Mangaluru : District In-Charge Minister and Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology B Ramanath Rai directed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officials to initiate stern action against those responsible for the contamination of Phalguni river. He also sought a report on the incident within five days.

He visited Malavoor vented dam where the aquatic creatures have died due to water pollution. MLA K Abhayachandra Jain, Mayor Kavita Sanil and Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha accompanied the minister.

Rai told the officials to identify the industries which are releasing untreated effluents to the river. A survey must be conducted in all areas of the river flow. The sample of the water should be sent to the laboratory for tests. Guidance must be taken from experts in NITK, he said. He told reporters that the water has been contaminated to a huge extent. The case will be considered seriously and action will be initiated against the wrongdoers.

Pollution Control Board regional officer Rajashekhar Puranik said there is a possibility of leachate flowing into the river from the city corporation’s solid waste management unit in Pacchanadi and District Milk Union Dairy in Kulshekhar . It has been noticed during the examination that the water below the dam has started decaying. Also, there is a possibility of effluents getting into the river through canals in Baikampadi and Kuloor areas, he added.

Abhayachandra Jain said the industries are responsible for the river pollution. He urged to cease the licenses of the industrial plants which are releasing the effluents directly to the river, without treating them. The vented dam is the source of drinking water in ten Gram Panchayats. Care should be taken to ensure that the contaminated water does not enter the dam, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha said the water in the vented dam, which is being supplied as drinking water to the villages, is not contaminated. The public need not have to panic. If it is found that the drinking water too, is contaminated, alternative arrang­ements will be done, he added.

The locals told the minister that the negligence of the district administration has led to the pollution of the river. Even though the district administration was aware of the incident, the officials have visited the spot after a delay.