Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Apr 23: The fish mill at Kotepura near Ullal Junction has been releasing untreated chemicals and effluents directly into the tributary of River Netravati. These wastes have been turning the water poisonous and people residing in the vicinity of this spot have been overtaken by the fear of epidemics.
This tributary is formed with the diversion of Netravati river water in Alekala, Margatale and Uliya areas. This tributary flows near the famous Ullalthi temple of Uliya. Waste items like flesh of animals, bones and other waste can be seen floating in this water. Fish mill oil and effluents from the drainage have changed the very look of the water here.
About 16 fish oil factories function in Ullal Kotepura and chemicals used by these factories are directly released into the river water. Because of this, the colour of water has turned dark and gives out nauseating stench.
In another part of Uliya, flesh of animals and poultry birds, along with plastic waste are thrown into the water. Drainage water of several houses too are released into the river. The entire area has turned into breeding ground for mosquitoes. A local, Rajesh Kumar, points out that a boy from the area had died of ailments relating to lung infection recently and the people of the area are commonly affected by lung-related complications and skin problems.
Ullalthi temple Gurkar, Rajesh Kumar, complains that the river water has been thoroughly polluted because of chemical discharge from fish mills at Kotepura and well water has become not potable. Release of effluents and drainage water has also rendered the underground water table unfit for consumption. Keertan, anothr localite, said that the area spreads terrible smell, because of which there is bad smell in the areas of the office of the deputy commissioner apart from fisheries dock in the city, as well as areas like Bangare amd Kotepura, but no one is taking the matter seriously. He has warned that this problem will pose grave threats in future.
Over a hundred households in Uliya depend on well water, but because of the polluted river water, the well water also has been thoroughly polluted. People are therefore forced to consume chemicals along with water. The people living in this region have to depend on wells for drinking water as Ullal municipality has not provided tap connection to the area. A local, Manohar, says that complaint made to the municipality here has not evoked any positive response.