SOUPARNIKA RIVER POLLUTION

SOUPARNIKA RIVER POLLUTION

Why in News

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a detailed action report to stop wastewater discharge into the Sauparnika River in Kollur, Karnataka.
• The case will be heard again on February 9, 2026.

WHO FILED THE CASE?

• The petition was filed by a social activist from Kollur.
• He highlighted long-term pollution of the river due to untreated sewage from commercial establishments.

MAIN ISSUE

• Sewage and sullage water from:
  • Lodges
  • Hotels
  • Commercial establishments around Sri Mookambika Temple
• This wastewater is directly entering the river, contaminating it for several years.
• Devotees using river water are facing serious problems.

UNDERGROUND SEWERAGE SCHEME FAILURE

• UGSS was:
  • Started in 2015
  • Completed in 2020
  • Cost: ₹19.97 crore
• Despite this:
  • River pollution has not stopped
  • Commercial establishments continue to release untreated wastewater

NGT’s OBSERVATION

• The report submitted by the Udupi District Collector (DC) in November 2025 was not satisfactory.
• NGT noted missing critical details, such as:
  • Total volume of wastewater generated
  • Carrying capacity of the existing UGSS
  • Whether capacity enhancement is required
  • Estimated cost of upgrades
  • Clear timelines for corrective action

NGT’s DIRECTION

To Udupi District Collector & KUWSDB

• File a fresh, detailed report with:
  • Concrete action plan
  • Cost estimates
  • Clear timelines
• Appear before the Tribunal via video conferencing

To Karnataka State Pollution Control Board

• Identify violating establishments
• Specify action taken against polluters
• Submit a separate compliance report

ROLE OF KUWSDB

• Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) is responsible for:
  • Sewage management
  • STP functioning
• NGT questioned the effectiveness of the existing STP and sewage infrastructure.

WHY THIS ISSUE IS SERIOUS?

• Souparnika River has religious, ecological, and social importance.
• Pollution effects:
  • Devotees visiting Kollur
  • Local ecology
  • Public health
• Continuous neglect may cause irreversible environmental damage.

ABOUT SOUPARNIKA

• Also called Sowparnika River
• A west-flowing river in Karnataka
• Originates from:
  • Kodachadri Hills, Western Ghats
• Flows through dense forests and merges into the Arabian Sea
• Unique feature:
  • Near Maravanthe Beach, the river runs parallel to the sea, separated by a narrow land strip

CONCLUSION

• The NGT has taken a strong stand on prolonged river pollution.
• Mere infrastructure creation like UGSS is not enough without enforcement.
• Clear accountability, monitoring, and strict action against violators are essential.
• The next hearing will be crucial for protecting the Sauparnika River and public interest.

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