DC forms panel to probe ‘pollution’ of Kabini backwaters

Published 5 August 2026 · health

Acting on allegations of pollution of the Kabini dam backwaters by tourism-related commercial establishments, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy on Wednesday constituted a four-member

Acting on allegations of pollution of the Kabini dam backwaters by tourism-related commercial establishments, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy on Wednesday constituted a four-member committee to investigate complaints of “untreated liquid waste discharge and indiscriminate dumping of solid waste” into the river ecosystem. The committee has been directed to submit an action taken report within 15 days. The decision comes in the wake of complaints from the Save Kabini Horata Samiti, comprising environmental activists, farmers, pro-Kannada and social activists and local residents, alleging that the Kabini backwaters were being polluted by the discharge of untreated sewage and dumping of solid waste.

Water from Kabini dam is an important source of drinking water for the people in Mysuru and surrounding areas. Kabini backwaters attract lot of tourists. Following the complaints, the Deputy Commissioner observed that the discharge of untreated liquid waste and solid waste into the river could adversely affect water quality, the river ecosystem, aquatic life, forest biodiversity, public health and drinking water sources. The order noted the need to identify those responsible for polluting the river, initiate legal action against violators and frame preventive measures to curb further contamination. The committee, headed by Mysuru ZP Deputy Secretary Bheemappa Laali, has been entrusted with conducting spot inspections of the Kabini backwaters, verifying the allegations, identifying the sources of contamination and fixing responsibility on the departments concerned.

It has also been directed to collect details of all resorts, homestays, hotels and other tourism-related commercial establishments operating around the Kabini backwaters and examine whether they are complying with the prescribed norms for solid and liquid waste management. The committee will inspect whether untreated sewage is entering the backwaters, streams and surrounding areas and ascertain whether solid waste is being dumped illegally. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed the committee to examine whether the establishments were violating pollution control and environmental protection norms. If required, water samples will be collected and sent for laboratory analysis to determine the contamination. The Deputy Commissioner has asked the committee to look into all these aspects and submit a detailed report to him within 15 days (from the date of the formation of the committee).