Efforts begin to save Cauvery’s dirty tributary

Alarmed by the extent of pollution of Lakshman Thirtha, one of the main tributaries of Cauvery, the people of Hunsur are starting a campaign to save the rivulet.

Nadi Ulisi Jagruti Jatha (save river campaign) envisages total cleansing of the river and protecting it from dumping of trash, discharge of untreated effluents and open defecation on bank, among other problems. The public and private endeavour has the efforts of Western Ghats Task Force at its core. The campaign will kick off on Monday with usual fanfare, like pooja, tree plantation, speeches and a symboling cleaning of the river bank.

Chairperson of the task force, Ananth Hegde Ashisara, told DNA that besides these ceremonial things, the area around Lakshman Thirtha would be tagged as protected area. Later, efforts would be made to get the status of heritage river accorded to it, he said.
Forest department officials said loss of green cover along the rivulet’s banks too was harming it. Steps will be taken to plant endemic species of trees along the banks with the help of NGOs and people. Also, municipal council of Hunsur has been asked to move a resolution to treat Lakshman Thirtha.

Officials of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said it was not just untreated sewage discharge from Hunsur, but also the local people’s habit of dumping garbage into the tributary that is harming it. He said the people do not realise that the water they are polluting is a source of drinking water for Bangalore.

The officials said the rivulet is showing severe pollution problem in some places. The pollution control board has served notice to some units that have been polluting Lakshman Thirtha. The officials said they hoped the campaign of the Western Ghats Task Force and the people of Hunsur can save the river. They cited examples of rivers like Malaprabha, Sharavati, Kumundavati, Varada and Souparnika, which were being treated as protected area, with the decision helping the rivers’ condition.