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Government funds are of no help to clean this polluted river

Lakshmanatirtha originates in Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu district and joins the River Cauvery near Ramenahalli, Bilikere hobli, Hunsur taluk
Last Updated 12 March 2021, 18:56 IST

Lakshmanatirtha, a tributory of River Cauvery, that passes through Hunsur town, is an eyesore with wild growth of algae, emanating unbearable stench.

Lakshmanatirtha originates in Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu district and joins the River Cauvery near Ramenahalli, Bilikere hobli, Hunsur taluk. Although sufficient funds have been released by the government for cleaning up the river, there are no results. Drain water from Hunsur town is still polluting it. The department of Environment has decided to issue notices to the Town Municipal Council, Town Panchayat and local bodies in this regard.

The state government is planning a cleanliness campaign, on the lines of Clean Ganga, to protect River Cauvery and its tributaries.

Minister C P Yogeeshwara said, “Notices would be served to the departments concerned, for polluting Cauvery and its tributaries. As the rivers have been polluted, rendering their water is not fit for domestic use and stern measures would be taken. I am aware of the condition of Lakshmanatirtha river. Cleanliness campaign would be held across the stretch of the River Cauvery. We are polluting the river water and drinking its dirty water in Bengaluru.”

“Around 98 tributaries join Cauvery in Kodagu, Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts. As there is no proper drainage system in villages situated by the riverside, drain waters enter the river. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board recently wrote a letter to the government, highlighting that drain water is let into the river, instead of recycling. This can be seen at Kushalnagar, Hunsur, Nanjangud, Srirangapatna, T Narasipur and Kollegal towns.” he said.

Besides, the number of homestays and resorts are increasing by the river side, adding to pollution. The river is also polluted with coffee pulping effluent. The people, who come to bathe in the river and perform various rituals leave behind used clothes, vegetables, rice, fruits and others.

Retired professor N S Rangaraju, who submitted a report to the UGC on the issue, said, “There is a wild growth of bushes and other plants at several places along the River Cauvery. The waste materials accumulate, blocking the flow of water, resulting in stagnation and algae.”

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(Published 12 March 2021, 16:47 IST)

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