Dead Fish in River Phalguni Spark Pollution Crisis in Mangaluru
In a distressing environmental incident, dead fish have been surfacing in a stream that flows into River Phalguni, also known as Gurupura, near Rayikatte in Kuloor, Mangaluru. Over the past week, the water has turned foul-smelling and visibly polluted, causing widespread concern among local residents and environmental groups.
Allegations of Industrial Negligence
The Nagarika Horata Samiti, based in Surathkal, has strongly alleged that untreated industrial effluents from units, including those located in the Baikampady industrial area, are being discharged into streams that merge with River Phalguni. According to the committee, villagers have filed multiple complaints over the past week, but no concrete action has been taken by authorities to address the pollution.
The samiti reports that water contamination has spread up to the Maravoor bridge and throughout the Kuloor stream. Oxygen levels in the water have reportedly dropped to zero, leading to the mass fish deaths and a pervasive strong stench that is affecting nearby areas.
Conflicting Explanations and Calls for Action
While the district administration has attributed the situation to soil dumped across the river for bridge construction near Thannirbhavi, the Nagarika Horata Samiti contends that the issue is more severe. The committee points to blackened industrial discharge flowing through the Thokur and Kudambur streams as evidence of a deeper pollution problem.
Though the National Green Tribunal's Chennai Bench earlier took suo motu cognisance of the matter, the committee alleges that only superficial measures have been implemented so far. This has fueled frustration among activists and locals.
Demands for Accountability and Potential Protests
The samiti is demanding a comprehensive probe into the pollution incident and stringent action against the industries responsible. Convener Muneer Katipalla has warned that if no steps are taken to contain the pollution, protests will escalate, including a potential gherao of the Pollution Control Board office.
Key points raised by the committee include:
- Immediate cessation of industrial effluent discharge into the river.
- A thorough investigation to identify and penalize polluting units.
- Implementation of long-term measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
- Transparency in the district administration's response to the crisis.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing industrial pollution in the region and underscores the urgent need for effective environmental governance to protect water bodies and public health.
