In a significant move to protect a vital water source, the Upa Lokayukta of Karnataka has issued a directive for the immediate eviction of illegal encroachments on the Cauvery riverbed and its designated buffer zone in Mandya district. This order aims to restore the river's natural flow and prevent environmental degradation.
Directive Follows Detailed Investigation
The order was passed by Upa Lokayukta Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. It comes after a thorough investigation into complaints about unauthorized constructions and occupations on the river's floodplain. The probe revealed that several structures had been illegally built, posing a threat to the river's ecosystem and violating environmental regulations.
The Upa Lokayukta has specifically instructed the Mandya District Commissioner to take swift and decisive action. The commissioner is tasked with identifying all encroachments, initiating eviction proceedings, and ensuring the cleared land is restored to its original state. The directive emphasizes the urgency of the matter, highlighting the need to safeguard the Cauvery river for future generations.
Focus on Riverbed and Buffer Zone Violations
The investigation focused on areas falling within the river's natural course and its legally protected buffer zone. Encroachments in these sensitive areas not only disrupt the river's hydrology but also increase the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. The illegal constructions often involve residential and commercial buildings that discharge waste directly into the river, further polluting the water.
Justice Shetty's order underscores the legal mandate to protect rivers from such encroachments. It references existing laws and government notifications that prohibit any permanent construction on riverbeds and their buffer zones. The authorities have been directed to submit a compliance report, detailing the actions taken to remove the encroachments, to the Upa Lokayukta's office.
Broader Implications for River Conservation
This directive from the Upa Lokayukta is seen as a strong precedent for river conservation efforts across Karnataka. It reinforces the principle that natural water bodies are public trusts that must be preserved. The action in Mandya could prompt similar drives in other districts along the Cauvery basin, where encroachment has been a persistent issue.
Environmental activists have welcomed the order, stating that it is a crucial step towards curbing the rampant illegal occupation of riverfront land. They argue that such encroachments have severely impacted the river's carrying capacity and water quality. The successful implementation of this eviction drive will be closely watched as a test case for administrative will in enforcing ecological laws.
The move also puts the spotlight on the roles of local revenue and land registration authorities. The Upa Lokayukta's intervention suggests a need for greater vigilance and stricter enforcement at the grassroots level to prevent such violations from occurring in the first place. Protecting the Cauvery, a lifeline for millions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, remains a paramount concern for sustainable development in the region.
