The report was prepared after Dr Rajendra Singh, well-known water conservationist from Alwar, Rajasthan, studied the courses of the rivers, following an invitation by BWSSB and various government departments in June this year. They also sought his suggestions to rejuvenate Tippagondanahalli (TG Halli) and Hesaraghatta reservoirs. However, the DPR is yet to be submitted to the government for approval.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Singh said, during his inspection, he found three main hindrances to the rejuvenation of the reservoirs. “First, the over-exploitation of groundwater resources with indiscriminate sinking of borewells; second, the encroachments along the river courses leading to the reservoirs and third, the industrial effluents being let into the river courses, which not only pollute the rivers and the reservoirs, but also contaminate groundwater,” he said.
Singh said he suggested to the department heads not to disturb the rivers’ habitat consisting of run, riffle, pool and fall and to retain the habitat even during the rejuvenation process.
Recommendations
* A State policy plan for river conservation
* Formation of ‘Arkavati and Kumudvati river basin authority’
* Implementation of existing notification on zone of river course till the formation of ‘river basin authority’
* Demarcation of area along the river course and its protection through fencing
* Not allowing change in land use pattern
* Creating awareness among farmers about optimum utilisation of water for irrigation and the effects of over-exploitation of groundwater
* Restriction on cultivation of commercial crops like eucalyptus in the river course
* Restriction on digging borewells and compulsory construction of rainwater recharge wells around existing borewells
* Removal of unauthorised check dams constructed unscientifically along the river courses and tributaries
* Transfer of rainfall run-off from feasible locations of Bangalore to Arkavati river course
* Water quality along Kumudvati river course is fairly better. Hence, rejuvenation should start from this river on priority
* Restriction on water-based industries in the catchment area along the river course and reclamation of used water after ultra-treatment and diverting the same to river course.
According to the action plan, various departments will address different ecological problems. CNN’s Rs 23 crore will be mainly spent on desilting along the river courses; removal of flora blocking the river course and diverting sewage water from entering the rivers. Over-exploitation of borewells and unauthorised quarries will be monitored by the Mines and Geology department.