Local bodies, industries to face music for polluting 17 rivers in Karnataka

To prevent pollution in the major 17 rivers of the state including Krishna and Cauvery, the Karnataka government has decided to crack whip on various local bodies and industries responsible for polluting the rivers besides initiating legal action against the officers for lapses.

Holding the review meeting of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Saturday, CP Yogeeshwara, Minister for Environment, Ecology and Tourism said that a total of 17 rivers have been polluted in Karnataka.

“Several local municipal bodies located right from the point of river origin to reservoirs have polluted the rivers by releasing untreated sewage and other effluents. This has drastically reduced the quality of water in rivers. All local bodies have been directed to discharge effluents only after processing with the latest treatment technology. The government’s objective is to ensure only rain water is drained into the rivers,” Yogeeshwara said.

Pointing to the level of pollution in rivers Yogeeshwara said, “The pollution in rivers is so intense that the traces of pollution are visible even in the tender coconut. Hence, the state government has decided to strictly enforce various acts enacted to prevent pollution besides the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. Considering that many of the industrial suburbs across the state do not have scientific waste processing units and treatment plants resulting in pollution of water bodies. Resolving this problem, I will discuss with the industries minister to chalk out a detailed plan.”

The minister said that orders have already been issued to 17 various industries categorised under pharmaceutical, cement and Paper industries. “In the coming days all tanks and lakes across Karnataka will be fitted with water quality monitoring equipment for assessing quality of water on everyday basis,” Yogeeshwara briefed.