NGT Intervenes on River Pollution at Pilgrimage Centre
The National Green Tribunal , Southern Zone, Chennai, has directed Karnataka authorities to submit a comprehensive and time-bound action plan to prevent the discharge of wastewater into the Sauparnika River . Listing the matter for further hearing on February 9, 2026, the tribunal expressed dissatisfaction with partial compliance to its earlier orders addressing persistent river pollution near the Kollur temple town.
Directions Issued to State Authorities
A bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Dr Prashant Gargava directed the Udupi Deputy Commissioner and the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to file a detailed report. The submission must include remedial measures, cost estimates, capacity requirements, and a clear implementation timeline to ensure that no untreated wastewater enters the river.
Allegations of Sewage Discharge Near Temple Area
The case originates from a petition filed by Kollur-based social activist Harish Tholar, who alleged that untreated sewage and sullage from lodges, hotels, and commercial establishments around the Sri Mookambika Temple have been contaminating the river for years. This is despite the completion of an Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) in Kollur between 2015 and 2020 at a cost of nearly Rs20 crore.
Tribunal Flags Gaps in Compliance Report
The tribunal observed that the status report submitted by the Udupi district administration in November 2025 lacked critical technical and operational details. It noted the absence of data on wastewater generation, UGSS carrying capacity, the need for capacity augmentation, cost implications, and timelines. The NGT also sought clarity on the functioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant and directed senior officials to appear via video conferencing to explain lapses.
Imporatnt Facts for Exams
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National Green Tribunal was established under the NGT Act, 2010
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Sauparnika River flows through Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka
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UGSS (Underground Sewerage Scheme) manages urban wastewater collection
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Karnataka State Pollution Control Board monitors and enforces pollution norms
Pollution Control Board and Public Concerns
The tribunal has also instructed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to submit a detailed report identifying polluting establishments and enforcement actions taken. The petitioner highlighted that continued sewage discharge has degraded water quality and caused hardship for devotees who depend on the river for ritual and daily use, underscoring the urgency of effective implementation rather than infrastructure on paper.
Month: Current Affairs - January 22, 2026
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