Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Apr 10: The people and animals living by the side of Kempu Hole rivulet for a distance of 25 kms between Gundia and Hosmutt are facing the risk of contracting various diseases. The fact that water mixed with sediment is being released into this rivulet from Gundia Hydro Electric Project’s dam has given rise to this scare.

Since the last nearly two weeks, the phenomenon of dirty water is being noticed in this rivulet. During summer, the water flow in the rivulet gets drastically reduced. As such, release of polluted water can have grave impact on the lives of the people, who depend on the water from the rivulet for their daily needs. The people are angry at the irresponsible behaviour of those who have been releasing highly polluted water into the rivulet, without treating it.

Rainy water that came with mud and other pollutants was stored in the dam during the monsoon season. Water mixed with thick sediment is now being released by the authorities concerned, without removing the sediment. The rivulet flows through forest region between Gundia and Enjira, and various wild animals living in the forest use water from this rivulet for their needs. As such, these animals and also the aqua creatures are facing the danger of getting afflicted with diseases and perishing,  say the forest officials with grave concern.

As this rivulet empties into River Kumaradhara, in course of time, that river might get polluted, which may give rise to a health scare for lacs of people dependent on that river, it is being felt.