BJP leader urges Modi to mandate sewage treatment before river discharge nationwide

A senior BJP functionary from Karnataka has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a nationwide mandate for treating sewage and industrial effluents before they are released into rivers, pointing to the pollution crisis in the Kabini river as evidence of unchecked contamination.

M.A. Mohan, BJP's Mysuru spokesperson, highlighted in his letter that untreated wastewater from Saragur town—home to nearly 50,000 people—along with discharge from multiple resorts and commercial establishments, flows directly into the Kabini without adequate treatment. The letter, a copy of which was shared with The Hindu, warned that despite the availability of modern wastewater treatment technologies, many habitations continue to release untreated wastewater directly into rivers, posing a serious threat to public health, biodiversity, and the environment.

Pollution cascades downstream to millions

The contamination holds grave implications because the Kabini supplies drinking water to Mysuru and flows onward to T. Narasipur, where it merges with the Kaveri at Sangama. The river then enters Tamil Nadu before reaching the sea, meaning pollution at the source affects millions of people and ecosystems downstream.

Mohan cited recent drought conditions when the Kabini reservoir water level plummeted to a record low, exposing widespread stretches of the riverbed and stagnant polluted water that clearly demonstrated the extent of environmental stress on the river system.

Ecologically sensitive zone at risk

The Kabini also flows through the Heggadadevanakote region, an ecologically sensitive zone with dense forests and tribal habitats that deserves the highest level of protection. Heggadadevanakote Taluk is unique for having four major dams, making conservation of its water resources even more critical.

Mohan has requested the Union government to make it mandatory for every urban local body, industry, resort and commercial establishment situated near rivers to treat all wastewater through Sewage Treatment Plants or Effluent Treatment Plants before discharge into any river or waterbody. He also called for strict monitoring, periodic inspections and stringent penalties for violations.

The BJP spokesperson proposed launching a pilot project on the Kabini river to demonstrate a comprehensive river pollution prevention model, including installation and effective operation of STPs for towns and commercial establishments along the river, with successful models to be replicated across all major river basins in the country. "Protecting our rivers is essential for safeguarding drinking water, agriculture, wildlife, forests, and the health of future generations," Mohan said.

Source: The Hindu