Mangaluru Activists Rally to Save Phalguni River with Major Protest Planned
The Save Phalguni River Horata Samithi has officially launched the 'Save Phalguni River' campaign, mobilizing local residents and various organizations in a concerted effort to address the severe environmental crisis facing this crucial waterway. In a significant escalation of their efforts, the samithi has announced a massive protest scheduled for March 27, which will take place directly in front of the Pollution Control Board office located in the Baikampady Industrial Area.
The Vital Role of Phalguni River Under Threat
In a detailed release, the samithi emphasized that the Phalguni River serves as the lifeline of the Tulunadu region, playing an indispensable role in the local ecosystem and economy. This river is a primary source of drinking water for numerous villages, supports inland fishing industries, sustains agricultural activities, and underpins the economic vitality of communities residing along its banks. For more than a decade, various initiatives have been undertaken to protect and preserve this essential natural resource, yet the situation has continued to deteriorate alarmingly.
Allegations of Industrial Pollution and Official Negligence
The samithi has leveled serious allegations against large-scale industries, accusing them of discharging untreated industrial waste directly into the Phalguni River through the Kadumbur and Thokur streams. These critical issues have been repeatedly brought to the attention of the district administration, yet substantive action remains elusive. The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and has filed cases against the district administration, highlighting the gravity of the environmental violations.
However, the samithi contends that key regulatory bodies, including the Pollution Control Board, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), and the district administration, have consistently failed to implement effective measures to curb the pollution. Compounding the problem, the Mangaluru City Corporation secured hundreds of crores in loans from the Asian Development Bank specifically for underground drainage systems. Tragically, due to alleged corruption and substandard work by politicians and officials, these systems have become completely ineffective, resulting in raw sewage flowing directly into the Phalguni River.
Visible Environmental Degradation and Health Hazards
The consequences of this neglect are now starkly visible and pose severe health risks. Over the past month, the river water from the Maravoor Dam to Thannirbhavi has lost its natural color, emitting a persistent foul odor that signals severe contamination. Aquatic life, including fish and snakes, has been found dead and floating in the river, indicating a catastrophic impact on biodiversity. Furthermore, groundwater sources have become contaminated, rendering traditional drinking water supplies unsafe for consumption. The samithi warns that this environmental disaster not only threatens local livelihoods but also endangers public health on a large scale.
The planned protest on March 27 aims to draw urgent attention to these issues and demand immediate, concrete action from authorities to restore and protect the Phalguni River for future generations.
