A report submitted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that 15 important rivers in the State were highly polluted at some stretches.
According to a survey, water samples that were collected from 61 locations on the course of 25 rivers in the State were subject to laboratory testing.
Shockingly, water at 38 locations of 15 rivers are said to be highly polluted. The CPCB has directed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to take stern measures and stop effluents and sewerage from towns and cities being released into rivers.
Polluted rivers
According to the report, available to Deccan Herald, in all, 655-km stretch of river course of Arkavathy, Bhadra, Bheema, Cauvery, Ghataprabha, Kabini, Kagina, Kali, Krishna, Lakshmantheertha, Malaprabha, Manjira, Shimsha, Tungabhadra and Tunga have been cited as polluted.
The 200-km stretch of River Krishna is said to be highly polluted. About 80 km of river course of Bheema, Malaprabha, and Shimsha; 50-km stretch of Cauvery and 60-km stretch of Tungabhadra are also polluted.
The main reason for the contamination is said to be the release of sewerage and effluents from residential areas and industries into the rivers. In some towns, the sewerage is released directly into the river as there are no treatment plants.
According to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the CPCB and KSPCB are responsible for protecting water sources. Hence, the CPCB has directed the KSPCB to implement the water conservation methods in a proper way and prevent pollution. It has directed to prepare an action plan immediately to identify more river banks and test the water samples.
The results of the tests should be uploaded online, which would help in taking necessary steps to prevent pollution of riversides, CPCB states.