Mangaluru: Dead fish surfacing in a stream flowing into River Phalguni (Gurupura) near Rayikatte in Kuloor have reportedly triggered distress in the nearby areas even as the water has turned foul-smelling and polluted over the past week.Nagarika Horata Samiti, Surathkal, alleged that untreated industrial effluents from units, including those in Baikampady industrial area, were discharged into streams that merged with the river. The committee said villagers had filed complaints over the past week, but no concrete action was taken.
According to the samiti, water up to Maravoor bridge and in the Kuloor stream became contaminated, with oxygen levels reportedly dropping to zero, leading to fish deaths and a strong stench. While the district administration attributed the situation to soil dumped across the river for bridge construction near Thannirbhavi, the committee said the issue appeared more serious, pointing to blackened industrial discharge flowing through the Thokur and Kudambur streams.Though National Green Tribunal’s Chennai Bench earlier took suo motu cognisance, the committee alleged that only superficial measures were implemented. The samiti demanded a comprehensive probe and stringent action against responsible industries, warning of protests, including a gherao of Pollution Control Board office, if no steps were taken to contain pollution, said convener Muneer Katipalla.
