The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought answers from the Central Pollution Control Board and others regarding the dangerous levels of heavy metals and toxic substances found in the Arkavathy river in Karnataka.
This river is an important tributary of Kaveri and originates near the Nandi Hills.
The green body itself held hearings on newspaper reports on mercury, banned pesticide DDT, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fluoride in river water.
In a December 13 order, a bench of NGT chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member A Senthil Well said, “According to the article, the river is an important source of agriculture and horticulture in Karnataka. Even after the Karnataka High Court’s directive to protect the Arkavathi river, it continues to suffer from severe domestic and industrial pollution.” illuminates.”
According to news reports, samples were collected from three sites, revealing high DDT concentrations, mercury levels and harmful hydrocarbons.
“The news item attracts provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, and the Environment (Protection) Act,” the tribunal said.
It said the report also raised important issues related to compliance with environmental norms.
The tribunal impleaded CPCB and Member Secretaries of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the Bengaluru Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Municipal Corporation, and the District Magistrate of Bengaluru as parties or respondents.
The tribunal said, “Issue notice to the above respondents to submit their reply/reply.”
The case has been placed before the Southern Division of the Tribunal at Chennai on February 10 for further proceedings.
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