Samiti gives fortnight’s ultimatum to administration to prevent sewage flow into Nandini river

Samiti gives fortnight’s ultimatum to administration to prevent sewage flow into Nandini river

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 5, 2025: The Nandini Nadi Samrakshana Samiti, Khandige-Chelairu, on Tuesday gave a fortnight’s ultimatum to the Dakshina Kannada district administration to stop the flow of sewage from corporation sewage treatment plants, a nearby medical college and hospital, and other residential complexes in the vicinity into the Nandini.

If the sewage flow was not stopped and the river course not cleared of hyacinth and other solid waste, the samiti would intensify the struggle, cautioned leader Divakar Samani. He was speaking at a meeting to protest the pollution of the Nandini at Khandige near Mukka here. 

Addressing the protesters, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee general scretary Mithun Rai said irrespective of political or religious affiliation, everyone should fight to preserve the pristine nature of the Nandini. No sewage from any establishment should enter the Nandini; instead the treated sewage should be provided to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. The MP should ensure the treated sewage was provided to MRPl, Mr. Rai said, promising his support for the protection of the river.

Former zilla panchayat vice-president Kasturi Panja said the fight should continue till the pollution stops. No one should succumb to any pressure, political or monetary. The fight should be on irrespective of any political backing to the polluters.

Chelairu Gram Panchayat president Jayananda noted that Umanath Kotian, Moodbidri MLA, raised the issue at the Disha meeting in Mangaluru recently, prompting Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, and Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan to promise prompt action.

MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik visited the polluted part of the river the same day and ordered collection of water samples from all establishments for testing.

Ganesh Amin Sankamar, a professor of Kannada, regretted people had parted with their fertile farmland for a meagre amount and now were at the receiving end.

Chelairu GP vice-president Rekha, former president Purhparaj Shetty, members, political party leaders, and prominent personalities of the region participated in the protest.