State govt bans sale of soaps, shampoos near waterbodies

Bengaluru: In an effort to protect rivers and tanks from pollution caused by soaps, detergents and shampoos, especially around pilgrimage centres, the state govt has ordered a ban on the sale of these products within a 500-metre distance from waterbodies.
Environment and ecology minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed officials to regulate the sale of soaps and shampoos along rivers and near tanks and temple ponds and to prevent devotees from leaving behind their old clothes in these waterbodies.
Referring to the rampant use-and-throw culture, Khandre stated that devotees visiting pilgrimage centres across Karnataka are damaging the ecosystem of the waterbodies at these holy places. "Most devotees leave behind used soaps, detergents, and shampoo packets along the bathing ghats of the rivers, lakes, or temple ponds. Eventually, these are let into the rivers, affecting the quality of water," the minister said in his letter to the additional chief secretary to the environment and ecology department.
A senior official of the department told TOI that due to these unchecked activities, rivers or lakes at the pilgrimage centres are rich in phosphates and other chemical compounds, resulting in increased frothing of water.
"If devotees take back their personal care products, there will not be any impact on the waterbodies," a senior official of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) explained.
Both KSPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have been regularly testing the quality of river and lake water and updating the state govt on remedial action, keeping in mind the use of the same water for livestock and consumption by aquatic animals.
"Several shops have mushroomed along the rivers or lakes in pilgrimage centres or near the bathing ghats, selling small soaps and shampoo sachets worth Rs 5 or Rs 10. The easy availability of such products also prompts citizens to resort to a use-and-throw culture rather than carry their own personal hygiene products and take them back while returning. Hence, I have asked the officials to regulate the sale of these items within the 500-metre radius of waterbodies," Khandre said.
In addition, the minister has also directed officials to ensure that no devotees leave behind their old clothes after bathing in rivers. "Over the years, some of these rivers have been left with huge heaps of these clothes. Hence, I have also instructed officials to ensure that all devotees take back their old clothes after bathing in rivers and lakes," Khandre explained.