Mercury, cancer-causing pesticide found in Arkavathy river water samples
Bengaluru: Alarming new findings reveal the presence of hazardous substances, including mercury, the banned pesticide DDT, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and fluoride, in the Arkavathy river. This vital water source, crucial for agriculture and horticulture in Karnataka, has been severely impacted by domestic and industrial pollution.
Recent tests on water and sediment samples collected from the river have exposed the disturbing levels of contamination. The samples were collected by volunteers from Paani Earth, a Bengaluru-based environmental organisation, from three locations: upstream and downstream of the Thippagondanahalli (TG Halli) reservoir, and the Dodda Mudavadi bridge, located 10 km upstream of where the Arkavathy meets the Vrishabhavathi river.
Among the alarming discoveries, DDT contamination was found at shockingly high levels—75 times above the European Union’s water quality standards—at a site 1 km upstream of the TG Halli reservoir, as cited by Deccan Herald on Friday. The analysis also revealed the presence of hexavalent chromium along with mercury and PAHs, harmful hydrocarbons known to cause various health issues, including skin irritation and cancer.
The water and sediment samples were analysed at the International Centre for Clean Water at IIT Madras. These findings underscore the significant gaps in India's water quality monitoring system.
The findings are particularly concerning as they come over two decades after the Karnataka High Court mandated measures to protect the Arkavathy river from pollution. The river, which originates near Nandi Hills, remains vulnerable to contamination until it merges with Vrishabhavathi, a waterbody tainted by Bengaluru’s sewage.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board does not monitor heavy metals or PAHs in the Arkavathy waters, leaving a crucial gap in pollution oversight.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
