Mangaluru MLA Takes Swift Action on Polluted Phalguni River
In response to alarming reports of severe pollution in the Phalguni River, Mangaluru City North MLA Dr Y Bharat Shetty conducted a thorough inspection of the affected Kuloor-Rayikatte area on Monday. The MLA directed concerned officials to implement immediate and appropriate measures to address the environmental crisis.
Immediate Response and Official Investigations
Following Dr Shetty's directives, officials from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) swiftly mobilized to conduct comprehensive tests examining the quality of the river water. Simultaneously, fisheries department officials carried out detailed inspections to determine the precise cause behind the distressing death of fish observed in the river.
As a continuation of these urgent efforts, the concerned department officials have initiated robust measures to clean the polluted river and implement strategies to prevent further fish deaths. The Phalguni River, also known as the Gurupura River near Kuloor and Rayikatte, has turned visibly polluted, with numerous dead fish floating on the surface, causing significant distress among residents in nearby areas.
Allegations of Industrial Effluent Discharge
Last week, the Nagarika Horata Samiti from Surathkal raised serious allegations regarding the source of the pollution. The committee claimed that untreated industrial effluents, including those originating from the Baikampady industrial area, were being discharged into streams that eventually merge with the Phalguni River.
Despite repeated complaints from villagers over the past week, the committee stated that no concrete action had been taken prior to the MLA's intervention. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about industrial waste management and its impact on local water bodies.
The combined efforts of the MLA, KSPCB, and fisheries department mark a critical step toward addressing the pollution and safeguarding the river's ecosystem for the community.
