<p>New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Centre and Karnataka Government seeking reply for alarming levels of heavy metals and toxic substances in Arkavathy river water.</p><p>The Principal Bench of the NGT headed by its chairperson Prakash Shrivastava was hearing the matter taking suo-motu cognisance of the ‘Deccan Herald’ news report appeared on November 22, 2024 titled "Mercury cancer-causing pesticide found in Arkavathy river water samples.'</p>.Mercury, cancer-causing pesticide found in Arkavathy river water samples.<p>The matter relates to alarming levels of heavy metals and toxic substances, including mercury, banned pesticide DDT, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride found in the Arkavathy river in Karnataka," the NGT order said.</p><p>"As per the article, the river is a vital source of agriculture and horticulture in Karnataka. The article highlights that even after the Karnataka High Court’s direction to protect the Arkavathy river, it continues to suffer from severe domestic and industrial pollution. Originating near Nandi Hills, the river remains vulnerable to contamination until it merges with Vrishabhavathi, another heavily polluted water body carrying Bengaluru’s sewage,” the green bench, which also comprised Environment Member A Senthil Vel, said.</p><p>“The samples were collected from three sites: upstream and downstream of the Thippagondanahalli (TG Halli) reservoir, and the Dodda Mudavadi</p><p>bridge, located 10 km upstream of the Arkavathy-Vrishabhavathi confluence. The research resulted in the following key findings- DDT Concentrations were found to be 75 times above the European Union’s water quality standards. Hexavalent Chromium, carcinogenic compound</p><p>exceeded safety limits by 100 times according to Canada Water Quality</p><p>guidelines,” the order said quoting the news report.</p><p>Mercury levels ranged from 16 to 26 times above Canadian safety standards at all three sampling sites. PAH was detected in all three samples. These harmful hydrocarbons can cause health issues ranging</p><p>from skin irritation to cancer, the NGT order said</p><p>The tribunal sought response from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, BBMP, District Management as well.</p><p>The further hearing of the matter has been transferred to its Southern Bench and posted for February 10, 2025.</p>
<p>New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Centre and Karnataka Government seeking reply for alarming levels of heavy metals and toxic substances in Arkavathy river water.</p><p>The Principal Bench of the NGT headed by its chairperson Prakash Shrivastava was hearing the matter taking suo-motu cognisance of the ‘Deccan Herald’ news report appeared on November 22, 2024 titled "Mercury cancer-causing pesticide found in Arkavathy river water samples.'</p>.Mercury, cancer-causing pesticide found in Arkavathy river water samples.<p>The matter relates to alarming levels of heavy metals and toxic substances, including mercury, banned pesticide DDT, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride found in the Arkavathy river in Karnataka," the NGT order said.</p><p>"As per the article, the river is a vital source of agriculture and horticulture in Karnataka. The article highlights that even after the Karnataka High Court’s direction to protect the Arkavathy river, it continues to suffer from severe domestic and industrial pollution. Originating near Nandi Hills, the river remains vulnerable to contamination until it merges with Vrishabhavathi, another heavily polluted water body carrying Bengaluru’s sewage,” the green bench, which also comprised Environment Member A Senthil Vel, said.</p><p>“The samples were collected from three sites: upstream and downstream of the Thippagondanahalli (TG Halli) reservoir, and the Dodda Mudavadi</p><p>bridge, located 10 km upstream of the Arkavathy-Vrishabhavathi confluence. The research resulted in the following key findings- DDT Concentrations were found to be 75 times above the European Union’s water quality standards. Hexavalent Chromium, carcinogenic compound</p><p>exceeded safety limits by 100 times according to Canada Water Quality</p><p>guidelines,” the order said quoting the news report.</p><p>Mercury levels ranged from 16 to 26 times above Canadian safety standards at all three sampling sites. PAH was detected in all three samples. These harmful hydrocarbons can cause health issues ranging</p><p>from skin irritation to cancer, the NGT order said</p><p>The tribunal sought response from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, BBMP, District Management as well.</p><p>The further hearing of the matter has been transferred to its Southern Bench and posted for February 10, 2025.</p>
