UDUPI : Listing the matter for next hearing on February 9, 2026, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Zone, Chennai recently issued an order, directing Udupi DC Swaroopa T K and Chairman of Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) to file a detailed report outlining proposed action along with approximate estimates and timelines to stop the flow of waste water into Sauparnika River in Kollur.
Judicial Member-Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member- Dr Prashant Gargava issued the order while hearing the application by Social Activist Harish Tholar of Kollur. Due to the alleged discharge of sewage and sullage water by commercial establishments- lodges and hotels in and around Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur, the river has been contaminated for many years now.
Even though the Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) work was initiated in Kollur for Rs 19.97 crore in 2015 and completed in 2020, the water contamination has not stopped. NGT observed that though Udupi DC’s report was filed before it, on November 25, 2025, after two years of its instruction, the same was not exhaustive.
NGT observed in the report submitted before it that the district administration issued certain directions to KUWSDB and PDO regarding the functioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). NGT objected to Udupi DC not providing details regarding the volume of waste generated, carrying capacity of the existing UGSS, the extent to which capacity must be enhanced, the estimated cost, and the timelines for such improvements, if needed.
NGT then asked the Udupi DC and the KUWSDB Chairman to appear before it through video conferencing. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has been directed by NGT to file a detailed report identifying the violators and specifying in it the action taken to prevent such violations.
Social Activist Harish Tholar told The New Indian Express that due to the discharge of sewage water into the Sauparnika River, the water is contaminated, and devotees are facing the problem. Despite the UGSS being implemented in Kollur, commercial establishments continue to contaminate the river, he said.