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Rivers in Crisis: Urgent Warning Issued
4 Mar
Summary
- Rivers face severe degradation from untreated sewage and industrial waste.
- Water analysis shows extreme contamination levels, posing health risks.
- Groundwater sources are also becoming unsafe due to pollution.
A serious environmental and public health emergency is unfolding in Dakshina Kannada district, as activist Bhuvan Mangaluru has alerted the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to the severe degradation of the Phalguni (Gurupura), Nandini, and Netravathi rivers. The activist alleges that unchecked discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents is the primary cause.
Recent laboratory analysis of water samples from the Phalguni river backwaters revealed alarming contamination. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) reached 120 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) hit 660.9 mg/L, ammonia was at 4.3 mg/L, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) dropped to 3.2 mg/L, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measured 27,360 mg/L. Microbiological indicators were also concerning, with E. coli present and faecal coliform levels exceeding 1600 MPN/100 ml, confirming untreated sewage discharge.
Beyond river pollution, there is significant concern regarding the contamination of groundwater sources. Open and bore wells in areas surrounding the Phalguni and Nandini river basins are reportedly becoming unsafe, suggesting infiltration of polluted river water and sewage. Evidence also indicates direct industrial discharge into the Phalguni River, exacerbating chemical pollution and oxygen depletion.
The KSPCB has been urged to conduct immediate inspections, identify all pollution sources, and take stringent action. This includes suspending and closing industries discharging untreated effluents and initiating remediation measures for affected water bodies. The board must also address groundwater contamination and deploy emergency pollution control mechanisms, publishing a transparent action-taken report.
