. The minister's orders came during a tri-monthly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting held at the Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat hall on Saturday, where he emphasized the gravity of the situation and demanded an action taken report at the earliest.
MLA Raises Alarm Over Fish Deaths and Pollution
Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja brought the critical issue to the forefront during the meeting chaired by Minister Rao, highlighting the severe environmental impact. Poonja reported that the pollution from the institute has led to the death of fishes in the lake, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. His appeal prompted the minister to call for swift measures to address the contamination and hold the responsible parties accountable.
KSPCB Details Pollution and Regulatory Violations
A Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) official provided detailed insights into the case, revealing that the issue of lake pollution had already been reported to the KSPCB head office. The officer explained that untreated sewage from the institute is flowing directly into the lake, causing a significant increase in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) value, which indicates severe water quality degradation. Furthermore, the educational institution undertook construction activities without obtaining the necessary consent for establishment from KSPCB, a clear violation of environmental regulations.
Following a complaint from the respective panchayat development officer of the village, the Board conducted a spot inspection. It was found that the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the institute is insufficient to handle the required load, especially given that the institution accommodates around 3,000 students. In response, the KSPCB has taken several steps:
- Sent a report with a closure order request to the KSPCB head office.
- Written letters to the tahsildar of Belthangady taluk, the executive officer of the taluk panchayat, and the PDO, urging action against the institute.
- Assessed the environmental damage at Rs 1.09 crore and submitted a report for approval.
- Sought authorisation to file a criminal case against the institute under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act provisions.
Criminal Case and Minister's Stern Warning
The KSPCB officer confirmed that a criminal case will be filed in the JMFC court once administrative approval is granted by the board. In a positive development, the institute has agreed to set up a new STP to mitigate the pollution. However, Minister Rao issued a stern warning, stressing that lake pollution must be taken with utmost seriousness. He stated, "The pollution control board should ensure that the lake should not be polluted at any cost. The institute should pay for the environmental damages, construct a new STP, and the pollution control board should initiate strict action as per law." This underscores the government's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding natural resources.
