Nearly 700 km of Karnataka rivers polluted; cities, towns depend on contaminated water
Shivamogga: A total of 693.75 of river stretches across Karnataka are polluted, and water from several of these rivers is being supplied to towns and cities, the State government informed the Legislative Assembly.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express on Monday, replying to an unstarred question by Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra during the winter session in Belagavi, Forest, Environment and Biodiversity Minister Eshwar Khandre said rivers are classified into five categories, P1 to P5, based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, with P1 being the most polluted.
He reportedly said untreated domestic wastewater from urban and rural areas is the main reason for river pollution. Arkavati, Lakshana Teertha, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Tunga, Cauvery, Kabini, Kagina, Krishna, Shimsha, Bheema and Netravati are the polluted rivers and so far, 112 polluted drainages along these rivers have been identified.
Khandre explained that rivers are classified into five pollution categories P1 to P5. The Arkavati River has been placed in the P1 category, while no rivers fall under P2 and P3. Tungabhadra, Bhadra and Shimsha are categorised under P4, and eight other rivers fall under P5.
Khandre allegedly said domestic wastewater from municipalities, towns and villages along riverbeds is being discharged into at least 17 rivers, identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the primary cause of river pollution.
According to the report, the minister said drinking water is being supplied from polluted rivers in districts such as Mandya, Ramanagara, Vijayapura and Shivamogga. In parts of Uttara Kannada, Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot, local bodies are also drawing water from polluted river sources.
In 2022-23, CPCB identified South Pinakini, Aghanashini, Sharavathi and Gangavali rivers too as polluted. But wrote to CPCB, stating that these rivers are not polluted and sought their removal from the list. An action plan is being prepared for the South Pinakini River, he said.
On remedial measures, Khandre reportedly said the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is setting up sewage treatment plants as per the directions of National Green Tribunal.
As per the report, under 12 river rejuvenation plans, the state generates 817.31 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. While 41 STPs with a capacity of 614.1 MLD are operational, 203.21 MLD of sewage remains untreated.
Work is underway to establish 19 STPs with a capacity of 248.91 MLD, while 39 more STPs with a combined capacity of 357.92 MLD are in the planning stage. Progress is being monitored and reported regularly to the NGT and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The minister reportedly said the state government gave its approval for underground drainage works worth Rs 535.56 crore in 2021 for 24 cities/towns besides Rs 523.80 crore for nine UGD projects.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru woman critically injured after fall from hotel balcony during police visit
Bengaluru: A 21-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after she fell from a hotel balcony in Bengaluru early Sunday morning while police were responding to a complaint about loud noise, India Today reported.
The incident took place at a hotel in AECS Layout, within the limits of the HAL police station. Police reportedly said a group of four men and four women had booked rooms at the hotel and were allegedly playing loud music and dancing, prompting nearby residents to alert the police by calling the 112-emergency helpline around 5 am.
During this time, one of the women, a resident of Kundalahalli, allegedly attempted to move out through the balcony using a pipe, lost her balance, and fell onto the hotel’s compound iron grills.
ALSO READ: National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
According to the report, she suffered severe injuries to her head, hands and other parts of the body. Her friends took her to a private hospital in Kundalahalli, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors said her condition remains critical.
Police have registered a complaint at the HAL police station and are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
Responding to allegations that police personnel demanded money, police reportedly said, we are not aware of such allegations and are not sure about their aftermath. They added, the police personnel were wearing body cameras, and there is nothing in the footage to support these claims. There is no basis for the allegations.
