Sullia: When the entire state is gripping under an unprecedented drought, the environment friendly Sullia populace is scripting history by turning Kandadka river, a tributary of River Payaswini into waste water drain! Waste water from Kandadka River is entering Payaswini, causing immense harm to pure natural drinking water and making way for the spread of an endemic.
To make matters worse, construction debris is also being dropped on the river bank by certain unknown elements throwing caution to the wind, on a continuous basis. This may lead to further encroachment of the river territory and eventually shut the river path in case strict measures are not taken by the governing bodies on priority, aver few residents. The rapid destruction rate is a clear signal towards pushing river Kandadka into the pages of history sooner than later.
The river has turned dry at several places including Brahmagaraya near old gate. Plastic bags, bottles, plates and all other waste materials along with waste water from drains near Kanathila are entering the river, thereby turning pure water stream into a sewage drain. The water has turned black at several places and the stench around those spots has become unbearable.
The waste water from Sullia town is being diverted through the drain pipes into the river, allege few environment friendly citizens. Despite the town having a good sewage and waste water drain system, waste water is being diverted into the river by linking it to the rain water drains, alleges Sullia City Muncipal Corporation member Prakash Hegde of City’s 5th ward. The drains which overflow during rainy season are filled with waste water during scorching summer, painting a grim picture, adds Prakash Hedge.
Construction debris, another major worry
Truck loads of construction debris being clandestinely dumped into the river to block the natural flow to the vented dam created to tide over the summer water crisis. Some people have already raised their concerns over river Kandadka losing its identity over a period, considering the relentless debris dumping activity on the river bed. Large heaps of debris can be seen at several locations on the river path. Flooding may occur after incessant rains, if the natural path of the tributary is blocked, fear few nearby lamenting residents.
Spread of endemic on cards
Sullia town always remains in news for all the wrong reasons, especially with the city’s affinity for diseases in the past. Jaundice, Chickengunya, rat fever and Dengue make way into normal human livelihood endangering lives, in few critical cases. Alarm bells of an endemic have started ringing with drain waste water in certain areas of depth, giving fodder to the disease causing agents to spread their tentacles.
Most citizens are urging to halt the present devastation and take severe action against those elements responsible for destruction depriving millions of people, the basic necessity-a bottle of pure drinking water. One among those is of course, Prakash Hedge, Member of Sullia CMC.
