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Bengaluru's River Choked by Mountains of Trash
27 Jun
Summary
- Dakshina Pinakini River near Kadugodi is overwhelmed with garbage.
- Sewage and industrial effluents are poisoning the once-seasonal river.
- Pollution threatens cattle, milk, and ultimately consumers.
The Dakshina Pinakini River, once a vibrant water source near Bengaluru's Kadugodi, now resembles a polluted swamp. Its banks are lined with garbage dumps, with waste spilling into the water, now largely covered by water hyacinth. Raw sewage from makeshift toilets flows directly into the channel feeding the river, turning it murky and lifeless. This ecological degradation is a direct consequence of Bengaluru's rapid and unmindful urban expansion.
Originally a seasonal river originating from Nandi Hills, the Dakshina Pinakini now flows perennially due to continuous wastewater inflow. Diversion channels around Bellandur and Varthur lakes have reduced their filtering capacity, increasing the pollution load. Domestic sewage remains a primary pollutant, with industrial effluents also contributing significantly, posing health risks to local children and families.
The river's contamination extends to the food chain. Cattle drinking from or grazing near the polluted waters can ingest chemicals like dioxins, which then transfer to milk, reaching consumers. A 2024 study indicated river water was unsuitable even for cattle. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions, including better solid waste management and treatment of sewage and industrial effluents to revive the river.
