MYSURU: A study conducted by the University of Mysore (UoM) has found the quality of water in the Cauvery river is ‘alarming’. Illegal mining close to KRS dam, coffee curing in Kodagu, discharge of untreated effluents into the river and improper agricultural practices are blamed for this.
The environmental impact indicator of the study has put the river in ‘yellow’ category which means the water body can turn worse if corrective measures are not taken immediately.
This comes close on the heels of the Mining and Geology Department imposing a hefty fine on stone quarries linked to Mandya MP C S Puttaraju. Baby Betta where these illegal quarrying is said to be taking place is located just 10 km from KRS dam.The environmental impact assessment on water and soil of the Cauvery river was conducted by Siamk Gholami as part of his PhD thesis in environmental science.
A stretch of about 25-30 km starting from the confluence of three rivers (Cauvery, Lakshmantheertha and Hemavathy) was taken up for the study.Though there are sediments of heavy toxic metals like led, cadmium, and magnesium in the river, they are not posing any serious threat as most of them are in immobile condition. However, it has led to deterioration of water quality over the years, the study said.
“The spatial distribution of heavy metals in the water and bottom sediments of KRS dam shows a tendency to decrease in concentration from the entrance to the exit of the dam... thereby improving the quality of outflow....,” the study stated.Intense use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture and mining has led to more pollution in the downstream. Further, it states that the pollution level is low during three months in monsoon and it’s high during the remaining nine months. At some places, the water turns brownish mainly due to the effluents from coffee curing plants.
The study says sharp reduction in the flow of water in the river during summer has led to ecological imbalance and may adversely affect Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for want of aquatic life. A minimum flow of water should be maintained. Prof S Srikanataswamy under whose guidance the research was carried out said the sediments of calcium and magnesium in the river has led to hardness of water and if it goes unchecked the water may become unfit for drinking in the future.He said if corrective measures like setting up of effluent treatment plants and checking of illegal mining are not taken, then the Cauvery may become another Ganga.