Activist Sounds Alarm Over Severe Pollution in Mangaluru's Rivers
In a critical development, activist Bhuvan Mangaluru has formally brought to the attention of the senior environmental officer at the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) an ongoing environmental and public health emergency concerning the Phalguni (Gurupura), Nandini, and Netravathi rivers in Dakshina Kannada district. These vital freshwater systems are experiencing severe degradation due to the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents, posing a dire threat to local ecosystems and communities.
Laboratory Analysis Reveals Extreme Contamination Levels
In his detailed complaint, Bhuvan Mangaluru highlighted that recent laboratory analysis of water samples from the Phalguni river backwaters has confirmed extreme contamination. The findings are alarming, with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) recorded at 120 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at 660.9 mg/L, ammonia levels at 4.3 mg/L, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at 3.2 mg/L, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) soaring to 27,360 mg/L. Microbiological contamination is equally concerning, with the presence of E coli and faecal coliform levels exceeding 1600 MPN/100 ml, which clearly indicates the discharge of untreated sewage into these water bodies.
Groundwater Sources at Risk from Infiltration
Beyond river pollution, there is a serious and growing concern regarding the contamination of groundwater sources in the region. Open and bore wells located in the surrounding areas of the Phalguni and Nandini river basins are becoming increasingly unsafe. Local observations suggest that polluted river water and sewage are infiltrating these groundwater systems, thereby posing a direct and immediate risk to drinking water security and public health for residents who rely on these wells.
Industrial Discharge Exacerbates Chemical Pollution
Further compounding the crisis, there is credible evidence and field indication of industrial discharge into the Phalguni river. This discharge is contributing significantly to chemical pollution and oxygen depletion, which can have devastating effects on aquatic life and water quality. Under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the KSPCB is duty-bound to prevent such pollution and take immediate remedial measures. Section 32 of the Act explicitly empowers and obligates the board to take urgent action to remove pollution and mitigate environmental damage.
Urgent Demands for Immediate Action and Transparency
In response to this alarming situation, Bhuvan Mangaluru has urged the KSPCB to undertake several critical actions:
- Conduct immediate and comprehensive inspections across the Phalguni, Nandini, and Netravathi river systems to identify all sources of untreated sewage and industrial discharge.
- Order the immediate suspension and closure of all industries and facilities found discharging untreated effluents into the Phalguni River until compliance and restoration are ensured.
- Initiate urgent remediation measures, including filtration, treatment, and ecological restoration of the affected water bodies.
- Assess and take action to address groundwater contamination in surrounding wells, particularly in the Phalguni and Nandini river basins, and deploy emergency pollution control mechanisms to prevent further ecological damage.
- Publish a transparent action-taken report with defined timelines for restoration to ensure accountability and public awareness.
Central Pollution Control Board Responds to Complaint
Responding to the complaint, the Central Pollution Control Board has directed the KSPCB to investigate the matter thoroughly and take all necessary actions to address the pollution crisis. This intervention underscores the severity of the issue and the need for prompt regulatory measures to safeguard environmental and public health in the region.
