Order of the National Green Tribunal 'News item titled "Once upon a River" appearing in the Bangalore Mirror dated 10.01.2024'.

The application was registered suo motu on the basis of the news item titled "Once upon a river" published in Bangalore Mirror dated January 10, 2024. The news item disclosed the poor water quality of rivers across the state of Karnataka.

As per the said news item, the recent water quality analysis of 12 rivers in the State reveal that nine were having stretches with poor water quality (class D).

The 12 rivers monitored under the central government’s National Water Monitoring Programme (NWMP) includes Arkavathi Lakshmantirtha, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Cauvery, Kabini, Kagina, Krishna, Shimsha, Bhima, Netravati and Tunga. The cause of poor quality is stated to be rapid population growth, immense pressure from urbanisation, or inaction of authorities concerned.

The news item also revealed that the number of industries along these river stretches have gone up. The cities are discharging untreated sewage and the concerned Board/Authorities have failed to treat sewage generated by the city and even the sample collection protocols are not being followed. The court directed notices to be issued to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB); Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB); Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Bengaluru and State of Karnataka through the Chief Secretary.