Mangaluru Government Approves Major Sewage Treatment Plant to Combat Industrial River Pollution
In a decisive move to address escalating public complaints, the Karnataka government has greenlit the construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Mangaluru's Baikampady Industrial Area. This initiative aims to curb the pollution of the Phalguni River at Kuloor, which has been severely impacted by industrial wastewater discharges.
Rs 39 Crore Investment for Environmental Remediation
According to officials from the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), the proposed wastewater treatment facility is estimated to cost Rs 39 crore. A tender of equivalent value has already been issued for the project's execution. Land has been specifically reserved in the Baikampady industrial zone to accommodate this critical infrastructure, ensuring timely implementation.
High-Level Meeting Addresses District-Wide River Pollution
The decision emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by the minister at the deputy commissioner's office on Friday. The session focused on comprehensive strategies to prevent pollution across major rivers in the district, including the Nethravati, Nandini, Phalguni, and Shambhavi. During discussions, the minister specifically sought updates on public grievances regarding industrial wastewater from Baikampady contaminating the Phalguni River at Kuloor.
Integrated Waste Management and Drainage Upgrades
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officials reported that directives have been issued to establish underground drainage (UGD) systems in the residential localities of Angaragundi and Kudumbur within the Baikampady industrial area. These systems will be connected to an existing treatment plant near Baggundi of Thokur, enhancing waste management efficiency.
Crackdown on Riverbank Encroachments
In a stern directive, the minister ordered immediate clearance of illegal encroachments on the riverbank in the Sultan Battery area, where construction debris has been dumped to occupy river space. "Take immediate action to restore the river's original space by removing the illegal encroachments reported in the media," the minister instructed officials. Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Ravichandra Naik confirmed that a police case has already been filed against those responsible for this unlawful occupation.
Progress on Other Pollution Fronts
KSPCB and Coastal Regulation Zone officials informed the meeting that a site visit report has been submitted to relevant authorities regarding the Sultan Battery encroachments. Additionally, Pollution Control Board officials noted that pollution in the Nandini River at Mukka in Surathkal has been successfully controlled. This achievement follows upgrades to the city corporation's waste treatment plant and a reduction in polluted water discharges from private entities.
The construction of the Rs 39 crore STP represents a significant step toward safeguarding Mangaluru's river ecosystems, aligning with broader environmental conservation efforts in Karnataka.
