JOIN USIronically, Kodagu, where the River Cauvery takes birth, is deprived of its water. The river, which originates at Talacauvery in Bhagamandala, joins many tributaries, passes through Napoklu, Moornadu, Siddapur, Kushalnagar and flows out of Kodagu, near Shirangala in Somvarpet taluk.
Even though River Cauvery flows in the middle of Kodagu, the district is not significantly benefitted from the river and the water of River Cauvery is not used for agriculture or drinking purposes. The water is used the most by other districts and states. Most parts of Kodagu are dependent on water from bore wells.
Covered by garbage
The Commercial town Gonikoppa in South Kodagu is being supplied water through bore wells by the local Gram Panchayat. But the water from several bore wells is not fit for drinking. Some bore wells are covered by garbage and some other are in gutters.
Also, the water from the wells is not found suitable for drinking and those who use the water are affected with cough and fever. The Gram Panchayat is supplying the water from wells, to homes directly through pipes.
Purification of water
The purification of the water is not taken care of. The water collection tanks, too, lack hygiene and is not being cleaned properly. Algae and weeds have developed on some of the tanks. Though the issue is being raised and subject to discussion at the public grievance meets at the Gram Panchayat, there has been no positive development.
The water drawn from Kaveri river is being purified and being supplied at Kushalnagar, Piriyapattana and Kushalnagar. But, the absence of water purifying unit in Gonikoppa, shows the negligence of people’s representatives.
The people are of the opinion that while many diseases are spreading through water today, it was important to purify water before supply.
Water harvesting
Water harvesting expert Ajjakuttira Suraj from Sulugodu said that many residential layouts have come up in Gonikoppa and the number of toilets have also increased. The sewage from toilet pits reaches the underground, which contaminates the groundwater.
Hence, it is important to purify the water.
Virajpet taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M P Keshava Kamath said that as the population has been increasing in Gonikoppa, the water sources are getting contaminated at a rapid pace. Hence, the Gram Panchayat should start the water purification unit soon, to provide clean water to the people, he added.