RTI Activist Files Urgent Petition to PMO Over Bhavani River Pollution Crisis
In a significant move to address a growing environmental and public health emergency, an RTI activist from Coimbatore has filed an online petition directly to the Prime Minister's Office. The petition demands immediate and stringent action against officials responsible for the severe pollution plaguing the Bhavani River, a vital water source for multiple districts in Tamil Nadu.
Activist Calls for Multi-Pronged Action to Save Critical Water Source
The petition was formally submitted by S Basha, a dedicated RTI activist based in Mettupalayam. Basha's appeal urgently calls for comprehensive efforts to rescue and restore the Bhavani River, which supplies essential drinking water to the populations of Coimbatore, Tirupur, and numerous surrounding regions. He emphasizes that the river's contamination has reached alarming levels, creating a dire threat not only to public health but also to local agriculture, wildlife populations, and precious groundwater resources.
Allegations of Untreated Sewage and Industrial Waste Discharge
In his detailed petition, Basha has made serious allegations regarding the sources of the pollution. He claims that untreated sewage from various local municipal bodies in and around the Mettupalayam area is being directly discharged into the river. Furthermore, he accuses numerous industrial units operating along the riverbanks of releasing untreated or inadequately treated toxic effluents into the waterway. This combination of domestic and industrial waste is reportedly causing catastrophic damage to the river's ecosystem.
Demand for Joint Central and State Inspection
To address this critical situation, the activist's petition specifically requests the initiation of a high-level joint inspection. He is calling for coordinated action between central government authorities and state-level agencies to conduct a thorough and detailed examination of all industrial facilities located on the banks of the Bhavani River. The goal of this inspection would be to identify the exact sources of pollution, assess regulatory failures, and hold responsible parties accountable.
The petition seeks three primary forms of action:
- Criminal proceedings against individuals and entities found guilty of violating environmental laws.
- Departmental action against government officials who have neglected their duty to protect the river.
- Regulatory enforcement to ensure future compliance and prevent further contamination.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle between industrial development, municipal waste management, and the preservation of essential natural resources like the Bhavani River, upon which millions depend for their daily survival.
