Kangrali village takes on BCC for releasing sewage into Markandeya river

Belagavi: Residents of Kangrali (KH) located on the banks of the Markandeya river have upped the the ante against Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) for releasing sewage water into the river through nalas.
Sewage water generated in areas like Kumaraswamy Layout, Shahu Nagar, Azam Nagar, Nehru Nagar and surrounding places is released to Markandeya river through two nalas and this is contaminating the water. Three wells in Kangrali (KH) village, the main source of drinking water, have been contaminated and villagers are having trouble getting potable water.

Four days ago, villagers, under the leadership of zilla parishat member Saraswati Patil decided to initiate legal action against BCC and hold a protest in front of the DC’s office. “We have brought the issue to the notice of the DC, ZP CEO and BCC authorities by giving memorandums but in vain. Now, we don’t have any other option but to fight,” Saraswati Patil said.

Patil added that not just sewage water but garbage generated at the APMC yard is also being dumped in the river. Sometimes, carcasses of animals are also thrown in the river. “We demand that BCC authorities take responsibility and install water purification filters at all three contaminated wells immediately,” she said.

When asked, Gopalkrishna, environmental officer of the pollution control board, said he isn’t aware of the issue and assured he would hold a spot inspection and take action.

BCC, water board pass the buck

However, BCC and Karnataka Urban Water and Sewage Board (KUW&SB) passed the buck on this issue.

When asked, BCC health officer Dr Shashidhar Nadagouda said the issue of sewage water treatment doesn’t fall under BCC limits but it’s that of the KUW&SB. VL Chandrappa, executive engineer, KUW&SB said there is a need to set up establishing sewage treatment plant to resolve the problem which is the BCC’s job. KUW&SB only provides technical support, he said.

BCC authorities acquired land for a STP near Halaga village, but the project is not being implemented due to opposition of farmers who have gone to court.

Sewage water generated in the northern part of the city is released into the Markandeya river while the southern part releases water into the Ballary Nala. This is causing contamination of water in neighbouring villages.