National Green Tribunal
National Green Tribunal Southern Zone vs The Principal Secretary To Government ... on 18 February, 2021
Author: K. Ramakrishnan
Bench: K. Ramakrishnan
Item No.17
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI
Original Application No. 111 of 2020 (SZ)
(Through Video Conference)
IN THE MATTER OF:
Tribunal on its own motion Suo Motu
Initiated proceedings based on the news Item
Published in Tamil Newspaper
Dinamalar, Chennai Edition
Dt.13.07.2020 under the caption
"Frothing of Chemical Foam in the River Thenpennai"
The Principal Secretary to
Government,
Public Works Department,
Chennai & Ors. ...Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 18.2.2021
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE K. RAMAKRISHNAN, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE MR. SAIBAL DASGUPTA, EXPERT MEMBER
For Applicant(s): By Court.
For Respondent(s): Dr. V.R.Thirunarayanan
for R1, R2, R4, R7
Sri. Darpan for R3
Sri. C.Kasirajan through
Ms. Kothai Muthu Meenal for R5
Sri. M.R. Gokul Krishnan for R6
Sri. Thirunavukarasu for CPCB
ORDER
1
As per order dated 20.7.2020, this Tribunal had Suo Motu registered the case on the basis of the newspaper report published in Dinamalar Chennai City Supplementary edition dated 13.07.2020 under the caption "njd; ngz;iz Mw;wpy; Njq;fpa urhaz Eiu" .
2. We appointed a Joint Committee to go into the news paper report and submit a report an posted the case to 5.10.2020 an on 5.10.2020, this Tribunal had considered the interim report submitted by the Joint Committee which was extracted in para 4 of the order and then passed the following order:
"It is seen from the report that water analysis has not been completed and the environmental compensation has not been calculated for which they require six weeks time.
So considering the circumstances, we feel that some more time can be given to the committee to submit the report as directed by this Tribunal.
The committee is directed to submit the report on or before 26.11.2020 by e-filing along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules.
The concerned State departments are also directed to submit their independent response to the allegations made and the steps taken by them to avoid such things in future, before the next hearing date.
The Registry is directed to communicate this order to the members of the committee as well as to the official respondents by e-mail immediately so as to enable them to comply with the direction.2
For consideration of further report and completion of pleadings, post on 26.11.2020."
The case was posted to 26.11.2020 for filing the further report and completion of pleadings. On 16.12.2020, it was adjourned to 27.1.2021and on 27.1.2021, it was adjourned to today by successive notifications.
3. When the matter came up for hearing today through Video Conference, Dr.V.R. Thirunarayanan represented respondents 1, 2, 4, and 7, Sri. Darpan represented 3rd respondent, Sri. C.Kasirajan through Ms.Kothai Muthu Meenal represented 5th respondent, Sri. Darpan represented Sri. M.R. Gokul Krishnan, counsel for the 6th respondent and Sri. Thirunavukarasu represented Central Pollution Control Board who has been designated as the nodal agency.
4.Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board filed a report signed on 18.11.2020, received on 24.11.2020 which reads as follows:
1.0 Background:
Hon‟ble National Green Tribunal, Southern Zone, Chennai in the matter of O.A No. 111 of 2020; Tribunal on its own motion based on the News Item in Tamil Newspaper Dinamalar Chennai Edition dated 13.07.2020, "Frothing of Chemical Foam in the River Thenpennai" Vs The Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, Chennai &Ors., passed orders dated 20.07.2020. Copy of Hon‟ble NGT Orders dated 20/07/2020 is appended as Annexure I. Excerpts of the News Item in Tamil Newspaper Dinamalar Chennai Edition dated 13.07.2020, "Frothing of Chemical Foam in the River Thenpennai" is given below: 3
(i) On 13th July, 2020 about 640 Cusecs water was discharged from Kelavarapalli Reservoir, Hosur and huge amount of chemical foam was found in Thenpennai River.
(ii) The flow of water into the reservoir increased gradually from 320 cusecs (09th July, 2020) to 480 cusecs (11th July, 2020) due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area.
(iii) In general, whenever the flow of water increases in Kelavarapalli reservoir the domestic sewage and industrial effluent from Karnataka mixes into the river in huge quantity.
(iv) On the day of 13th July, 2020, a huge quantity of sewage/effluent were discharged into Thenpennai and therefore, chemical froth/foam were found floating on the surface of water flowing in Kelavarapalli and near thattakalapalli bridge.
Hon‟ble Tribunal (SZ), Chennai vide its orders dated 20.07.2020 appointed a Joint Committee to inspect the area in question and submit status as well as action taken report, if there is any violation found. The Hon‟ble Tribunal has also issued following directions to the committee.
(i) To ascertain the water quality and also ascertain the sources of pollution and take action against the person who are responsible in accordance with law including imposing of environmental compensation.
(ii) To submit a long term and short term action plan with shorter time lines to protect the water body against pollution. If there is any contamination caused, the committee is also directed to suggest ways and means to remedy the same.
Hon‟ble Tribunal vide aforesaid orders directed the committee to submit the report within a period of two months i.e., on or before 05.10.2020. 4 The Joint Committee submitted interim report on 01.10.2020 and informed the Hon‟ble NGT that the report of the joint committee requires six weeks time and the report would be submitted after incorporating the analysis results of samples collected in River Thenpennai along with action plan. In this regard, Hon‟ble NGT accepted the interim report and vide order dated 05.10.2020 directed that, "... some more time can be given to the committee to submit the report as directed by this Tribunal...
The Committee is directed to submit the report on or before 26.11.2020..." „„To submit the report on or before 26.11.2020 by e-filing along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules.......".
„„The concerned state departments are also to submit their independent response to the allegations mage and the steps taken by them to avoid such things in future, before the next hearing date.......‟‟.
Copy of the Hon‟ble NGT Order dated 05.10.2020 is appended as Annexure II.
2.0 Constitution of Joint Committee and Meetings In compliance to the aforesaid orders dated 20/07/2020 of Hon‟ble Tribunal (SZ), Chennai, a Joint Committee comprising of following members has been constituted by Central Pollution Control Board (Nodal Agency) vide its Office Memorandum No. Tech 39/Legal (NGT)/RDS/2020-21/466-474 dated 24.08.2020 and 16.09.2020. Copy of the said Office Memorandum is appended as Annexure III& IV.
1. Sh. Gunasekaran Member Revenue Divisional Officer & Sub Divisional Magistrate Hosur Division, Tamilnadu
2. Sh. N Suresh Member 5 Superintending Engineer, WRO Public Works Department Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu
3. Sh B H Manjunath* Member Superintending Engineer Public Works Department Bangalore Circle, Karnataka
4. Sh. N Nagaraj Member Superintending Engineer Minor Irrigation & Ground Water Development Circle, Jayanagar Bangalore, Karnataka
5. Dr M Senthil Kumar Member District Environmental Engineer Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board Hosur District, Tamilnadu
6. Sh. M K Prabhudev Member Chief Environmental Officer - 2 Karnataka Pollution Control Board Bangalore, Karnataka
7. ShShivanna M G Member Assistant Commissioner (South) Bangalore Urban Karnataka
8. Smt. Selvi P K Nodal Officer Scientist D, Regional Directorate & Member Central Pollution Control Board Bangalore *Subsequent to transfer of Sh. K Durugappa, Superintending Engineer vide Government of Karnataka Order dated 28-08-2020, Sh B H Manjunath, Superintending Engineer, PWD, Bangalore has been nominated as a member of the above Joint Committee.
6 Three meetings were organized by Central Pollution Control Board, Bangalore (Nodal Agency) with the members of Joint Committee on 20.08.2020, 04.09.2020 and 18.09.2020 and minutes were circulated for necessary actions. First and Second Meeting of the Joint Committee were conducted on 20.08.2020& 04.09.2020 to discuss about the preliminary information to be collected before conducting Monitoring and Sampling of River Thenpennai. Therefore, the joint committee decided to collate following information from the concerned departments to carry out further investigations in the matter;
Sl.No Information Required from concerned Departments / Organisations in Tamilnadu and Karnataka A. Minor irrigation and Water Resources Organisations
1. Drainage River Map of Thenpennai.
2. Details of Water Quality Monitoring locations (viz., drainage (flow), length, velocity etc.) in the entire stretch of river from origin till Kelavarapalli Reservoir.
3. Designated use of water flowing in the river stretch
4. Quantity of water discharged from the river stretch for irrigation and other purposes.
5. Annual Rainfall and Rainfall details for August, September, October 2020
6. Custodian of the river to preserve the quality of water to be pristine.
B. State Pollution Control Boards
7. Details of Water Quality Monitoring Locations and water quality data of the River in terms of DO, BOD, COD, TC, phosphates & others for the last three years.
8. Major Sources of pollution (industrial and domestic) :-
(a) Status of list of industries with its type/category/classification, Effluent generation, characteristics, treatment, discharge details etc.
(b) Details of domestic effluent generation, treatment, discharge options etc. 7
(c) Status of Operation of Sewage Treatment Plants with its performance evaluation.
(d) Information regarding open dumping of solid or biomedical or hazardous waste, open burning of waste and illegal encroachment or other activities along the river bed etc. C. Public Works Department
9. Status of sewage discharge and sewerage networking plan in the unsewered area.
10. About Kelavarapalli dam and designated use of dam water. Subsequently, it was discussed and decided to collect the following information from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in the second meeting of the Joint Committee conducted on 04.09.2020;
(a) Status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) (existing & operational, under construction and proposed) in Koramangala & Challaghatta Valley and Hebbal Valley.
(b) Drainage map / layout showing locations of STPs with capacity and sewerage networking in those valleys.
(c) Details of flow of domestic sewage measured at inlet and outlet (after treatment) of each of the STPs.
(d) Performance of STPs based on its operational capacity, Waste water generated vs actual quantity treated, gap analysis and treated waste water quality (w.r.t discharge standards of STP) in Real Time Monitoring stations installed etc.
(e) Quantum of untreated sewage flowing in Koramangala & Challaghatta and Hebbal valley with its proposed Underground Drainage network plan and others.
8
(f) Details of plan for diversion of treated wastewater to Kolar, Chikaballapur and other districts of Karnataka.
(g) Details of Rejuvenation of lakes and water bodies in Bengaluru etc. Third meeting of the Joint Committee was conducted on 18.09.2020 to discuss and review the status of Action taken on the defaulters followed by Action Plan for compliance etc., 3.0 About River Thenpennai Thenpennai River also known as South Pennar or Dakshina Pinakini is an interstate River. The River originates on the south eastern slopes of Chennakesava Hills, northwest of Nandidurg of Chikaballapur district in Karnataka State at an altitude of 1000m above mean sea level, which flows in the southern direction through Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban districts in Karnataka state and descends to Tamilnadu near Hosur.
Thenpennai river basin is one of the largest rivers of the state of Tamil Nadu. The river has supported many a civilizations of peninsular India in supplying precious water for drinking, irrigation and industry to the people of the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. The total length of Ponnaiyar River is 432 km, of which 112 km lies in Karnataka state, 180 km in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, 34 km in Thiruvannamalai and 106 km in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu before joining Bay of Bengal. En route, it branches into Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniar and Pamban rivers in Tamilnadu. With a total catchment of approximately 16,019 km2, it is dry for the most part of the year but swells during the north east monsoon season.
In Karnataka, the river traverses through series of zilla panchayat tanks and also Minor Irrigation tanks namely Nandi tank, Kuppalli tank, Chadalapura tank, Kothanuru tank, Kolavanahalli tank, Cikkadigenahalli tank, Bommanahalli tank, Kanithahalli tank, Muthur tank, malluru tank, Amani Bhadranakere tank in Chikkaballapur district, Hosakote Doddakere tank in Bengaluru Rural district, and 9 Yelemallappa Chettykere tank in Bengaluru Urban District. Drainage basin of River Thenpennai or South Pennar flowing in Karnataka & Tamilnadu is given as Figure 1. The stretch of the river is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towards Chikkaballapur, Kolar district, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote Taluk of Bangalore Rural districts of Karnataka. Before descending the interstate border into Tamilnadu, overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of Koramangala & Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennaithereby causes frothing of river stretch.
Preliminary Joint Committee Survey and Investigation 4.0 Preliminary Reconnaissance Survey and Observations The Joint Committee conducted a preliminary survey during 28.08.2020 and 01.09.2020, in order to investigate the current scenario of River flowing in both the states (Karnataka and Tamilnadu). The findings of the preliminary reconnaissance survey of Chikkaballapur, Kolar districts, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote Taluk in Bangalore rural districts in Karnataka.
Then, the joint committee conducted survey in the areas of River South Pennar drainage basin flowing down south covering Sokarasanapalli (KSPCB monitoring location), Singasadanapalli (Central Water Commission monitoring location), Kodiyalam, Bagalur villages near Hosur and Kelavarapalli Reservoir in Krishnagiri District, Tamilnadu are given below.
Villages near Hosur, Krishnagiri District Tamilnadu:
i. Details of the villages with Population density located on Thenpennai riverine namely, Singasadanapalli, Kodiyalam, Kooliganapalli, Sokkarasanapalli, Bagalur, Lingapuram, Ottapallithinna, Kanimangalam, Paduthepalli, Nanjapuram, Sathyamangalam, Muneeswararnagar, Kembasandhiram, Chennasandiram, Kallipuram were provided as below.
Sl.No Name of Village Distance Number Population Population
10
from the of density
River houses (Sq. Km)
bed (m)
1. Singasadanapalli 1000 120 660 242.50
2. kodiyalam 500 260 1106 217.03
(kooliganapalli)
3. Sokkarasanapalli 500 250 855 348.97
4. Bagalur 50 1500 11000 2534
5. Lingapuram 100 300 2000 1666.67
6. Ottapallithinna 400 35 130 97.01
7. Kanimangalam 1000 110 310 94.80
8. Paduthepalli 1000 120 390 127.03
9. Nanjapuram - - - -
10. Sathyamangalam, 500 255 1390 260.787
Muneeswararnagar
11. Kembasandhiram 500 25 550 705.12
12. Chennasandiram 600 300 1417 885.62
13. Kallipuram - - - -
Total 3275 19808 7179.5
ii. Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board informed that there are no industrial
discharges along the stretch of Thenpennai River in Tamilnadu and no underground sewerage lines or STPs operating near the Riverside. Further, Tamilnadu SPCB informed that following industries are located near the river stretch.
Classifica
Name of the Discharge Consent
Sl.No tion Remarks
industry Options Issued Details
/Category
1. M/s Premier Textile / Zero Liquid CTO issued on The unit is located
VVG & SPG Large Discharge 15.11.1995 at a distance of
Mills Pvt Ltd., /Red and there is valid up to 900 meter from
Belathur, no discharge 31.03.1996 River Thenpennai.
Bagalur. of industrial
11
effluent / RCO issued Re-commissioning
Sewage into on 20.03.2017 the dyeing and
River valid upto printing operation
Thenpennai 31.03.2022 during first week
of October 2020.
2. M/s Exide Integrated Zero Liquid CTO issued on 4 km away from
Industries Ltd., Battery Discharge 13.11.2013 river and divided
,Chichuruganapa manufactu and there is valid up to by undulated
lli, Sevaganapalli ring unit/ no discharge 31.03.2014 terrain.
Large of industrial
/Red effluent / RCO issued
Sewage into on 20.12.2017
River valid upto
Thenpennai 31.03.2022
3. M/s Shahi Textile STP and CTO issued on No discharge
Exports Pvt garment treated 22.08.2011 outside remises.
Ltd., unit / effluent valid up to
Sevaganapalli. Large / utilized for 31.03.2012
Green green belt
and there is RCO issued
no discharge on 03.07.2020
of Sewage valid upto
into River 31.03.2022
Thenpennai
iii. Color of Water flowing in the River stretch was observed to be greyish in sokkarasanapalli, frothy/slight greyish in kodiyalam, brownish to grey in Bagalur bridge and greenish in Kelavarapalli Reservoir.
iv. Solid waste dumping and mixing of domestic sewage into the river stretch flowing through Bagalur bridge was also observed and Tamil Nadu 12 Pollution Control Board was asked to take note of the scenario for appropriate actions.
v. The sewage generation from Bagalur village has been estimated as 0.8 MLD (approx.) and 0.01 MLD to 0.15 MLD (approx.) from rest of the villages in Tamilnadu. It was also informed that the sewage generated in the above hamlets percolates within the hamlet limits and therefore may not get discharged into River Thenpennai.
vi. Average rainfall of Kelavarapalli is about 533 mm.
Kelavarapalli Reservoir Project was built in 1978-1995 at Krishnagiri district, Tamilnadu and the Reservoir or Dam is situated at a distance of 8 km from Karnataka and 10 km away from Hosur, Tamilnadu across the River Thenpennai, which actually originates from the eastern slopes of Chennakesava Hills in Karnataka. The dam further leads water to the districts of Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakuruchi, Villupuram and Cuddalore before joining Bay of Bengal.
Kelavarapalli Dam is situated at the latitude of 12°52‟42″N and longitude of 78°46‟06‟‟ E which is located in the Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states. The Dam is operational from 10th November 2002. Salient features of the dam include:
(a) Salient features of Dam:
1. Type of dam : Masonnry cum earthern Dam
2. Length : 665m
3. Height : 13.50m
4. FRL Water spread Area : 433.20 Hec.
5. Volume : 0.481 TMC
6. Catchment area : 2442.00 Sq.Km
7. Gross Capacity : 13.61 Mcum
8. Maximum Water level : 831.50
9. FRL : 831.50
10. Water Supply Period : 1st Crop = July to December - 150 Days 13
11. Spillway Type : Ogee Crest Type
12. Spillway Nos : 7 Nos
13. Spillway Size : 12.20m x 6.10m
14. Crest Level : 825.40
15. Design flood Discharge : 88980 Cusecs
16. River Sluice : 1 No ( 1.20m x1.82m)
17. Canal Sluice : 2 Nos (0.90m x 1.50m)
18. Length of Canals Right main canal (RMC)= 21.99 Left Main canal (LMC)= 25.500 km LMC Branch canal5.40 km LMC Branch canal II = 3.80 km LMC Branch canal III = 2.78 km LMC Branch canal IV = 4.96 km LMC Branch canal V = 0.71 km Distributaries I of B.C IV = 1.80 km Distributaries II of B.C. IV = 2.00 km Distributaries I of B.C V = 1.48 km Distributaries II of B.C. V = 1.15 km Total = 71.57km
19. Irrigation Area : 3676 Hec
20. Approved Estimate : Rs.551.50 Lakhs
21. Revised Estimate : Rs.606.70 Lakhs
(b) Present condition of Dam (as on 09.09.2020)
1. Water level : 12.30 m
2. Water storage level : 343.74 Mcuft
3. Water incoming : 400 cusecs
4. Water discharge : 400 cusecs Kelavarapalli Dam SIPCOT Central Water Supply Scheme provided 14.00 MLD of water to Hosur Municipality Phase I during 2015-16. Water supply of Hosur Municipality is mainly being met out from the Government of Tamilnadu‟s Hoganekkal water supply Project which was executed & maintained by Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (a statutory body under Tamilnadu Government) 14 and the other sources are from Kelavarapalli Dam, one from Perandapalli River and few local wells. At present the entire Municipality is receiving 30.39 MLD of water supply from all the above said sources. (Source:
https://www.twadboard.tn.gov.in/content/major-water-supply-schemes-1518). Since Ponnaiyar river is the sole water source in Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore districts, it has been extensively dammed. As it enters Tamilnadu, the water is stored in the Kelavarapalli dam reservoir near Hosur. The surplus amount reaches the Krishnagiri dam, which is situated 60 km downstream. 4.2 Excerpts of Thenpennai River Monitoring in the matter of O.S No. 2 of 2015 before Hon‟ble Supreme Court & in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017 before Hon‟ble NGT:
A) In O.S No. 2 of 2015 before Hon‟ble Supreme Court In compliance to Hon‟ble Supreme Court directions in the Original Suit No. 02 of 2015, ajoint monitoring Report on River Cauvery and Thenpennaiyar was submitted by CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB, wherein the monitoring team carried out sampling of water for the period September 2017 to May 2018. The committee filed the report before the Hon‟ble Court in 2018 (the case is pending before Hon‟ble Supreme Court). The findings of the Report is given as below:
1. In case of River Thenpennaiyar at Sokarasanapalli, the water quality falls below designated best use Class C during all nine monitoring and the critical parameters are BOD, DO and TC. The Total Coliform was always > 5000 MPN/1000 ml and DO was <1 except during January and February 2018 showing the DO as 2.4 and 3.8 mg/l respectively. BOD also exceeded the Sewage standards notified (i.e 20 mg/l) for all nine months showing the water is highly polluted.
2. The River Thenpennaiyar receives the outflow of treated and untreated sewage of Bellandur and varthur lake system. Comprehensive plan of restoration of these lakes along with identifying other sources of untreated sewage into the River only will help to restore the quality of the river. Government of Karnataka may prepare 15 such plan on priority considering the pollution issues of Bellandur and varthur lake system, which contributes to the pollution of Thenpennaiyar River.
B) In O.A No. 125/2017 before Hon‟ble NGT On the subject of remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore, including preventing discharge and dumping of pollutants, removing encroachments from catchment area and other steps for restoration, Hon‟ble Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017, constituted a monitoring committee headed by Justice ShSantosh Hegde, former Judge of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court to oversee the execution of the action plan. In this regard, summary of Compliance Report to the observations of the Monitoring Committee in respect of BWSSB, BDA, UDD, Minor Irrigation and KSPCB was filed before Hon‟ble NGT, Principal Bench on 04.08.2020, wherein Hon‟ble Tribunal vide orders dated 13.08.2020 has directed that "...the left- over work may be expeditiously completed which may be reviewed by the Monitoring Committee. The status of compliance as on 31.12.2020 may be compiled by the Monitoring Committee and report furnished to this Tribunal by 15.01.2021...".
4.3 Major Sources of Pollution Major sources of pollution to River Thenpennai appear to be from untreated/partial treated sewage from Bangalore. Sewage generated from Bengaluru is the predominant reason for deterioration of lakes and water bodies in Bangalore, which is ultimately flowing into river Thenpennai.
There are various reasons such as ageing of sewers, encroachment of sewers, damages in the sewerage system, crown corrosion of sewers etc. for direct discharges of a part of wastewater from housing colonies and such discharge is flowing through Storm Water Drains and enters lakes in Bengaluru. Lakes in Bengaluru were created for rain water harvesting and once served as sources of water supply to the city. Lakes are under the custody of various departments namely Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority 16 (BDA), Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Lake Development Authority (LDA), Minor Irrigation and Water Resources Department.
In recent years, few lakes have been converted into built-up area owing to industrialization and urbanisation. Among all the lakes, Bellandur and Varthur are highly polluted due to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage from the city. Bellandur lake receives nearly 40 % of Bangalore‟s sewage and further drains into varthur lake, then flows into Thenpennai River towards south of Bangalore. Lakes are polluted due to inadequate drainage system leading to bypassing of sewage into lakes, entry of sewage from apartments/commercial establishments into storm water drains leading to lakes, insufficient sewage treatment plants, encroachment of lakes and Rajakaluves (storm water drains), dumping of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition wastes, illegal discharge of industrial effluents etc. The foremost reason for pollution of Bellandur Lake is sewage/ Sullage flowing in the storm water drains. One of the main reasons for development of foam in the waste weir is agitation of water falling over a height and due to surfactants present in sewage. Now after establishment of sluice gate and weir modification, foam formation reduced considerably. Additionally, fertilisers used by farmers of Karnataka as well as Tamilnadu may add to the pollution of river thenpennai.
SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF RIVER THENPENNAI 5.0 Sampling Locations The Joint Committee identified the following sampling points for collecting surface water samples based on the reconnaissance survey conducted in Tamilnadu and Karnataka during 28 th August and 01st September, 2020.
Sampling Points
Sl.No State Geo-Coordinates
(no. of samples)
12.923 °N 77.639
1. Karnataka
°E i. Agara drain
12.923 °N 77.646 °E ii. Y junction
(Agara/Koramangla)
12.931 °N 77.677 °E
iii. Bellandur diversion
12.945 °N 77.746 °E channel
17
12.985 °N 77.776 °E iv. Varthur diversion
channel
12.970 °N 77.784 °E
v. Channasandra bridge
vi. Samethanahalli weir
12.853 °N 77.831
2. Inter
°E State vii. Mugalur bridge
B
12.896 °N 77.831 °E viii. Sokkarasanapalli o
u
n
d
a
r
y
12.769 °N 77.875
3. Tamilnadu
°E ix. Bagalur bridge
12.769 °N 77.877 °E x. Kodiyalam
12.857 °N 77.823 °E xi. Kelavarapalli reservoir
12.831 °N 77.871 °E
xii. Kelavarapalli outfall
Surface water samples of the above twelve locations were collected by Joint Committee on 09th and 10th September, 2020. Thenpennai River basin Map showing the sampling locations in Karnataka and Tamilnadu are given below as Figure 4. Geographic profile and details of the sampling locations in the sequence of the flow of River Thenpennai in Krishnagiri District, Tamilnadu is provided below;
(i) Sokarasanapalli:
Sokarasanapalli is located at interstate border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka with a distance of 500 m from the river bed.
Sokarasanapalli is an interstate water quality monitoring location being sampled by Karnataka on a quarterly basis. The flow of water in sokkarasanapalli was observed as greyish and with growth of floating aquatic plants in a large area.
(ii) Kodiyalam: Kodiyalam is situated in north east direction of Hosur district, Tamilnadu. In kodiyalam, there is one anaicut which has two sluices constructed to distributewater flowing from sokkarasanapalli for agriculture purpose. Central Water Commission, Cauvery and Southern Rivers Division monitors flow of the river at this location. Water was found to be flowing in greyish color and frothy foam was floating on the river.18
(iii) Bagalur bridge:
Bagalur bridge is situated in north eastern direction of Hosur district, Tamilnadu. Bagalur bridge was found with water flowing in brown to greyish color and solid waste was found dumped on either sides of the river bed. Cattles were also found grazing the grass near the solid waste dumped area which could cause lethal effects due to plastics and other inert materials dumped over.
(iv) Kelavarapalli dam:
Kelavarapalli dam is located in the Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu.400 cusecs of water was found flowing through spillway shutters with reasonably clear water in green color on the day of visit. Also scanty pockets of froth was seen due to water flowing with force from high fall of the dam.
In the areas namely, Samethanahalli, Mugalur, Sokkarasanapalli, Kodiyalam, Bagalur, Kelavarapalli water was found being pumped and used for agriculture in the nearby areas.
5.1 Sampling Protocol The surface water samples of the above identified 12 locations in River Thenpennai were collected during 09th and 10th September, 2020 and submitted to laboratory for analysis. The Joint Committee followed CPCB‟s Standard Operating Procedure for National Water Quality Monitoring Programme and Submission of data (August, 2017). The scope of the SOP is to standardise the process of sample collection, preservation, handling and analysis, preparation of data reports, etc. 5.2 Results and Discussion:
The River originates in Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district and the flow is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towards Chikkaballapur district, Kolar District, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk of Bangalore Rural district. Therefore, no samples could be collected till Hoskote tank.
Subsequently, it was informed by KSPCB that overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of Koramangala&Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennai. Accordingly, samples were collected from the diversion channels of Bellandur and Varthur lakes,Agara drain, Y Junction to ascertain the sources of pollution flowing into River Thenpennai.
The joint committee discussed that the quality of water flowing in river Thenpennai could be assessed based on the water samples from the above four major drains/channels, river flowing in major confluence points and interstate monitoring locations identified in consultation with concerned State Pollution Control Boards such as Channasandra bridge, Samethanahalli, Mugalur bridge, Sokkarasanapalli, Bagalur bridge, Kodiyalam, Kelavarapalli.19
The analysis results of the samples collected from all the above 12 locations were compared with Designated Best Use (DBU) criteria and Classification notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. The categorisation and classification of water flowing in River Thenpennai is given below at Table 1. Table 1. Classification as per Designated Best Use Criteria of Samples collected in River Thenpennai Sample Designated Best Use Criteria Class Locations pH D SS Tur FC BO EC SA Boro Fre Designa O bidit (MP D (µs/c R n e ted Best y N/1 m) Am Use (NT 00 mon Criteria U) ml) ia Sampling in diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks, Bengaluru - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 6.92 3.8 21.5 18.9 500 16 810 1.6 0.016 Nil E Drain Y junction 6.87 4.9 59 11.4 900 15 762 1.3 0.019 Nil D Bellandur 6.89 5 45 10.4 160 11 758 1.4 0.016 Nil D diversion 0 channel Varthur 7.04 3.7 115 27.5 500 10 706 1.4 0.015 Nil E diversion channel Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channasa 7.02 3.8 171 13.8 900 11 931 2 0.017 Nil E ndra bridge Samethan 6.98 2.4 78 35 160 10 825 1.8 0.015 Nil E ahalli 0 Mugalur 6.79 2.4 574 450 500 21 628 1.5 0.017 Nil E Bridge Sokkarasa 6.83 3.5 806 630 900 23 648 1.6 0.015 Nil E napalli Kodiyalam 6.82 1.6 1474 997 900 26 727 1.5 0.018 Nil E Bagalur 6.92 2.2 1121 850 500 53 1111 2.2 0.019 Nil E bridge Kelavarap 7.35 4.7 50 12.4 500 11 1069 2.4 0.019 Nil D alli Reservoir Kelavarap 7.19 5.2 10 7.5 900 10 1049 2.2 0.017 Nil D alli Outfall Designate A - Drinking Water Source without conventional treatment but after d Best disinfection Use B - Outdoor bathing (Organised) Criteria C - Drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfection 20 D - Propagation of Wild life and Fisheries E - Irrigation, Industrial Cooling, Controlled Waste disposal Classificat The analysis of Water Samples collected at 12 locations joining River ion of Thenpennai shows that the Water Quality of the River falls under the Class River E as per Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment Thenpenn (Protection) Rules, 1986.
ai Analysis of water quality in River Thenpennai reveal that Dissolved oxygen concentration was found be above > 4mg/l only in kelavarapalli reservoir, its outfall, Y junction, and Bellandur diversion channel. The water quality was found to be deteriorated in terms of presence of oxygen from channasandra bridge till Bagalur bridge of River Thenpennai and also in varthur diversion channel and Agara drain. Improved oxygen level found in kelavarapalli reservoir may be attributed to large area of the reservoir allowing the suspended solids to settle and the water flowing through sluices with a high rise fall. Further, greenish plants/algal growth in scanty pockets seen in Kelavarapalli and Sokkarasanapalli known as Eutrophication, arises from the oversupply of nutrients (N & P), which leads to overgrowth of plants and algae. Degradation of dead algae and plants by microbes consuming dissolved oxygen in the water may lead to the state of hypoxie.
Further, BOD of the water was found to be not complying in all the sampled locations as per Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. Wherein, BOD is found to be beyond the permissible limit in Bagalur bridge (53 mg/l) when compared with the General Standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants Part-A: Effluents notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, which is also shown in Figure 5 below.
The total and faecal coliform analysis indicates the „potability‟ of water & its suitability for consumption/drinking. The count measures the concentration of total coliform bacteria associated with the possible presence of disease causing organisms. The Total Coliform was found to be non complying in all the sampling points of River Thenpennai. Analysis of Faecal coliform count in River Thenpennai shows that the 21 concentration of microbial count in the range of 500 to 1600 MPN/100 ml which may be attributed to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage into the River. Results of suspended solids in the Analysis of water quality in River Thenpennai were compared with the prescribed limits of General Standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants Part-A: Effluents notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, which reveal that the values were not complying in the locations viz., Channasandra bridge, Mugalur bridge, Sokkarasanapalli, Bagalur bridge, Kodiyalamand in Varthur diversion channel. The larger the Suspended solids, the larger shall be the presence of bacteria, protozoa and viruses. High TSS wastewater cannot be easily disinfected, as the suspended particles "hide" these microorganisms and also react with chemical disinfectants. The Physico-Chemical Parameters analysed for the samples collected in River Thenpennai is given at Table 2. Figure 7 below shows the comparison chart of TSS, TDS and total hardness.
Table 2. Analysis Results of Physico Chemical Parameters in River Thenpennai.
22
Physico-chemical Parameters (mg/l)
Sur
fac
T Anio Amm Tota
Sample O- Total e
T C ot Flu Chl Sul nic oniac l Cal T Nitr Nit T Phe
Location T Phos Phos Acti N M
D O al orid orid phat surf al Har ciu K ate rite O K nol
s C phat phat ve a g
S D Al e e e acta Nitrog dne m N -N -N C s
e e Ag
k nt en ss
ent
s
Bengaluru diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 4 5 1 2 3.8 65 41 0.53 0.68 BDL BD BDL 237 69 1 2 0.0 7. 5 1 1 BD Lake 7 7 6 2 L 2. 5 9 7 1 6 L 6 0 7 3 0 Y 4 5 9 2 0.1 65 62 0.47 0.61 BDL BD BDL 216 62 1 2 0.2 6. 4 1 1 BD junction 1 3 0 1 9 L 2. 3 5 4 1. 5 L 0 0 6 6 8 Belland 4 4 1 2 0.2 75 22 0.84 1.01 BDL BD 1.6 192 62 1 2 0.1 7 4 1 9 BD ur lake 1 5 6 1 5 L 1. 2 5 0. L 4 0 6 5 5 0 Varthur 4 3 9 1 3.8 75 51 0.42 0.62 BDL BD BDL 188 54 1 BD 0.1 1 4 1 1 BD lake 0 7 0 6 L 1 L 2 6 4 0. 3 L 8 0 9 2 Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channa 5 4 9 2 3.8 126 49 1.06 1.38 BDL BD BDL 209 69 1 5 0.3 1 6 1 9 BD sandra 3 1 0 1 L 7. 6 1 6 2. L bridge 6 0 6 3 2 Sameth 4 3 1 1 2.3 100 53 1.11 1.32 BDL BD BDL 184 57 1 4 0.3 1 5 1 1 BD anahalli 8 3 6 9 L 1. 4 6 1. 0 L industria 4 0 2 3 3 l zone 0 23 Mugalur 3 8 9 1 0.2 70 57 0.53 1.73 BDL BD BDL 139 41 1 2 0.0 1 4 9. 9 BD Bridge 6 6 0 3 3 L 2. 5 0. 1 3 L 3 0 7 1 4 Sokkara 3 9 9 1 0.2 70 21 0.63 0.8 0.34 0.4 BDL 145 41 1 BD 0.0 1 4 9 1 BD sanapall 6 0 0 5 5 4. L 1 0 4 0 L i 3 0 7 8 Kodiyal 4 9 1 1 0.3 100 55 0.6 1.7 BDL BD BDL 180 44 1 2.2 0.1 9. 4 9. 1 BD am 0 8 6 9 5 L 9. 1 9 7 5 7 L 4 0 6 5 0 Bagalur 6 2 9 2 1.2 138 19 0.93 1.32 0.43 0.4 BDL 265 74 2 BD 0.0 1 8 1 1 BD bridge 4 0 0 9 9 6. L 3 3 0 3 9 L 0 4 0 8 9 Kelavar 6 3 1 2 0.2 131 52 0.98 1.57 BDL BD BDL 241 70 6. 4.9 0.2 1 8 1 1 BD apalli 2 3 6 0 3 L 6 4 0. 6 4 6 L Reservo 0 0 0 7 ir 0 Kelavar 6 4 1 2 0.3 150 33 1.97 2.23 BDL BD BDL 265 65 7. 2.7 0.2 1 8 1 2 BD apalli 1 1 6 3 L 1 5 0 1 3. 5 L Outfall 2 0 5 5 0 Classific The analysis of Water Samples collected at 12 locations joining River Thenpennai reveals that characteristics of water ation of w.r.t Fluoride is not complying with the permissible limits prescribed under Drinking Water specification of Indian River Standard IS 10500:2012 and General Standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants Part-A: Effluents notified Thenpe under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 in the areas viz., Agara lake, Varthur lake, Channasandra bridge and nnai Samethanahalli.
24
Figure. 7 Analysis results of Suspended Solids and Total Solids Analysis results of heavy metals in River Thenpennai are given at Table 3 below. Metals and heavy metals namely, Aluminium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Total Arsenic, Selenium, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead were analysed in all the 12 locations of River.
Table 3. Heavy Metal Concentrations of 12 locations in River Thenpennai Sample Heavy Metals in mg/l Locatio Al Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Total Se Cd Hg Pb ns As Sampling in diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks, Bengaluru - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 0.6 0.0 0.1 1.3 BL BL 0.00 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 BLQ Drain 61 09 52 80 Q Q 4 66 1 Y 0.6 0.0 0.2 1.4 BL 0.0 0.03 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 0.00 junction 40 03 21 05 Q 03 1 51 5 6 Belland 0.6 BL 0.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.01 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.01 0.00 ur 68 Q 82 74 01 03 0 46 2 5 diversio n channel Varthur 0.7 BL 0.2 1.6 BL BL 0.01 0.0 0.001 BLQ BLQ 0.00 0.00 diversio 58 Q 25 37 Q Q 3 42 5 5 n channel Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channa 0.1 BL 0.2 0.7 BL BL 0.00 42. BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 BLQ sandra 74 Q 00 28 Q Q 6 05 3 bridge 1 Sameth 0.3 BL 0.1 0.9 BL BL BLQ 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 BLQ anahalli 54 Q 10 90 Q Q 03 6 weir Mugalur 1.3 BL 0.2 3.1 BL BL 0.02 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 0.00 Bridge 78 Q 19 48 Q Q 4 42 3 7 Sokkara 1.7 BL 0.2 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.02 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 sanapall 98 Q 68 02 03 04 2 62 8 i Kodiyal 3.2 0.0 0.3 10. 0.0 0.0 BLQ 0.1 BLQ BLQ 0.004 BLQ 0.02 am 39 03 79 28 07 10 72 5 6 Bagalur 1.5 BL 0.3 4.8 0.0 0.0 0.01 0.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.01 bridge 10 Q 48 91 03 05 0 96 0 Kelavar BL BL 0.2 0.1 BL BL BLQ 21. BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 BLQ apalli Q Q 16 04 Q Q 48 2 Reservo 3 ir 25 | P a g e Kelavar BL BL 0.2 0.2 BL BL BLQ BL BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.00 BLQ apalli Q Q 00 21 Q Q Q 2 Outfall A. Water Quality of tanks/diversion channels leading to River B. Water Quality of River Thenpennai Figure. 8 Analysis results of Metals and Heavy Metal Heavy metal analysis of samples collected in River Thenpennai shows that non-permissible concentration of mercury was found in Bellandur lake (0.012 mg/l) followed by non-permissible levels of Zinc in channasandra bridge and kelavarapalli. Further, non-permissible levels of Iron were found in Mugalur bridge, Sokkarasanapalli,Bagalurand Kodiyalam. Nowadays, due to a variety of anthropogenic actions, the river water typically receives untreated sewage, domestic waste, industrial and agricultural effluents leading to polluted river stretch. Analysis results reveal that concentration of fluoride has been found to be not complying in the locations namely, Agara drain, Varthur diversion channel, Channasandra bridge and Samethanahalli weir. The concentration of fluoride in the River Thenpennai in the above areas were reported to be in the range of 0.19 to 3.8 mg/l, which may be attributed to usage of groundwater as drinking water source along with water supplied by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board followed by untreated sewage discharge into the river. However, as reported by World Health Organisation in its report Fluoride in Drinking Water, Fluorides may also enter a river as a result of industrial discharges (Slooff et al., 1988). The maximum level of fluoride which the body may tolerate is 1.5 parts per million (ppm) which is often based on water fluoride content. The other sources for fluoride are infiltration of agricultural runoff containing chemical fertilisers, improper disposal of liquid waste from industries, alumina smelting, cement production and ceramic and brick firing. Analysis results of Fluorides, Phosphates and Nitrates are given as Figure 9 and 10 respectively.
Figure. 9 Analysis results of Fluorides and Phosphates Nitrogen and phosphorus in all forms are major rate limiting elements essential for the growth of algae and other vegetation in water bodies leading to a state called eutrophication. The greenish color water with large vegetation growth is common sight for not only lakes and ponds but also slow moving rivers. Eutrophication leads to many problems related to water quality: Large Dissolved oxygen variation leads to fish kills Filling the water body with dead algae and other vegetation. Decomposition of dead algae and vegetation at the bottom causing oxygen depletion and further 26 | P a g e release of nutrient. Release of algal toxins and odors causing substances make the water unsuitable for human and animal consumption.
Figure. 10 Analysis results of Nitrates The water quality was also analysed for the presence of pesticides namely, Anilopho, 2-4 D, Carbaryl, Beta Endosulfan, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Alpha HCH, Alpha Endosulfan, Beta HCH, Delta HCH, Endosulfan sulphate, Ethion, Gamma HCH, o,p‟ DDD, o,p‟ DDE, o,p‟ DDT, p,p‟ DDD, p,p‟ DDE, p,p‟ DDT, Methyl parathion, Malathion, Chlorpyriphos. However, no traces of pesticides was found in the samples collected in River Thenpennai and channels/drain/overflow of tanks leading to the River. Analysis of water samples collected also reveal that no presence of Anionic Surfactants and Surface Active Agents in River Thenpennai except in Sokkarasanapalli and Bagalur bridge. It is submitted that, there recorded an average rainfall of more than 100 mm on the previous night of sampling i.e 09.09.2020. Subsequent to the rainfall day, the locations namely, Agara drain, Y junction, Bellandur diversion channel, Varthur diversion channel, Channasandra bridge, Samethanahalli were inspected and samples were collected on 10.09.2020. 5.3 Findings and Observations :
1. The stretch of the river is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towards Chikkaballapur district, Kolar District, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk of Bangalore Rural district.
Overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of Koramangala & Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennai thereby causes frothing of river stretch.
2. The Joint committee has also observed that flow of Surface water in River Thenpennai carries about a portion of treated wastewater from STPsi.e 300 MLD {750 (STP capacity) - 450 (Treated water diverted to Kolar & Chikkaballapur)} and untreated sewage i.e258 MLD (i.e866 MLD - 608 MLD) of Bangalore, as informed by BWSSB.
3. Solid Waste dumping was found in the locations including Agara drain, Bellandur diversion channel, Y Junction, Channasandra bridge, Mugalur bridge and bagalur bridge, which needs to be removed by the concerned agencies of the State Government.Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has instructed the Block Development Officer for taking action for proper disposal of solid waste and domestic sewage in the area of investigation, which is provided in Section 6.0 of Chapter VI.
27 | P a g e
4. Frothy flow was found in locations namely, Samethanahalli, Mugalur, Kodiyalam, Kelavarapalli which may be attributed to mix of industrial effluents and domestic sewage flowing from the areas. However, it is also noted that no presence of surface active agents and anionic surfactants were found in the samples collected during the monitoring except in Sokkarasanapalli and Bagalur bridge.
5. Analysis results of River Thenpennai reveals that the quality of the surface water flowing in River Thenpennai falls under Category E of the Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, which is attributed to absence of sufficient dissolved oxygen and presence of suspended solids followed by faecal coliform in all the locations. There appears deteriorated Dissolved Oxygen in the river stretches from Channasandra bridge to Bagalur bridge.
6. Faecal coliform count in River Thenpennai were found to be in the concentration of 500 to 1600 MPN/100 ml which may be attributed to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage with night soil contamination.
7. No traces of pesticides were found in the surface water samples collected.
8. It was observed that water flowing in samethanahalli, mugalur, sokkarasanapalli, kodiyalam, bagalur, kelavarapalliis being pumped and used for agriculture in the nearby fields/farms, which may be checked for water quality, on a regular basis by concerned authorities to ensure the water quality, as it is also being used for edible food crops. Necessary steps may be taken by the agricultural departments of respective State Governments.
9. The surface water quality needs improvement in terms of dissolved oxygen, Total Coliform/Faecal Coliform, suspended solids, dissolved solids, nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals.
10. Therefore, the joint committee recommends development of Biodiversity park and wetland as per CPCB Guidelines titled „Guidelines for setting up of Biodiversity parks in Floodplains of Rivers of India, including River Ganga‟, at suitable locations as a means of remedial measures. In the matter of O.A No. 111 of 2020, Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board carried out inspections of unauthorized dyeing units on 14.09.2020 based on the telephonic message received from the public of Paduthepalli village, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri district. During the inspection, TNPCB made following observations;
(i) Two unauthorized dyeing units carrying out dyeing of cotton fabric/hosieries were found operational, namely (a) M/s Veeraraj Dyeing, SF No. 156/1, Pauthepalli Village, Nanthimangalam Post, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District, owned by SmtYellamma, w/o Sh Bowseruvappa and (b) M/s Moorthy dyeing, SF No. 209/3B2, Pauthepalli village, 28 | P a g e Nanthimangalam post, Hosur taluk, Krishnagiri district, owned by Smt. Sikkathayamma, w/o ShKembaiyya.
(ii) The above units have not obtained Consent to Operate from TNPCB and permission from other Government agencies/authorities. The units were found to be drawing water from agri borewell for the dyeing activity and discharging untreated dyeing effluent into the River Thenpennai through pipeline causing pollution of River.
(iii) The above two units were found to be located within 5 km from the Riverbed of Thenpennai, against the regulations passed by G.O Ms. No. 127/E&F/EC Dept./ECIII/ dated 08.05.1998.
(iv) No Effluent Treatment Plant was provided for the treatment of the trade effluent generated and the untreated dyeing colored effluent was being discharged directly into River Thenpennai through pipeline.
(v) TNPCB sought permission from DC, Krishnagiri and Chairman of District Coordination Committee for Krishnagiri district to stop the illegal discharge of effluent into water bodies/land and to take stringent action against defaulting units as per the guidelines.
(vi) Subsequent to the approval of the Chairman, DCC dated 15.09.2020, actions were taken to disconnect TNEB power supply followed by demolishing of machineries/shed installed by the unauthorized dyeing units on 17.09.2020 by the members of DCC with police protection, to prevent any such dyeing operations in the future. Photographs taken before and after demolishing the units are provided as Figure 11 below:
Samples at sokkarasanapalli village have been continued till date. From the said analysis reports, it has been revealed that parameters such as Dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand and Total Coliform are exceeding the Class B of Designated Best Use (DBU) criteria and Classification notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. It has also been submitted that, the industries generating trade effluent in Krishnagiri District are treating their trade effluent through Effluent Treatment Plants and the treated effluent are being either recycled back to their process or discharged on their own land for green belt development after satisfying the standards prescribed by the Board. There is no discharge of trade effluent into river thenpennai from Krishnagiri district. However, all the industries are being closely monitored by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board. A note on the water quality analysis carried out by TNPCB is appended as Annexure V. A. Action Taken by TNPCB with regard to Solid Waste Management and domestic sewage management On the basis of field survey and investigation carried out by the joint committee in Bagalur bridge along River Thenpennai, the following instructions have been given to the Block Development Officer, Hosur Panchayat Union, Hosur, Krishnagiri District by TNPCB;
(i) The Solid Waste and Biomedical waste generated from the areas viz., Bagalur covered under the local body jurisdiction shall be collected, segregated and disposed as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
(ii) The Solid Wastes dumped in the banks of River Thenpennai shall be cleared immediately around the river bed in Bagalur area and near Bagalur Bridge, and to dispose them in a proper scientific manner as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
29 | P a g e Similarly, TNPCB has given instructions to the Block Development officer of Hosur panchayat Union in Hosur, Krishnagiri District that the domestic sewage generated from the households, commercial establishments and other activities shall not be discharged into River Thenpennai, and the entire sewage shall be treated and disposed by providing suitable treatment system. In this regard, the local body has also been instructed to submit action taken report w.r.t solid waste management and sewage management alongwith short term and long term action plan to avoid discharging of sewage into River from the inhabitants of Bagalur. 6.1 Long Term and Short Term Action Plan for improving the Water Quality of River Thenpennai The joint monitoring team comprising of CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB have reported in the case of Original Suit No. 02 of 2015 that, "the River Thenpennaiyar receives the outflow of treated and untreated sewage of Bellandur and Varthur lake system. Comprehensive plan of restoration of these lakes along with identifying other sources of untreated sewage into the River only will help to restore the quality of the river. Government of Karnataka may prepare such plan on priority considering the pollution issues of Bellandur and Varthur lake system, which contributes to the Pollution of Thenpennaiyar River". Further, Hon‟ble Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017, constituted a monitoring committee headed by Justice ShSantosh Hegde, former Judge of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court to oversee the execution of the action plan on remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore. The joint committee with due cognizance of the water quality of River Thenpennai reported in section 5.2 above and the action plan already reported by the joint monitoring team comprising of CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB and execution of the action plan on remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore by the monitoring committee in O.A no. 125/2017, the following long term and short term action plan has been prepared;
Action Points Present Status Proposed Action by the Agency
Joint Committee Responsible
(Timeline)
Random The information of Among the industries those TNPCB
Verification of grossly polluting that are Red/Orange &KSPCB (six
grossly industries located category(small, medium and months)
polluting in the river basin large) with treated effluent
(water along with the discharge option as surface
polluting) status of effluent water/sewer drain (which
industries management has includes industries having
located in the been compiled by ZLD) in River basin of
River Basin KSPCB. Thenpennai be monitored for
and effluent characteristics by
Assessment of concerned SPCBs, so as to
wastewater ascertain the quality of
management treated effluent discharge as
and discharge per the Consent Conditions
mode. of SPCBs. The details of the
compliance status and action
taken report be placed in
public domain (TNPCB and
KSPCB website).
Sewage and Among the Feasibility study for providing Feasibility
30 | P a g e
Solid Waste villages located Sewage Treatment options study by
Management near River (such as oxidations ponds/ TNPCB in
in the villages Thenpennai, diversion channels or consultation
(13) adjoining Bagalur is having wetlands etc.) by TNPCB with local
River population of followed by implementation authority for
Thenpennai up about 11,000 and by Local authority of the implementation
till the domestic district. (six months)
Kelavarapalli sewage
generation is
estimated to be Solid Waste Management
0.0715 MLD. Plan be devised and
Further, Solid Concerned
executed by concerned Block
Waste generation Block
Development Officer, Hosur
is estimated to be Development
Taluk to ensure the solid
about 1.5 Officer to
wastes are not disposed on
Tons/day. submit to
the river side.
TNPCB (six
months)
Regular Water Water Quality is The trend of water quality TNPCB
Quality being monitored and its improvement may be &KSPCB
Monitoring at by KSPCB by monitored for the year 2021- (every year)
important installing real time 22 on a monthly basis and a
locations monitoring report be submitted to CPCB
stations in to ensure the quality of water
Bellandur and flowing in River Thenpennai.
Varthur. Further,
Mugalur bridge
and
sokkarasanapalli
is being
monitored under
National Water
Quality Monitoring
Programme.
In view of the above, a letter has been addressed to the Block Development Officer, Hosur, Krishnagiri District vide T.O. Letter dated 23.10.2020 (Annexure VI) and instructed that the solid wastes dumped in the banks of River Thenpennai shall be cleared immediately around the river bed in Bagalur area and near Bagalur Bridge, and to dispose them in a proper scientific manner as per the provisions of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
31 | P a g e Further, a letter has also been addressed to the Block Development Officer, Hosur vide T.O. Letter dated 23.10.2020 (Annexure VI) and instructed that the sewage generated from the households, commercial establishment and other activities shall not be discharged into River Thenpennai, and the entire sewage shall be treated and disposed by providing suitable treatment system and requested to furnish the short-term and Long-term action plan shall be prepared and implement to avoid the discharging of Sewage into River Thenpennai ."
5.We have also received the Joint Committee Report received dated ‟nil‟ e-filed on 3.2.2021 and received on 17.2.2021 which reads as follows:
BACKGROUND Hon‟ble National Green Tribunal, Southern Zone, Chennai in the matter of O.A No. 111 of 2020; Tribunal on its own motion based on the News Item in Tamil Newspaper Dinamalar Chennai Edition dated 13.07.2020, "Frothing of Chemical Foam in the River Thenpennai" Vs The Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, Chennai &Ors., passed orders dated 20.07.2020. Copy of Hon‟ble NGT Orders dated 20/07/2020 is appended as Annexure I. Excerpts of the News Item in Tamil Newspaper Dinamalar Chennai Edition dated 13.07.2020, "Frothing of Chemical Foam in the River Thenpennai" is given below:
(i) On 13th July, 2020 about 640 Cusecs water was discharged from Kelavarapalli Reservoir, Hosur and huge amount of chemical foam was found in Thenpennai River.
(ii) The flow of water into the reservoir increased gradually from 320 cusecs (09th July, 2020) to 480 cusecs (11th July, 2020) due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area.
(iii) In general, whenever the flow of water increases in Kelavarapalli reservoir the domestic sewage and industrial effluent from Karnataka mixes into the river in huge quantity.
(iv) On the day of 13th July, 2020, a huge quantity of sewage/effluent were discharged into Thenpennai and therefore, chemical froth/foam were found floating on the surface of water flowing in Kelavarapalli and near thattakalapalli bridge. Hon‟ble Tribunal(SZ), Chennaivide its ordersdated 20.07.2020 appointed a Joint Committee to inspect the area in question and submit status as well as action taken report, if 32 | P a g e there is any violation found. The Hon‟ble Tribunal has also issued following directions to the committee;
(i) To ascertain the water quality and also ascertain the sources of pollution and take action against the person who are responsible in accordance with law including imposing of environmental compensation.
(ii) To submit a long term and short term action plan with shorter time lines to protect the water body against pollution. If there is any contamination caused, the committee is also directed to suggest ways and means to remedy the same.
Hon‟ble Tribunal vide aforesaid orders directed the committee to submit the report within a period of two months i.e., on or before 05.10.2020.
33 | P a g e The Joint Committee submitted interim report on 01.10.2020 and informed the Hon‟ble NGT that the report of the joint committee requires six weeks time and the report would be submitted after incorporating the analysis results of samples collected in River Thenpennaialongwith action plan. In this regard, Hon‟ble NGT accepted the interim report and vide order dated 05.10.2020 directed that, "... some more time can be given to the committee to submit the report as directed by this Tribunal...The Committee is directed to submit the report on or before Copy of the Hon‟ble NGT Order dated 05.10.2020 is appended as CONSTITUTION OF JOINT COMMITTEE AND MEETINGS In compliance to the aforesaid orders dated 20/07/2020 of Hon‟ble Tribunal (SZ), Chennai, a Joint Committee comprising of following members has been constituted by Central Pollution Control Board (Nodal Agency) vide its Office Memorandum No. Tech 39/Legal(NGT)/RDS/2020-21/466-474 dated 24.08.2020 and 16.09.2020. Copy of the said Office Memorandum is appended as Annexure III& IV.
1. Sh. Gunasekaran Member Revenue Divisional Officer & Sub Divisional Magistrate Hosur Division, Tamilnadu
2. Sh. N Suresh Member Superintending Engineer, WRO Public Works Department Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu
3. Sh B H Manjunath* Member Superintending Engineer Public Works Department Bangalore Circle, Karnataka 34 | P a g e
4. Sh. N Nagaraj Member Superintending Engineer Minor Irrigation & Ground Water Development Circle,Jayanagar Bangalore, Karnataka
5. Dr M Senthil Kumar Member District Environmental Engineer Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board Hosur District, Tamilnadu
6. Sh. M K Prabhudev Member Chief Environmental Officer - 2 Karnataka Pollution Control Board Bangalore, Karnataka
7. ShShivanna M G Member Assistant Commissioner (South) Bangalore Urban Karnataka
8. Smt. Selvi P K Nodal Officer& Scientist D, Regional Directorate Member Central Pollution Control Board Bangalore vide Government of Karnataka Order dated 28-08-2020, Sh B H Manjunath, Superintending Engineer, PWD, Bangalore has been nominated as a member of the above Joint Committee.
35 | P a g e Three meetings were organized by Central Pollution Control Board, Bangalore (Nodal Agency) with the members of Joint Committee on 20.08.2020, 04.09.2020 and 18.09.2020 and minutes were circulated for necessary actions. First and Second Meeting of the Joint Committee were conducted on 20.08.2020& 04.09.2020 to discuss about the preliminary information to be collected before conducting Monitoring and Sampling of River Thenpennai. Therefore, the joint committee decided to collate following information from the concerned departments to carry out further investigations in the matter; S.No Information Required from concerned Departments / Organisations in Tamilnadu and Karnataka A. Minor irrigation and Water Resources Organisations
1. Drainage River Map of Thenpennai.
2. Details of Water Quality Monitoring locations (viz.,drainage (flow), length, velocity etc.) in the entire stretch of river from origin tillKelavarapalli Reservoir. Designated use of water flowing in the river stretch
3. Quantity of water discharged from the river stretch for irrigation andother purposes.
4. Annual Rainfall and Rainfall details for August, September, October2020 Custodian of the river to preserve the quality of water to be pristine.
5.
6.
B. State Pollution Control Boards
36 | P a g e
7. Details of Water Quality Monitoring Locations and water quality data of the River in terms of DO, BOD, COD, TC, phosphates & others for the last three years. Major Sources of pollution (industrial and domestic) -
8. (a) Status of list of industries with its type/category/classification,Effluent generation,characteristics, treatment, discharge details etc.
(b) Details of domestic effluent generation, treatment, discharge options etc.
(c) Status of Operation of Sewage Treatment Plants with its performance evaluation.
(d) Information regarding open dumping of solid or biomedical or hazardous waste, open burning of waste and illegal encroachment or other activities along the river bed etc. C. Public Works Department
9. Status of sewage discharge and sewerage networking plan in theunsewered area.
10. About Kelavarapalli dam and designated use of dam water.
37 | P a g e Subsequently, it was discussed and decided to collect the following information from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bangalore BruhatMahanagaraPalike (BBMP) in the second meeting of the Joint Committee conducted on 04.09.2020;
(a) Status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) (existing & operational, under
construction and proposed) in
Koramangala&ChallaghattaValley and Hebbal Valley
(b) Drainage map / layout showing locationsof STPs with capacity and sewerage networking in those valleys
(c) Details of flow of domestic sewage measured at inlet and outlet (after treatment) of each of the STPs
(d) Performance of STPs based on its operational capacity, Waste water generated vs actual quantity treated, gap analysis andtreated waste water quality (w.r.t discharge standards of STP) in Real Time Monitoring stations installed etc.
(e) Quantum of untreated sewage flowing in Koramangala&Challaghatta and Hebbal valley with its proposed Underground Drainage network plan and others
(g) Details of plan for diversion of treated wastewater to Kolar, Chikaballapurand other districts of Karnataka
(h) Details of Rejuvenation of lakes and water bodies in Bengaluru etc. Third meeting of the Joint Committee was conducted on 18.09.2020 to discuss and review the status of Action taken on the defaulters followed by Action Plan for compliance etc. Subsequent to the orders of the Hon‟ble NGT dated 05.10.2020, two meetings were organized with the state functionaries of Karnataka (BWSSB and KSPCB) on 08.10.2020 and 22.10.2020 to discuss& collate the information about the details of industries located in Karnataka near the River basin of Thenpennai and status of STPs located in Koramangla&Challaghatta and Hebbal Valley.
ABOUT RIVER THENPENNAI 38 | P a g e Thenpennai River also known as South Pennar or DakshinaPinakini is an interstate River. The River originates on the south eastern slopes of Chennakesava Hills, northwest of Nandidurg of Chikaballapur district in Karnataka State at an altitude of 1000m above mean sea level, which flows in the southern direction through Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban districts in Karnataka state and descends to Tamilnadu near Hosur.
Thenpennairiver basin is one of the largest rivers of the state of Tamil Nadu. The river has supported many a civilizations of peninsular India in supplying precious water for drinking, irrigation and industry to the people of the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.The total length of Ponnaiyar River is 432 km, of which 112 km lies in Karnataka state, 180 km in Dharmapuri andKrishnagiri, 34 km in Thiruvannamalai and 106 km in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu before joining Bay of Bengal. En route, it tributaries are Chinnar, Markandeyanahi, Vaniar and Pamban rivers in Tamilnadu. With a total catchment of approximately 16,019 km2, it is dry for the most part of the year but swells during the north east monsoon season.
In Karnataka, the river traverses through series of zilla panchayat tanks and also Minor Irrigation tanks namely Nandi tank, Kuppalli tank, Chadalapura tank, Kothanuru tank, Kolavanahalli tank, Cikkadigenahalli tank, Bommanahalli tank, Kanithahalli tank, Muthur tank, malluru tank, Amani Bhadranakere tank in Chikkaballapur district, HosakoteDoddakere tank in Bengaluru Rural district, and YelemallappaChettytank in Bengaluru Urban District.
The stretch of the river is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towardsChikkaballapur, Kolar district, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk of Bangalore Rural districts of Karnataka. Before descending the interstate border into Tamilnadu, overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of Koramangala&Challaghatta andHebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennaithereby causes frothing in the river stretch.
39 | P a g e PRELIMINARY JOINT COMMITTEE SURVEY AND INVESTIGATION Preliminary Reconnaissance Survey and Observations The Joint Committee conducted a preliminary survey during 28.08.2020 and 01.09.2020, in order to investigate the current scenario of River flowing in both the states (Karnataka and Tamilnadu). The findings of the preliminary reconnaissance survey of Chikkaballapur, Kolar districts, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk in Bangalore rural districts in Karnataka are given below:
(A) Chikkaballapur District:South Pinakini river flows in Chikkaballapur, Siddlaghatta and Chintamani (border) taluks in Chikkaballapur District.
The basin of the river is very small and for majority of the period in ayear, the river basin remains dry.
Since this river connects many tanks, water flow can be seen onlywhen the tanks overflows. Under Chikkaballapur district jurisdiction, on the banks of this river,no major industries can be seen. (B) Kolar District: South Pinakini river flows in Kolar, Malur and Bangarpet taluks in Kolar District.
The basin of the river is very small and for majority of the period in a year, the river basin remains dry. Since this river connects many tanks, water flow can be seen only when the tanks overflows. Under Kolar district jurisdiction,Markandeya major tank in Bangarpet taluk (the catchment area is in Malur taluk) discharged water only 15 years back and the tank is having a flood discharge of 8,200 Cusecs. Catchment area is 113.14 Sq miles with tank's total capacity of 807 Units which irrigates the total irrigation area of about 847 acres. At the time of discharge, water flow through this valley joins at Yarragolu dam. Water will be used for drinking purpose by people in 3 taluks namely Kolar, Bangarpet, Malur. Finally, the discharge of Yarragolu dam water joins the valley of south pennar of Krishnagiri district in Tamilnadu state.
(C) Hoskote Taluk: South Pinakini river flows in Hoskote taluk in BangaloreRural district.
40 | P a g e The basin of the river is very small and for majority of the period in ayear, the river basin remains dry.
Water flow can be seen only when the tanks overflow in Hoskote taluk. Under Hoskote jurisdiction, on the banks of this river, no majorindustries can be seen. River also flows down in Anekal (border) in Bangalore Urban District. In addition to above, preliminary reconnaissance survey of River basin of South Pennar flowing in Bangalore district was also conducted and the observations are given below; (D) Bangalore District:Survey was carried out in the areas of River South Pennar drainage basin covering Hebbal Valley and Koramangla / Chalghatta Valley, wherein series of lakes/tanks namely, Agara, Bellandur, Varthur (K & C Valley), Yellamalappachetty lake, Kadugodi bridge, Channasandra bridge (Hebbal), Hoskote tank, Mugalur bridge followed by few industriesin Samethanahalli and Thiruvaranga were also visited and found dismantled/closed.
i. Water was found to be flowing clear from Agara lake to the storm water drain, however domestic sewage and solid waste was found mixing down the drain near Agara lake. ii. It was observed that due to the desilting work, temporary diversion channels were created on the outer ring of the tanks in Bellandur and Varthur for enabling flow of water through the tanks. Color of water was found to be flowing greyish in varthur as compared to Bellandur lake and it was informed that untreated domestic sewage from about 110 villages/hamlets in Bangalorejoins varthur(sewerage networking is under progress and same will be completed by 2023). iii. Two weirs of Hoskote tanks were observed to be having less water and no flow was found during the visit.
iv. Further, water flowing in Mugalur (KSPCB monitoring location) was also observed to be frothy and greyish, where few pig farming activity were found discharging washings. v. Some micro/small scale dyeing units were also found operational illegally and discharging untreated effluent down the drain nearly 50 maway from the river stretch in Samethanahalli weir and immediate actions were taken by Karnataka SPCB to close thoseunits.
vi. Also, a few other non-operational/closed and dismantled dyeing units in Samethanahalli and 41 | P a g e Thiruvaranga were also visited during the survey. In Samethanahalli, water was observed to be flowing greyish and frothy, which may be attributed to joining of sewage from K&C valley. Details of Action taken on the defaulting industries, as provided by KSPCB is discussed in Section 6.0 of chapter VI.
vii. Washings and droppings of piggery farms located in samethanahalli and thiruvarangamay add to organic load of the River flowing inSamethanahalli. viii. Color of the water flowing in the tanks and course of River Thenpennai was found to be greyish in Varthur diversion channel, Agara drain, Y junction, Samethanahalli weir and Mugalur bridge. ix. Information regarding number of STPs (operational status) and proposed STPs (capacity) of K&C Valley and Hebbal valley was explained by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) during the survey with the help of layout map. Details of Sewage management in the two valleys of Bangalore is provided in section 4.4 of Chapter 4. Information about desilting work carried out in Bellandur and Varthur tanks was also shared by BangaloreDevelopment Authority (BDA) Then, the joint committee conducted survey in the areas of River South Pennar drainage basin flowing down southcovering Sokarasanapalli (KSPCB monitoring location), Singasadanapalli (Central Water Commissionmonitoring location), Kodiyalam, Bagalur villages near hosur and Kelavarapalli Reservoir in Tamilnadu.
(E) Villages near Hosur, Tamilnadu:
i. Details of the villages with Population density located on Thenpennai riverine namely, singasadanapalli, kodiyalam, kooliganapalli, sokkarasanapalli, bagalur, lingapuram, ottapallithinna, kanimangalam, padathepalli, nanjapuram, sathyamangalam, muneeswararnagar, kembasandhiram,chennasandiram,kallipuram were provided as below;
S.No Name of Village Distance Number Population Population
from the of density (Sq.
River bed houses Km)
42 | P a g e
(m)
1. Singasadanapalli 1000 120 660 242.50
2. kodiyalam 500 260 1106 217.03
(kooliganapalli)
3. Sokkarasanapalli 500 250 855 348.97
43 | P a g e
4. Bagalur 50 1500 11000 2534
5. Lingapuram 100 300 2000 1666.67
6. Ottapallithinna 400 35 130 97.01
7. Kanimangalam 1000 110 310 94.80
8. Padathepalli 1000 120 390 127.03
9. Nanjapuram - - - -
10. sathyamangalam, 500 255 1390 260.787
muneeswararnagar
11. Kembasandhiram 500 25 550 705.12
12. Chennasandiram 600 300 1417 885.62
13. Kallipuram - - - -
Total 3275 19808 7179.5
ii. It has been informed by representative of Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board that there are no
industrial discharge along the stretch of Thenpennai River in Tamilnadu and no underground sewerage lines or STPs operating near the Riverside. Further, Tamilnadu SPCB informed that following industries are locatednear the river stretch;
S. Name of the Classification/ Discharg Details Remar
No industry Category eOptions of ks
Consent
44 | P a g e
1. M/s Premier VVG & Textile / Large Zero Liquid Consent The
SPG Mills Pvt Ltd., /Red Discharge and to unit is
Belathur, Bagalur there isno Operate located
discharge issued at
of industrial on
effluent / 08.11.20 a
sewage into 01 valid distanc
River up to e of
Thenpennai 31.03.20 900
03 meter
from
Renewal River
of Thenpe
Consent nnai.
issued
on Re-
20.03.20 commi
17 valid ssionin
upto g the
31.03.20 dyeing
22 and
printin
g
operati
on
during
first
week
of
Octobe
45 | P a g e
r 2020.
2. M/s Exide integrated Zero Liquid CTO 4 km
Industries Ltd., battery Discharge and issued away
Chichuruganapalli, manufacturing there is on from
Sevaganapalli unit/ Large no discharge 13.11.20 river
/Red of industrial 13 valid and
46 | P a g e
effluent / up to divided
sewage into 31.03.20 by
River 14 undula
Thenpennai ted
Renewal terrain
of
Consent
issued
on
20.12.20
17 valid
upto
31.03.20
22
3. M/s Shahi Exports Textile garment STP and CTO No
Pvt. Ltd., unit / Large / treated issued dischar
Sevaganapalli Green effluent on ge
utilized for 22.08.20 outside
green belt and 11 valid premis
there is no up to es
discharge of 31.03.20
Sewage 12
into
River RCO
Thenpennai issued
on
03.07.20
20 valid
upto
31.03.20
47 | P a g e
22
iii. Color of Water flowing in the River stretch was observed to be greyish in sokkarasanapalli,
frothy/slight greyish in kodiyalam, brownish to grey in Bagalur bridge and greenish inKelavarapalli Reservoir.
iv. Solid waste dumping and mixing of domestic sewage into the river stretch flowing through bagalur bridge was also observed and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board was asked to take note of the scenario for appropriate actions. Action taken report is given in section 6.0 of chapterVI.
v. Representative of Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has informed that sewage generation has been estimated as 0.8 MLD (approx.) from Bagalur village and 0.01 MLD to 0.15 MLD (approx.) from rest of the villages in Tamilnadu. It was also informed that the sewage generated in the above hamlets percolates within the hamlet limits and therefore may not get discharged into River Thenpennai.
vi. Average rainfall of Kelavarapalliis about 533 mm.
48 | P a g e About Kelavarapalli Reservoir Kelavarapalli Reservoir Project wasbuilt in 1978-1995 atKrishnagiri district, Tamilnadu and the Reservoir or Dam is situated at a distance of 8 km from Karnataka and 10 km away from Hosur,tamilnadu across the River Thenpennai, which actually originates from the eastern slopes of Chennakesava Hills in karnataka. The dam further leads water to the districts of Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakuruchi, Villupuram and Cuddalore before joining Bay of Bengal.
Kelavarapalli Dam is situated at the latitude of 12°52‟42″N and longitude of 78°46‟06‟‟ E which is located in the Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states. The Dam is operational from 10th November 2002. Salient features of the dam include:
(a) Salient features of Dam:
1. Type of dam :Masonnry cum earthern Dam
2. Length : 665m
3. Height : 13.50m
4. FRL Water spread Area : 433.20 Hec
5. Volume : 0.481 TMC
6. Catchment area : 2442.00 Sq.Km
7. Gross Capacity : 13.61 Mcum
8. Maximum Water level : 831.50 9.
FRL : 831.50
10. Water Supply Period : 1st Crop = July to December - 150 Days
11. Spillway Type : Ogee Crest Type
12. Spillway Nos : 7 Nos
13. Spillway Size : 12.20m x 6.10m
49 | P a g e
14. Crest Level : 825.40
15. Design flood Discharge : 88980 Cusecs
16. River Sluice : 1 No ( 1.20m x1.82m)
17. Canal Sluice : 2 Nos (0.90m x 1.50m)
18. Length of Canals
Right Main Canal (RMC) = 21.99 km Left Main
Canal (LMC) = 25.500 km
3.80 km LMC Branch canal III = 2.78 km LMC Branch canal IV = 4.96 km
LMC Branch canal V = 0.71 km Distributaries I of B.C IV = 1.80 km Distributaries II of B.C. IV = 2.00 km Distributaries I of B.C V = 1.48 km Distributaries II of B.C. V = 1.15 km
19. Irrigation Area : 3676 Hec
20. Approved Estimate : Rs.551.50 Lakhs
21. Revised Estimate : Rs.606.70 Lakhs
(b) Present condition of Dam (as on 09.09.2020)
1. Water level : 12.30 m
2. Water storage level : 343.74 Mcuft
3. Water incoming : 400 cusecs
4. Water discharge : 400 cusecs Kelavarapalli Dam SIPCOT Central Water Supply Scheme provided 14.00MLD of water to Hosur Municipality Phase I during 2015-16. Water supplyof Hosur Municipality is mainly 50 | P a g e being met out from the Government ofTamilnadu‟sHoganekkal water supply Project which was executed &maintained by Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (a statutorybody under Tamilnadu Government) and the other sources are fromKelavarapalli Dam, one from Perandapalli River and few local wells. Atpresent the entire Municipality is receiving 30.39 MLD of water supply fromall the above said sources. (Source:
https://www.twadboard.tn.gov.in/content/major-water-supply-schemes- 1518).
Since Thenpennai river is the sole water source in Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore districts, it has been extensively dammed. As it enters Tamilnadu, the water is stored in the Kelavarapalli dam reservoir near Hosur. The surplus amount reaches the Krishnagiri dam, which is situated 60 km downstream.
Excerpts of Thenpennai River Monitoring in the matter of O.S No. 2 of 2015 before Hon'ble Supreme Court&in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017 before Hon'ble NGT A) In O.S No. 2 of 2015 before Hon'ble Supreme Court In compliance to Hon‟ble Supreme Court directions in the Original Suit No. 02 of 2015, ajoint monitoring Report on River Cauvery and Thenpennaiyarwas submitted by CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB, wherein the monitoring team carried out sampling of water for the period September 2017 to May 2018. The committee filed the report before the Hon‟ble Court in 2018 (the case is pending before Hon‟ble Supreme Court). The findings of the Report is given as below:
1. In case of River Thenpennaiyar at Sokarasanapalli, the water quality falls below designated best use Class C during all nine monitoring and the critical parameters are BOD, DO and TC. The Total Coliform was always > 5000 MPN/1000 ml and DO was <1 except during January and February 2018 showing the DO as 2.4 and 3.8 mg/l respectively. BOD also exceeded the Sewage standards notified (i.e20 mg/l) for all nine months showing the water is highly polluted.
2. The River Thenpennaiyar receives the outflow of treated and untreated sewage of Bellandur and varthur 51 | P a g e lake system. Comprehensive plan of restoration of these lakes along with identifying other sources of untreated sewage into the River only will help to restore the quality of the river. Government of Karnataka may prepare such plan on priority considering the pollution issues of Bellandur and varthur lake system, which contributes to the pollution of Thenpennaiyar River.
B) In O.A No. 125/2017 before Hon'ble NGT C) On the subject of remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore, including preventing discharge and dumping of pollutants, removing encroachments from catchment area and other steps for restoration, Hon'ble Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017, constituted a monitoring committee headed by Justice ShSantosh Hegde, former Judge of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to oversee the execution of the action plan. In this regard, summary of Compliance Report to the observations of the Monitoring Committee in respect of BWSSB, BDA, UDD, Minor Irrigation and KSPCB was filed before Hon'ble NGT, Principal Bench on 04.08.2020, wherein Hon'ble Tribunal vide orders dated 13.08.2020 has directed that "...the left-over work may be expeditiously completed which may be reviewed by the Monitoring Committee. The status of compliance as on 31.12.2020 may be compiled by the Monitoring Committee and report furnished to this Tribunal by 15.01.2021...".
Major Sources of Pollution Major sources of pollution to River Thenpennai appear to be from untreated/partial treated sewage from Bangalore. Sewage generated from Bengaluru is the predominant reason for deterioration of lakes and water bodies in Bangalore, which is ultimately flowing into river Thenpennai.
There are various reasons such as ageing of sewers, encroachment of sewers, damages in the sewerage system, crown corrosion of sewers etc. for direct discharges of a part of wastewater from housing colonies and such discharge is flowing through Storm Water Drains and enters lakes in Bengaluru. Lakes in Bengaluru were created for rain water harvesting and once served as sources of water supply to the city. Lakes are under the custody of various departments namely Bangalore BruhatMahanagaraPalike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Lake 52 | P a g e Development Authority (LDA), Minor Irrigation and Water Resources Department.
In recent years, few lakes have been converted into built-up area owing to industrialization and urbanisation. Among all the lakes, Bellandur and Varthur are highly polluted due to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage from the city. Bellandur lake receives nearly 40 % of Bangalore‟s sewage and further drains into varthur lake, then flows into Thenpennai River towards south of Bangalore. Lakes are polluted due to inadequate drainage system leading to bypassing of sewage into lakes, entry of sewage from apartments/commercial establishments into storm water drains leading to lakes, insufficient sewage treatment plants, encroachment of lakes and Rajakaluves (storm water drains), dumping of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition wastes, illegal discharge of industrial effluents etc.The foremost reason for pollution of Bellandur Lake is sewage/ Sullage flowing in the storm water drains. One of the main reasons for development of foam in the waste weir is agitation of water falling over a height and due to surfactants present in sewage. Now after establishment of sluice gate and weir modification, foam formation reduced considerably, informed KSPCB. Additionally, fertilisers used by farmers of Karnataka as well as Tamilnadu may add to the pollution of river thenpennai.
Status of Domestic Sewage Management in Bangalore Sewage is one of the major causes for poor water quality of rivers, lakes and water bodies causing adverse impacts on human health and aquatic species. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) was formed in 1964 to provide Sewerage system inareas ofBangalore in a phased manner. Domestic Sewage generation in Bengaluru has been estimated as 1160 MLD which is attributed to increased urbanization and population. The actual amount of sewage generated would be higher since a large number of private bore wells exist and there is no scientific estimate of the quantity of water withdrawn from the borewells.
Sewage flow follows the regional topography and flow down along the three principal valleys and five minor valleys ensuring free flow of sewage without any major pumping requirement. Also treated wastewater of Bangalore is also being diverted to recharge drought 53 | P a g e ridden stretch/tanks of chikbellapur and kolar districts.
KSPCB informed that the industries have been encouraged to opt for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Further, 08 CETPs are operational for treating effluent generated from small scale industries from Bangalore. KSPCB has been directed by CPCB to make entries in the river basin module on status of ETPs in the state based on Hon‟ble Supreme Court and Hon‟ble NGT Orders and the same is under progress.
In compliance to Hon‟ble Supreme Court directions in the Original Suit No. 02 of 2015, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka submitted to Hon‟ble Supreme Court in 2018 that,"...fourteen STPs of total 129 MLD for 110 villages under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Fund Scheme were proposed. It was then assessed that, with the establishment of those STPs, the total capacity of STPs to treat the sewage from Bengaluru would rise up from the existing capacity of 1050 MLD to 1575 MLD by 2020 and 1704 MLD by 2022."
In this connection, BWSSB has now informed that fourteen STPs of total 124 MLD for 110 villages under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Fund Scheme were proposed and 3 STPs of 400 MLD capacities are under construction with the help of Megacity Revolving Fund (MCRF). It is now assessed that, with the establishment of those STPs, the total capacity of STPs to treat the sewage from Bengaluru would rise up from the existing capacity of 1182.5 MLD to 1582.5 MLD by 2021 and same would be increased to 1726.5 MLD by 2024.
Domestic sewage generation of hamlets/areas namely, Gottigere, JP Nagar, Puttenahalli, Bilekahalli, Arekere Lake, Hulimavu Lake, Madiwala lake, BTM Layout, HSR Layout, Agara Lake, Shivajinagar, Ulsoor Lake, Domlur, Indiranagar, HAL, Kalasipalya, Lalbagh Road, KH Road, Shantinagar Bus Station, National Games Village, Ejipura, Sinivagilu located in the stretch of Hebbal and K&C Valley, Bangaloreis around 292 MLD &574 MLD (total 866 MLD) respectively, of which608 MLD (70 %) is being treated in 21 STPs(having capacity of736.5 MLD located in the two valleys).Further, as per Action plan of BWSSB,110 MLD of the balance sewage will be taken into sewerage network by completing the works in2022.
54 | P a g e BWSSB has also reported that as per the understanding with Minor Irrigation Department the treated waste water from 21 STPs are to be diverted to Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts to recharge the drought ridden tanks. Presently,it is estimated that approximately 290 MLD of treated wastewater (as against the quantity of 400 MLD as per MoU with Minor Irrigation) from 4 STPs located in K&C valley treated water is discharged to 126 minor irrigation tanks located in Kolar District. Further, it has been reported that around 100 MLD of treated wastewater from 03 STPs located in Hebbal Valley is discharged to 65 minor irrigation tanks of chikkaballapur district. The information on the quantity of treated wastewaterthat has been diverted for recharging the minor irrigation tanks, as provided by Minor Irrigationare given below;
S District No. of Tanks filledtill Water Pumped
No October, 2020 (TMC)
1. Kolar 78 6.69
2. Chikkaballapur 24 1.16
Total 102 7.85
The status of sewage generation, treatment and enhancement of treatment capacity plan, as reported by BWSSB, is given below:
A. Quantity of Sewage generated in 1160 MLD
Bangalore
B. Quantity of Sewage generated inK&C 866 MLD
and Hebbal Valley,
Bangalore
C. Number of STPs in two valleys 21 Nos.
D. Treatment capacity of the21 736.5 MLD
STPs in two valleys
E. Quantity of Sewage actually treated by 608 MLD
21 STPs in two valleys(on an average)
55 | P a g e
F. Quantity of treated wastewaterdiverted 390 MLD from 07 STPs
for irrigation toKolar
&Chikkaballapur districts
G. Total gap in wastewater treatment in the (i) Gap in installed Capacity of STPs
two valleys ofBangalore = 866 - 736.5 = 129.5 MLD
(ii) Gap in actual treatment of wastewater in STPs = Installed capacity (736.5 MLD) -
Operational Capacity (608 MLD) = 128.5 MLD Total Gap in waste water treatment = (i) + (ii) = 258 MLD H. Total Enhancement of Sewage K&C valley = 150 MLD Treatment Capacity of STPs in two Hebbalvalley =133 MLD valleys, Bangalore estimated by BWSSB Total enhancement of capacity ofSTPs = 283 MLD I. Enhancement ofSewage 1582.5 MLD by 2021 Treatment Capacity of STPsin 1726.5 MLD by 2024 entire Bengaluru (covering boththe valleys) estimated by BWSSB BWSSB has informed that in Hebbal valley, 02 STPs of 100 MLD capacity at Hebbal and 20MLD STP at K.R Puram is under construction and the same will be commissioned in 2021. In addition to that, construction of one STP with 07 MLD capacity is also under progress 56 | P a g e in Hebbal valley. To further enhance the sewage treatment capacity, a STP of 6MLD at Horamavu in Hebbal Valley is planned and the same will be operational by 2023. An average 59 MLD of sewage generation is estimated (which includes sewage generation from part of 110 villages in Hebbal Valley) where presently there is no sewer network.
In case of Koramangla&Challghatta valley, of 02 STPs, one STP at Chikkabegur has already started treating sewage and another STP (150 MLD) will be commissioned by Dec 2020. Status of Sewage Treatment Plants of K&C and Hebbal Valleys in Bangalorealongwith its performance in terms of capacity, as provided by BWSSB is given as Annexure V. Considering 135 lpcd water supply for the population of 1062278 in 110 villages in 2019, the estimated quantum of sewage generation from 110 villages of BBMP limit in K&C and Hebbal Valley is calculated as 143.41 MLD, which remains untapped for treatment in STPs due to absence of Under Ground Drainage Network by BWSSB.
In addition to above, as per the Government of Karnataka Notification No. FEE 316 EPC 2015, Bengaluru dated 19.01.2016, KSPCB Clearance is required for the following projects:
a) All residential group housing projects/apartments with 20 units and above or having total BUA of 2,000 sq.m including basement
b) Commercial constructions projects (commercial complexes, office, IT related activities etc) with total built up area of 2,000 sq.m and above
c) Educational institutions with or without hostel facility having total built up area of 5,000 sq.m and above
d) Townships and area development projects with an area of 10 acres and above Accordingly, KSPCB is covering apartments with 20 flats & above and commercial buildings of 2000 sq.mtsand area development projects of 10 acres and above only. All the projects covered by KSPCB under consent mechanism are required to provide Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treating the sewage. However, sewage generated from the smaller projects like apartments with less than 20 flats, commercial buildings with less than 2000 sq.mts built up area are required to be treated by BWSSB.
KSPCB has filed two Criminal cases against BWSSB w.r.t pollution of Bellandur Lake. 57 | P a g e Further, as per the directions of Hon‟ble NGT in the matter of O.A.125/2017, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has imposed Environmental Compensation against the defaulting Apartments/Housing Associations. Few projects have approached the Hon‟ble High Court of Karnataka in this matter. As per the directions of Hon‟ble High Court of Karnataka,Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is following the due procedure. Details of action taken by KSPCB on the defaulting apartments/housing complexes are provided in section 6.0 of Chapter VI. SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF SURFACE WATER FLOWING INTO RIVERTHENPENNAI Sampling Locations The Joint Committee identified the following sampling points for collecting surface water samples based on the reconnaissance surveyconducted in Tamilnadu and Karnataka during 28th August and 01st September, 2020;
S.N State Sampling Points (no. of Geo-Coordinates
o samples)
1. Karnataka i. Agara drain 12.923 77.639 °E
°N
ii. Y junction drain 77.646 °E
(Agara/Koramangla) 12.923
°N
iii. Bellandur diversion 77.677 °E
channel
12.931 77.746 °E
iv. Varthur diversion
°N
channel
77.776 °E
v. Channasandrabridge
12.945
vi. Samethanahalli weir °N 77.784 °E
12.985
58 | P a g e
°N
12.970
°N
2. Inter State vii. Mugalur bridge 12.853 °N 77.831 °E
Boundary (Karnataka
77.831 °E
viii. Sokkarasanapalli 12.896 °N
(Tamilnadu)
3. Tamilnadu ix. Bagalur bridge 12.769 °N 77.875 °E
12.769 °N 77.877 °E
x. Kodiyalam
12.857 °N 77.823 °E
12.831 °N 77.871 °E
xi. Kelavarapalli reservoir
xii. Kelavarapalli outfall
Surface water samples of the above twelve locations were collected by JointCommittee on 09th and 10th September, 2020.
Geographic profile and details of the sampling locations in the sequence of the flow of River Thenpennai is provided below;
(i) Agara drain:
Agara lake spread over 98 acre, is located at Agara in southeast direction of Bengaluru. The lake receives outfall from the upstream Madivala lake. The excess water from Agara lake overflows through the storm water drain to Bellandur lake near southwest direction. At Agara, the flow of water was found clear and no frothing was found. However, domestic sewage and solid waste was found mixed down the drain with greyish color leading 59 | P a g e to Bellandur.
(ii) Bellandur diversion channel:
Bellandur Lake is located in southeast direction of Bengaluru and is the largest lake in the city and the weir flow of Agara Lake joins Bellandur lake. It was observed that, of the two Bellandur Lake weirs, water was flowing in one weir towards Southern direction (near Bellandur village,popularly called as Bellandur bridge) through channels created on the outer 60 | P a g e ring of the lake, whereas Northern weir (near Yamalur, popularly called asYamalur bridge) was taken up for restoration work by BDA.
Sampling STP Locations
Locations
1 Agara Lake 1 Faecal STP
2 Y Junction 2 BWSSB 6 MLD
3 BelandurKo 3 Horamavu
di
4 Varthur 4 Hennur
Kere
5 Channasan 5 Hebbal Raja Canal
dra
6 Samethanah 6 Cubbon Park
alli
7 Lalbagh 1.5 MLD
8 Ulsoor
9 Lidkar CETP
10 Hulimavu
11 Sarakki
12 Chikkkudlukere
13 Agara
14 K & C 60 MLD
15 K&C 218 MLD
16 K&C 30 MLD
17 K&C 150 MLD
18 BelandurAmanikere
90 MLD
19 Kadabeesanahalli 50
61 | P a g e
MLD
20 TC Palya 15 MLD
21 TC Palya U/C 20 MLD
22 YelemallappaChetty
15 MLD
23 Koralur 5 MLD
24 Madivala Not Operating
25 ChikkBegur U/C
It was also observed that, the storm water drain near bellandur lake was found with lots of floating materials such as plastic bags and municipal solid waste etc. This might be due to local people residing in the area with no awareness about solid waste collection and management. There is a need for clearance of solid waste dumped in the storm water drain and lake by local authorities and monitoring by KSPCB to protect the lake from pollution. At Bellandur, the flow of water was found slightly clear and no frothing was found.
(iii) Varthur diversion channel:
The Varthur Lake takes the main inflow from outflow weirs of Bellandur Lake, along with some other water entry points (about 6 to 9) between outer ring road (that connects Marathalli with Sarjapura road) and Varthur, between which the Varthur Lake lies. It 62 | P a g e was seen that Varthur Lake has 02 outflow weirs viz: Northern weir near Sigma Softech Park, Ramagondanahalli (popularly called as Varthur Kodi) and Southern weir near Varthur (popularly called as Varthur Bridge).
Even in varthur lake, water was flowing only in southern weir as the Northern weir was taken up for restoration work by BDA.It was informed that both the weir flow of the lake joins at a point at about 600 m in South Eastern direction of the Northern weir, thereafter, the stream joins the South Pennar River, through Ajjigondahalli bridge, at about 3.8 Km in east of north eastern direction. The joined streams of out flow weir of Varthur Lake flowing en route, Ajjigondahalli Bridge, represents entire wastewater / domesticeffluent of Koramangla&Challaghatta Valley flowing into South Pennar River. At varthur, the flow of water was found greyish to brown and no frothing wasfound.
(iv) Channasandra bridge:
Channasandra Bridge located on Hope Farm Junction towardsChikkaTirupathi Road, flows in Southern direction in order to further confluence with the out flow of Varthur Lake (K & C Valley).
Whereas, lakes of Hebbal Valley flows into YelemalappaChetty Lake (YMC Lake) located on Old Madras Road. Over flow through the outflow weir of YMC Lake joins the South Pennar River at about 4.9 Km South East of YMC Lake and flows in southern direction to joinchannasandrabridge. At channasandra, the flow of water was found green in colorwith absolutely no frothing. However, solid waste was found dumped near the bridge.
(v) Samethanahalli weir:
Samethanahalliis located downstream of varthur lake at south eastern direction of Bangalore outskirts. It was observed that domestic and industrial discharges of samethanahalliconfluences into tributaries of South pennar river basin and flows down to join downstream of ajjingondahalli towards Mugalur. At samethanahalli, the flow of water was greyish withfroth floating over.
Few unauthorized micro/small scale dyeing units were found operational during the 63 | P a g e visit and found discharging untreated effluent down the drain. KSPCB has taken immediate action to close those units.
(vi) Mugalur bridge:
Mugalur Bridge is on Sarjapura - ChikkaTirupati road which is at a distance of about 11.47 Km south east of northern weir of Varthur Lake. The South Pennar River leaves Karnataka State and enters into Tamil Nadu and joins Kelavarapalli reservoir (about 7.5 Km north east of Hosur city) which is located at about 14.18 Km south east of Mugalur Bridge. At Mugalur Bridge, the flow of water was greyish to brown and it contained scanty pockets of froth here and there. Solid waste dumping and outlet of pig farming into the river was found near the area.
(vii) Sokarasanapalli:
Sokarasanapalli is located at interstate border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka with a distance of 500 m from the river bed.
Sokarasanapalli is an interstate water quality monitoring location being sampled by Karnataka on a quarterly basis. The flow of water in sokkarasanapalli was observed as greyish and with growth of floating aquatic plants in a large area.
(viii) Kodiyalam: Kodiyalam is situated in north east direction of Hosur district, Tamilnadu. In kodiyalam, there is one anicut which has two sluices constructed to distributewater flowing from sokkarasanapalli for agriculture purpose. Central Water Commission, Cauvery and Southern Rivers Division monitors flow of the river at this location. Water was found to be flowing in greyish color and frothy foam was floating on the river.
(ix) Bagalur bridge:
Bagalur bridge is situated in north eastern direction of hosur district, Tamilnadu. Bagalur bridge was found with water flowing in brown to greyish color and solid waste was found dumped on either sides of the river bed. Cattles were also found grazingthe grass near the solid waste dumped area which could cause lethal effects due to plastics and other inert materials dumped over.
64 | P a g e
(x) Kelavarapalli dam:
Kelavarapalli dam is located in the Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu.400 cusecs of water was found flowing through spillway shutters with reasonablyclear water in green color on the day of visit. Also scanty pockets of froth were seen due to water flowing with force from high fall of the dam.
In the areas namely, samethanahalli, mugalur, sokkarasanapalli, kodiyalam, bagalurkelavarapalli water was found being pumped and used for agriculture in the nearby areas.
Sampling Protocol The surface water samples of the above identified 12 locations in River Thenpennai were collected during 09th and 10th September, 2020 and submitted to laboratory for analysis. The Joint Committee followed CPCB‟s Standard Operating Procedure for National Water Quality Monitoring Programme and Submission of data (August, 2017). The scope of the SOP is to standardise the process of sample collection, preservation, handling and analysis, preparation of data reports, etc. Results and Discussion:
The River originates in Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district and the flow is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towards Chikkaballapur district, Kolar District, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk of Bangalore Rural district. Therefore, no samples could be collected till Hoskote tank.
Subsequently, it was informed by KSPCB that overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of
65 | P a g e Koramangala&Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennai. Accordingly, samples were collected from the diversion channels of Bellandur and Varthur lakes,Agara drain, Y Junction to ascertain the sources of pollution flowing into River Thenpennai.
The joint committee discussed that the quality of water flowing in river Thenpennaicould be assessed based on the water samples from the above four major drains/channels, river flowing in major confluence points and interstate monitoring locations identified in consultation with concerned State Pollution Control Boards such as Channasandra bridge, Samethanahalli, Mugalur bridge, Sokkarasanapalli, Bagalur bridge, Kodiyalam, Kelavarapalli.
The analysis results of the samples collected from all the above 12 locations were compared with Designated Best Use (DBU) criteria and Classification notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. The categorisation and classification of water flowing in River Thenpennai is given below at Table 1.
Table 1. Classification as per Designated Best Use Criteria of Samples collected in River Thenpennai Sample Designated Best Use Class Locations Criteria pH DO SS Turb FC BO EC SA Boron Free Designat idity (MPN D (µs/c R Am ed Best (NTU /100 m) moni Use ) ml) a Criteria Sampling in diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks, Bengaluru - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 6.92 3.8 21.5 18.9 500 16 810 1.6 0.016 Nil E Drain Y junction 6.87 4.9 59 11.4 900 15 762 1.3 0.019 Nil D 66 | P a g e Bellandur 6.89 5 45 10.4 160 11 758 1.4 0.016 Nil D diversion 0 channel Varthur 7.04 3.7 115 27.5 500 10 706 1.4 0.015 Nil E diversion channel Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channasan 7.02 3.8 171 13.8 900 11 931 2 0.017 Nil E dra bridge Samethana 6.98 2.4 78 35 160 10 825 1.8 0.015 Nil E halli 0 Mugalur 6.79 2.4 574 450 500 21 628 1.5 0.017 Nil E Bridge Sokkarasa 6.83 3.5 806 630 900 23 648 1.6 0.015 Nil E napalli Kodiyalam 6.82 1.6 1474 997 900 26 727 1.5 0.018 Nil E 67 | P a g e Bagalur 6.92 2.2 1121 850 500 53 1111 2.2 0.019 Nil E bridge Kelavarap 7.35 4.7 50 12.4 500 11 1069 2.4 0.019 Nil D alli Reservoir Kelavarap 7.19 5.2 10 7.5 900 10 1049 2.2 0.017 Nil D alli Outfall Designated A - Drinking Water Source without conventional treatment but after disinfection B -
Best Use Outdoor bathing (Organised)
Criteria C - Drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfectionD -
Propagation of Wild life and Fisheries
E - Irrigation, Industrial Cooling, Controlled Waste disposal Classificati The analysis of Water Samples collected at 12 locations joining River Thenpennai on of River shows that the Water Quality of the River falls under the Class E as per Designated Thenpenna Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, I 1986.
Analysis of water quality in River Thenpennai reveal that Dissolved oxygen concentration was found be above > 4mg/l only in kelavarapalli reservoir, its outfall, Y junction, and Bellandur diversion channel. The water quality was found to be deteriorated in terms of presence of oxygen fromchannasandra bridge till Bagalur bridge of River Thenpennai and alsoinvarthur diversion channelandAgara drain. Improvedoxygen level foundinkelavarapalli reservoir may be attributed to large area of the reservoir allowing the suspended solids to settle and the water flowing through sluices with a high rise fall. Further, greenish plants/algal growth in scanty pockets seen in Kelavarapalli and Sokkarasanapalli known as Eutrophication, arises from the oversupply of nutrients (N & P), which leads to overgrowth of plants and algae. Degradation of dead algae and plants by microbes consuming dissolved oxygen in the watermay lead to the state of hypoxie.
68 | P a g e Further, BOD of the water was found to be not complying in all the sampled locations as per Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. Wherein,BOD is found to be beyond the permissible limit inBagalur bridge (53 mg/l) when compared with the General Standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants Part-A:
Effluents notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, which is also shown in Figure 10 below.
The total and faecal coliform analysis indicates the „potability‟ of water & its suitability for consumption/drinking. The count measures the concentration of total coliform bacteria associated with the possible presence of disease causing organisms. The Total Coliform was found to be non complying in all the sampling points of River Thenpennai.Analysis of Faecal coliform count in River Thenpennai shows that the concentration of microbial count in the range of 500 to 1600 MPN/100 ml which may be attributed to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage into the River.
Results of suspended solids in the Analysis of water quality in River Thenpennai were comparedwith the prescribed limits of General Standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants Part-A: Effluents notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, whichreveal that the values were not complying in the locations viz., Varthur diversion channel, Channasandra bridge, Mugalur bridge, Sokkarasanapalli,Bagalur bridge, Kodiyalam.
The larger the Suspended solids, the larger shall be the presence of bacteria, protozoa and viruses. High TSS wastewater cannot be easily disinfected, as the suspended particles "hide" these microorganisms and also react with chemical disinfectants. The Physico-
Chemical Parameters analysed for the samples collected in River Thenpennai is given at Table 2.
69 | P a g e Sample Table 2. Physico-chemical Parameters (mg/l) analysed Locatio in River Thenpennai ns TDS COD Tot Tot Fluo Chl Sulp O- Total Anion Surf Am Tot Calci T Nit Nitrite T Na K Mg P al al ri de o h Pho Phosp ic ac e m al um K r -N O h Coli Alk rid ate sp ha te surfa Activ onia Har N at C e f e hate as P cta nt e ca l d e- n orm as P Agen Nitro nes N ol t g s s s en Bengaluru diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 476 57 1600 227 3.8 65 41 0.53 0.68 BDL BDL BDL 237 69 12.3 2 0.05 7.9 57 11 16 B Drain D L Y 410 53 900 216 0.19 65 62 0.47 0.61 BDL BDL BDL 216 62 12.6 2 0.23 6.5 44 11.8 15 B juncti on drain D L Bellan 414 45 1600 216 0.25 75 22 0.84 1.01 BDL BDL 1.6 192 62 11.5 2 0.12 7 45 10.5 9 B 38 | P a g e dur diversi D on L channe l Varthu 408 37 900 169 3.8 75 51 0.42 0.62 BDL BDL BDL 188 54 11 B 0.12 16 44 10.2 13 B r D diversi L D on L chann el Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channas 536 41 900 216 3.8 126 49 1.06 1.38 BDL BDL BDL 209 69 17.3 5 0.36 11 66 12.2 9 B andr a bridge D L Samethan 484 33 1600 192 2.3 100 53 1.11 1.32 BDL BDL BDL 184 57 11.3 4 0.3 14 56 11.3 10 B ahal li industrial D zone L 39 | P a g e Mugal 363 86 900 137 0.23 70 57 0.53 1.73 BDL BDL BDL 139 41 12.1 2 0.05 10.4 41 9.3 9 B ur Bridge D L Sokkaras 363 90 900 157 0.2 70 21 0.63 0.8 0.34 0.45 BDL 145 41 14.8 B 0.01 10 44 9 10 B anap alli D D L L Kodiyal 404 98 1600 196 0.35 100 55 0.6 1.7 BDL BDL BDL 180 44 19.5 2.2 0.11 9.9 47 9.5 17 B am D L Bagal 640 204 900 298 1.2 138 19 0.93 1.32 0.43 0.49 BDL 265 74 26.9 B 0.03 13 80 13 19 B ur D D bridg L L e Kelavarap 620 33 1600 200 0.23 131 52 0.98 1.57 BDL BDL BDL 241 70 6.6 4.9 0.24 10.7 86 14 16 B alli 40 | P a g e Reservoir Kelavarap 612 41 1600 235 0.3 150 33 1.97 2.23 BDL BDL BDL 265 6 alli Outfall Classificat The analysis of Water Samples collected at 12 locations joining River Thenpennai reveals that char ion of with the permissible limits prescribed under Drinking Water specification of Indian Standard IS 10 River Environmental Pollutants Part-A: Effluents notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 198 Thenpenn channel, Channasandra bridge and Samethanahalli. ai Analysis results of heavy metals in River Thenpennai are given at Table 3below. Metals and heavy metals namely, Aluminium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Total Arsenic, Selenium, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead were analysed in all the 12 locations of River.
nai
Sampl Heavy Metals
e in mg/l
Locati Al Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Total Se Cd Hg Pb
ons As
Sampling in diversion channel of Lakes / Tanks, Bengaluru - Outfall into River Thenpennai Agara 0.66 0.00 0.15 1.38 BL BL 0.004 0.06 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.001 BLQ Drain 41 | P a g e 1 9 2 0 Q Q 6 Y junction 0.64 0.00 0.22 1.40 BL 0.00 0.031 0.05 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.005 0.006 0 3 1 5 Q 3 1 Bellandur 0.66 BL 0.18 1.17 0.00 0.00 0.010 0.04 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.012 0.005 Diversion 8 Q 2 4 1 3 6 Channel Varthur 0.75 BL 0.22 1.63 BL BL 0.013 0.04 0.001 BLQ BLQ 0.005 0.005 Diversion 8 Q 5 7 Q Q 2 Channel Sampling Locations in River Thenpennai Channasa 0.17 BL 0.20 0.72 BL BL 0.006 42.0 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.003 BLQ nd ra bridge 4 Q 0 8 Q Q 51 Samethan 0.35 BL 0.11 0.99 BL BL BLQ 0.00 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.006 BLQ ah alli weir 4 Q 0 0 Q Q 3 Mugalur 1.37 BL 0.21 3.14 BL BL 0.024 0.04 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.003 0.007 Bridge 8 Q 9 8 Q Q 2 Sokkaras 1.79 BL 0.26 4.20 0.00 0.00 0.022 0.06 BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.008 ana Palli 8 Q 8 2 3 4 2 Kodiyala 3.23 0.00 0.37 10.2 0.00 0.01 BLQ 0.17 BLQ BLQ 0.004 BLQ 0.025 m 9 3 9 86 7 0 2 Bagalur 1.51 BL 0.34 4.89 0.00 0.00 0.010 0.09 BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.010 Bridge 0 Q 8 1 3 5 6 Kelavarap BL BL 0.21 0.10 BL BL BLQ 21.4 BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.002 BLQ al Li Q Q 6 4 Q Q 83 42 | P a g e Reservoir Kelavarap BL BL 0.20 0.22 BL BL BLQ BL BLQ BLQ BLQ 0.002 BLQ al li Outfall Q Q 0 1 Q Q Q Analysis results reveal that concentration of fluoride has been found to be not complying in the locations namely, Agara drain, Varthur diversion channel, Channasandra bridge and Samethanahalli weir. The concentration of fluoride in the River Thenpennai in the above areas were reported to be in the range of 0.19 to 3.8 mg/l, which may be attributed to usage of groundwater as drinking water source alongwith water supplied by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board followed by untreated sewage discharge into the river. However, as reported by World Health Organisation in its report Fluoride in Drinking Water, Fluorides may also enter a river as a result of industrial discharges (Slooff et al., 1988). The maximum level of fluoride which the body may tolerate is 1.5 parts per million (ppm) which is often based on water fluoride content. The other sources for fluoride are infiltration of agricultural runoff containing chemical fertilisers, improper disposal of liquid waste from industries, alumina smelting, cement production and ceramic and brick firing.. Nitrogen and phosphorus in all forms are major rate limiting elementsessential for the growth of algae and other vegetation in water bodies leadingto a state called eutrophication. The greenish color water with large vegetation growth is common sight for not only lakes and ponds but also slow moving rivers. Eutrophication leads to many problems related to water quality: Large Dissolved oxygen variation leads to fish kills Filling the water body with dead algae and other vegetation. Decomposition of dead algae and vegetation at the bottom causing oxygen depletion and further release of nutrient. Release of algal toxins and odors causing substances make the water unsuitable for human and animal consumption.
43 | P a g e The water quality was also analysed for the presence of pesticides namely, Anilopho, 2-4 D, Carbaryl, Beta Endosulfan, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Alpha HCH, Alpha Endosulfan, Beta HCH, Delta HCH, Endosulfan sulphate, Ethion, Gamma HCH, o,p‟ DDD, o,p‟ DDE, o,p‟ DDT, p,p‟ DDD, p,p‟ DDE, p,p‟ DDT, Methyl parathion, Malathion, Chlorpyriphos. However, no traces of pesticides was found in the samples collected in River Thenpennai and channels/drain/overflow of tanks leading to the River.
Analysis of water samples collected also reveal that no presence of Anionic Surfactants and Surface Active Agents in River Thenpennai except in Sokkarasanapalli and Bagalur bridge.
It is submitted that, there recorded an average rainfall of more than 100 mm on the previous night of sampling i.e 09.09.2020. Subsequent to the rainfall day, the locations namely, Agara drain, Y junction, Bellandur diversion channel, Varthur diversion channel, Channasandra bridge, Samethanahalli were inspected and samples were collected on 10.09.2020. Findings and Observations of the Joint Committee:
1. The stretch of the river is mostly dry to scanty from Origin (Nandi) towards Chikkaballapur district, Kolar District, Bangalore Urban District and Hoskote taluk of Bangalore Rural district. Overflow of water from Bellandur and Varthur lakes carrying domestic sewage of Koramangala&Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys of Bangalore adds to the flow in river Thenpennai thereby causes frothing of river stretch.
2. The Joint committee has also observed that flow of Surface water in River Thenpennai carries about a portion of treated wastewater from STPsi.e 300 MLD {750 (STP capacity) - 450 (Treated water diverted to Kolar &Chikkaballapur)} and untreated sewage i.e258 MLD (i.e866 MLD - 608 MLD) of Bangalore, as informed by BWSSB.
3. Solid Waste dumping was found in the locations including Agara drain, Bellandur diversion channel, Y Junction, Channasandra bridge, Mugalur bridge and bagalur bridge, which needs to be removed by the concerned agencies of the State Government.Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has instructed the
44 | P a g e Block Development Officer for taking action for proper disposal of solid waste and domestic sewage in the area of investigation, which is provided in Section 6.0 of Chapter VI.
4. Frothy flow was found in locations namely, Samethanahalli, Mugalur, Kodiyalam,Kelavarapalli which may be attributed to mix of industrial effluents and domestic sewage flowing from the areas. However, it is also noted that no presence of surface active agents and anionic surfactants were found in the samples collected during the monitoring except in Sokkarasanapalli and Bagalur bridge.
5. Analysis results of River Thenpennai reveals that the quality of the surface water flowing in River Thenpennai falls under Category E of the Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, which is attributed to absence of sufficient dissolved oxygen and presence of suspended solids followed by faecal coliform in all the locations.There appearsdeterioratedDissolved Oxygen in the river stretches from Channasandra bridge to Bagalur bridge.
6. Faecal coliform count in River Thenpennai were found to be in the concentration of 500 to 1600 MPN/100 ml which may be attributed to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage with night soil contamination.
7. No traces of pesticides were found in the surface water samples collected.
8. It was observed that water flowing in samethanahalli, mugalur, sokkarasanapalli, kodiyalam, bagalur, kelavarapalliis being pumped and used for agriculture in the nearby fields/farms, which may be checked for water quality, on a regular basis by concerned authorities to ensure the water quality, as it is also being used for edible food crops. Necessary steps may be taken by the agricultural departments of respective State Governments.
9. The surface water quality needs improvement in terms of dissolved oxygen, Total Coliform/Faecal Coliform, suspended solids, dissolved solids, fluorides, nitrates, phosphates, organic pollutants and heavy metals.
10. Therefore, the joint committee recommends development of Biodiversity park and wetland as per CPCB Guidelines titled 'Guidelines for setting up of Biodiversity parks in Floodplains of Rivers of India, including River Ganga', at suitable locations and its feasibility may be identified by State Government Authorities of Karnataka and Tamilnadu as a means of remedial measures. 45 | P a g e ACTION PLAN AND REMEDIAL MEASURES 6.0 Action Taken Report on Defaulters A. Action taken on defaulting industries by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board In the matter of O.A No. 111 of 2020, Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board carried out inspections of unauthorized dyeing units on 14.09.2020 based on the telephonic message received from the public of Paduthepalli village, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri district. During the inspection, TNPCBmade following observations;
(i) Two unauthorized dyeing units carrying out dyeing of cotton fabric/hosieries were found operational, namely (a) M/s Veeraraj Dyeing, SF No. 156/1, Pauthepalli Village, Nanthimangalam Post, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District, owned by SmtYellamma, w/o Sh Bowseruvappa and (b) M/s Moorthy dyeing, SF No. 209/3B2, Pauthepalli village, Nanthimangalam post, Hosur taluk, Krishnagiri district, owned by Smt. Sikkathayamma, w/o ShKembaiyya.
(ii) The above units have not obtained Consent to Operate from TNPCB and permission from other Government agencies/authorities. The units were found to be drawing water from agriborewell for the dyeing activity and discharging untreated dyeing effluent into the River Thenpennai through pipeline causing pollution of River.
(iii) The above two units were found to be located within 5 km from the Riverbed of Thenpennai, against the regulations passed by G.O Ms. No. 127/E&F/EC Dept./ECIII/ dated 08.05.1998.
(iv) No Effluent Treatment Plant was provided for the treatment of the trade effluent generated and the untreated dyeing colored effluent was being discharged directly into River Thenpennai through pipeline.
(v) TNPCB sought permission from DC, Krishnagiri and Chairman of District Coordination Committee for Krishnagiri district to stop the illegal discharge of effluent into water bodies/land and to take stringent action against defaulting units as per theguidelines.
(vi) Subsequent to the approval of the Chairman, DCC dated 15.09.2020, actions were taken to disconnect TNEB power supply followed by demolishing of machineries/shed installed by the 46 | P a g e unauthorized dyeing units on 17.09.2020 by the members of DCC with police protection, to prevent any such dyeing operations in the future.
(vii) Water Quality Analysis of River Thenpennaiby TNPCB TNPCB informed that samples at sokkarasanapalli village have been continuedtill date. From the said analysis reports, it has been revealed that parameters such as Dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand and Total Coliform are exceeding the standards prescribed by the Board.
It has also been submitted by TNPCB that, the industries generating trade effluent in Krishnagiri District are treating their trade effluent through Effluent Treatment Plants and the treated effluent are being either recycled back to their process or discharged on their own land for green belt development after satisfying the standards prescribed by the Board. There is no discharge of trade effluent into river thenpennai from Krishnagiri district. However, all the industries are being closely monitored by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board. A note on the water quality analysis carried out by TNPCB is appended as Annexure VI. B. Action Taken by TNPCB with regard to Solid Waste Management anddomestic sewage management On the basis of field survey and investigation carried out by the joint committee in Bagalur bridge alongside River Thenpennai, the following instructions have been given to the Block Development Officer, Hosur Panchayat Union, Hosur, Krishnagiri District by TNPCB;
(i) The Solid Waste and Biomedical waste generated from the areas viz., Bagalur covered under the local body jurisdiction shall be collected, segregated and disposed as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
(ii) The Solid Wastes dumped in the banks of River Thenpennai shall be cleared immediately around the river bed in Bagalur area and near Bagalur Bridge, and to dispose them in a proper scientific manner as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Similarly, TNPCB has given instructions to the Block Development officer of Hosur panchayat Union in Hosur, Krishnagiri District that the domestic sewage generated from the households, commercial establishments and other activities shall not be discharged into River 47 | P a g e Thenpennai, and the entire sewage shall be treated and disposed by providing suitable treatment system.
In this regard, the local body has also been instructed to submit action taken report w.r.t solid waste management and sewage management alongwith short term and long term action plan to avoid discharging of sewage into River from the inhabitants of Bagalur. C. Action Taken on defaulters by Karnataka State Pollution ControlBoard
(i) Action taken on defaulting industries
1. Thenpennai or DakshinaPinakini River catchment area is spread over inthe following districts;
a. Part of Bengaluru Urban b. Part of Bengaluru Rural c. Part of Kolar d. Part of Chikkaballapura
2. Following Industrial Areas are located in Thenpennai or DakshinaPinakini River catchment area:
i. Jigani
ii. Electronic city
iii. Veerasandra Industrial Area
iv. Bommasandra Industrial Area
v. Old Airport and HAL Complex.
vi. Doddanakundi Industrial Area.
vii. Sadaramangala Industrial Area
viii. White field
ix. New Air Port
x. Aerospace park near New Air Port
xi. Hardware Park near New Air Port
xii. Software Park near New Air Port
48 | P a g e
xiii. Hoskote Industrial Area
xiv. Malur Industrial Area
3. None of the above Industrial Areas are located on the banks ofThenpennai or
DakshinaPinakini River
4. All the above Industrial Areas are located away from the
DakshinaPinakini River.
5. None of the industries are permitted to discharge its effluents in toThenpennai or DakshinaPinakini River.
6. Quantity of effluent generation, treatment and utilization in Thenpennaior DakshinaPinakini River catchment area is as below: -
(i) Generation of Domestic and trade effluents from industries Total No.of Quantity of effluent generated/treatedin MLD Total industries (Red+Orange) Domestic Trade 882 27.04 19.58 46.62
(ii) Treatment and disposal ofDomestic and trade effluents fromindustries Total generation Treatment and disposal of effluent in MLD of Domestic and Septic Tank UGD CETP Reuse/On Stream River Trade effluentin andSoak Pit land MLD (Domestic only) 46.62 1.79 0.96 0.65 43.22 00 00 KSPCB has issued Closure Directions to 72 nos. of defaulting industries during 2018 -
2020. Out of which 29 No‟s of closure directions were revoked after compliance. The list and 49 | P a g e status is enclosed asAnnexure VII.Further, Environmental Compensation imposed on the defaulting industries are discussed in Section 6.1 below.
(ii) Action taken by KSPCBw.r.t Sewage Management in Bangalore i. Bangalore has nearly 3000 decentralized STPs. The treated sewage is proposed to be used mandatorily for the construction, gardening and Parks maintenance. KSPCB has identified the parks of City Corporation and the forest lands in the Bangalore Rural and Urban Districts and also other plantation on medians, avenues. Their GPS locations and latitude and longitude are obtained. The Excess treated sewage from the independent apartments is being connected to these usages. A user-friendly app is also being developed in the lines of aggregation of Cabs. ii. A Study is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru to check the safety of using the treated sewage for the construction purpose with respect to the strength and the corrosion of steel. The requirement of water for the construction alone is expected to be 52 MLD including the Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and about 20 MLD for other usages. iii. It is proposed to introduce the Sensors for the online measurement of quality of treated sewage. The specifications have been developed in consultation with the experts and the Indian Institute of Science to make it mandatory to have these sensors to check the quality of the final treated water. This would help in making the quality treated sewage available. iv. On Continuous persuasion of KSPCB, online real time monitoring equipments are installed by BWSSB at 15 Nos. of STPs located in the Thenpennai or DakshinaPinakini River Catchment area. The Real time monitoring data is linked to KSPCB server and it is available inKSPCB and BWSSB websites. Besides above, KSPCB has filed cases against 16 defaulting Apartmentsw.r.t domestic sewage management. The list and status is enclosed as Annexure VIII. Further, Environmental Compensation imposed on the Apartments arediscussed in the section 6.1 below.
(iii) Action taken by KSPCBw.r.t pollution of lakes 50 | P a g e KSPCB is monitoring the water quality of 79 lakes located in DakshinaPinakini River catchment area. The annual water quality is confirming to D/E Class of Primary Water Quality Criteria. The list of lakes and its Quality is appended as Annexure- IX. Action taken by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board on pollution of lakes in Bangalore is as below;
1. The KSPCB, Regional Office, Bangalore East has filed a Criminal Case under Water Act, 1974 against BWSSB (CC No. 928/2006) w.r.t. pollution of Bellandur Lake.
2. The KSPCB, Regional Office, Bommanahalli has filed one more Criminal Case under Water Act, 1974 against BWSSB in May 2015 (CC No. 30236/2015) w.r.t. pollution of Madiwala Lake, Arakere Lake and Hulimavu Lakes which are feeder Lakes for Bellandur Lake.
3. The Board is monitoring Lake Water quality, treated water quality from BWSSB STPs & other STPs of apartment / Commercial complexes / IT Parks etc., are being regularly monitored by the Board.
(iv) Water Quality Analysis of River Thenpennai by KSPCB KSPCB is monitoring the water quality of Thenpennai or DakshinaPinakini River near Mugalur bridge. The water quality is confirming to D/E Class of Primary Water Quality Criteria.TheWater Quality of River Thenpennai is appended asAnnexure X.DakshinaPinakini is not a perennial river and the flow is only treated /untreated sewage of Bengaluru. The river water quality can be improved if and only when the sewage is treated in the STPs.
(v) Other Actions and Initiatives by KSPCB for Waste Management Facilities available at Bengaluru for effective management of various wastes generated:
i. 08 No's of CETPs of total capacity of 1775 KLD are facilitating industries located in and around Bengaluru for effective treatment and disposal of effluents generated from SSI sectors.
ii. 2 No's of TSDF are facilitating Transport, Storage, treatment and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes generated from the industries.
iii. 5 No's of Common Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plants are facilitating Health care establishment in and around Bengaluru for effective treatment and disposal of Bio Medical Waste.
51 | P a g e iv. Plastic carry bags are banned in the entire State by Government of Karnataka vide Gazette Notification No.FEE l7 EPC 2012 dated 11.03.2016.
v. For managing the solid waste, 9 land fill sites of 3350 TPD is established by BBMP.To encourage segregation at source, BBMP has established 188 Dry Waste Collection Centre. 10 mixed waste treatment facility, 7 landfill sites, 15 decentralized bio-methanation facility with 5 TPD capacity each. Further, Bulk Generators of waste like Hotels, Restaurants, KalyanMantaps, Apartments etc., have been directed to establish a system to handle Municipal Solid Waste generated in their premises or through empanelled service providers.
vi. Board has accorded permission to BBMP to establish solid waste processing units at 7 different locations.Board has given authorization to M/s Rock Crystals, Bengaluru of installed capacity 1000 TPD for C&D waste processing.
vii. An Integrated Control & Command Centre has been set up at KSPCB, Bengaluru, wherein a common number (080) 2558 2559 is made available for the public. This Centre monitors the complaints until it is attended and the issue is resolved. This centre will also monitor the Emergency Response Vehicles.
viii. KSPCB has addressed the letter to Heads of the Stake Holders viz., BBMP, BWSSB, DMA, BESCOM and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) to co-operate in identifying the polluting industries operating without consent of the Board and having trade license or not to prevent pollution of Water bodies. Copy of the letter is enclosed asAnnexure-XI. ix. KSPCB has called expression of interest for installation CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) at Peenya Industrial Area for treatment of Industrial Effluents generated from the Small Scale Surface treatment units.
x. All the common effluent treatment plants of the state are being fitted with the sensors which monitor the key parameters and also the quantity of effluents received and treated. The movement of vehicles is also tracked through GPS. The data is synced with the Command Control Centre for effective monitoring.
52 | P a g e The control and prevention of pollution is a continuous process. Hence, the KSPCB is making all efforts to arrest and prevent pollution both Air & Water pollution on a continuous basis. Active co-operation is being sought from other Departments like BWSSB, BBMP, BDA and local bodies, else, the task of prevention and control of pollution cannot be accomplished. The KSPCB will undertake to continue its efforts to prevent and control the pollution within the parameters laid down under the provisions of Environmental Protection Act, Air Act and Water Act and abide by any directions to be issued by the Hon‟ble NGT.
Environmental Compensation
(i) With Respect to Violations observed in Sewage Management byKSPCB With regard to generation of sewage by the 873 Apartments located in the catchment area of the lakes (Bellandur and Varthur), the Hon‟ble NGT vide order dated 6.12.2018 having accepted the recommendations of the NGT commission directed defaulting units to pay Environmental Compensationas per the table given below:
SNo Violations Environmental
Compensation
1 Where STP is required as per the EC/ Consent, Rs. 10 Lakhs per month fromthe
but the facility has not constructed the STP date of completion certificate or date
despite generating of
sewage. Completion
2 Where actual capacity of STP is less than the Rs. 20000/per day from thedate
capacity as shown in the EC/ of inspection till final
Consent Upgradation
3 Where the number of flats/ units actually Rs. 1 Lakh per unit per month
constructed is more than thenumber of flats / from the date of construction until
units disclosed to the grant
KSPCB while obtaining Consent of fresh requisite consent
53 | P a g e
4 Where STP is not functioning or parameters Rs. 5 lakhs per default.
are not being met or untreated sewage is
being bypassedfrom the STP or being
otherwise
Diverted
Thereafter, the Hon'ble NGT vide direction in its order dated 21.10.2019 in OA No. 125/2017 in Paragraph (13), Karnataka SPCB has been made responsible to collect Environmental Compensation charges towards non - compliance by the Apartments/ Township/Commercial Establishments.
In view of the above, Board had assessed and issued Environmental Compensation notice related to not providing STP and also for non- conformity/by pass/discharge of treated/untreated sewage by the defaulting units. Further, Show-Cause notice and notice of proposed directions were issued for continued violation. In respect of the non compliances of the treated sewage, out of 376 units, 22 units have paid an Environmental Compensation (EC) amount of Rs 115 lakhs. Further, 6 Number of Petitioners have approached the Hon‟ble High Court (writ petition No. 4540/2020). The Hon‟ble High Court has issued interim order on 26.02.2020 directing the KSPCB to issue Show causenotice to the petitioner.
Post-COVID 19, Video Conference was done on 04.07.2020 calling all the Apartments who are due to pay the EC. After hearing them, the Board has taken a decision and directed the defaulters to pay the Environmental Compensation Charges as assessed by the Board earlier otherwise to initiate actions under 33(A) of the Water Act and as per the direction of the Hon‟ble NGT. Post the personal hearing, as no EC has been paid, and the personal hearing proceedings are being brought to the notice of the Hon‟ble NGT, Hon‟ble High Court and Board would initiate action and the process is initiated and shortly the closure orders will be issued for such units by Karnataka SPCB. KSPCB has imposed EC of Rs. 288.80 Crores on 496 No‟s of Apartment/Commercial establishment and Rs. 1.40 crores was collected. Detailsof Environmental Compensation 54 | P a g e imposed and collected are appended asAnnexure- XII & XIII. Further, it is also submitted that in compliance with the Hon‟ble Green Tribunal order dated 18.12.2019 in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017 before Principal Bench, the status and progress on sewage management (as on 15.07.2020) as submitted by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board before Hon‟ble Tribunal is appended as Annexure XIV.
(ii) With Respect to Violations observed in Industrial Discharge byKSPCB As per the directions of the Hon‟ble NGT in OA 1038/2018, KSPCB has imposed Environmental Compensation in respect of 36 No‟s. of industries. However, the Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India has stayed the process of levying of Environmental Compensation vide Civil Appeal Diary No.19271/2020 on 22.09.2020.Details of Environmental Compensation imposed by KSPCB on defaulting units are enclosed asAnnexure XV. With regard to industries observed to be discharging into River Thenpennai during the Joint committee monitoring, it is submitted that those units were illegally operatingand the same were made to close immediately. The joint committee also observed that those units are falling under small and micro scale units operating illegally.
Long Term and Short Term Action Plan for improving the WaterQuality of River Thenpennai The joint monitoring team comprising of CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB have reported in the case of Original Suit No. 02 of 2015 that, "the River Thenpennaiyar receives the outflow of treated and untreated sewage of Bellandur and Varthur lake system. Comprehensive plan of restoration of these lakes along with identifying other sources of untreated sewage into the River only will help to restore the quality of the river. Government of Karnataka may prepare such plan on priority considering the pollution issues of Bellandur and Varthur lake system, which contributes to the Pollution of Thenpennaiyar River". Further, Hon'ble Tribunal, 55 | P a g e Principal Bench, New Delhi, in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017, constituted a monitoring committee headed by Justice ShSantosh Hegde, former Judge of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court to oversee the execution of the action plan on remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore.
The joint committee with due cognizance of the water quality of River Thenpennai reported in section 5.2 above andthe action plan already reported by the joint monitoring team comprising of CPCB, KSPCB and TNPCB and execution of the action plan on remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore by the monitoring committee in O.A no. 125/2017, the following long term and short term action plan has been prepared;
Action Points Present Status Proposed Action by the Agency
Joint Committee Responsible
(Timeline)
56 | P a g e
Estimation of The outfall flow 1. BWSSB to measure the flow BWSSB and flow of water of water in and discharge of all the tanks Minor Irrigation in River major / lakes located (Three months) Thenpennai tanks/lakes in located in Koramangla&Challaghatta, Bengaluru Hebbal Valleys flowing in to leading to River River Thenpennai viz., Agara, Thenpennai Bellandur, arebeing Varthur, estimated Channasandra, by BWSSB YellamalappaChetty,sametha as (as nah alli weir Mugalur etc. on Flowdetails of tanks in the Septembe upstream (Hoskote taluk, r, 2020): Bangalore rural, chikkaballapur) may also
(i) Agara lake -
be included if 139.31 MLD overflow is detected.
(ii)
2. Flow or discharge of each of Bellandu the tanks that are recharged r lake -
by treated wastewater by
268.25 MLD
BWSSB
(iii) Varthur lake
i.e. 126 tanks in Kolar District
- 275.25 Minor Irrigation
and 65 tanks in
MLD (Three months)
Chikaballapur district.
In the absence 3. Measurement of flow of all the of flow data of major drains (i.e storm water the tanks/lakes drains)joining the river for and major estimate of flow of River drains Thenpennaiand maintenance 57 | P a g e whose outfall of all records.
joins River
Thenpennai,
theflow data
of River
Thenpennaican
not be arrived
at.
58 | P a g e
BWSSB and Minor
Irrigation
(Three months)
59 | P a g e
Study of The (i) BWSSB may engage a CSIR BWSSB and KSPCB
Performance performance of Institute like CLRI or NEERI (Six months)
evaluation of the or others for
Sewage STPs evaluating performance of
Treatment located STPs located in K&C and
Plants in in Hebbal valleys. (viz., there
Bangalore by Koramangla are 32 STPs in Bangalore
engaging and including 21 STPs
Challaghatta, in Koramangla&Challaghatta
aCSIR Hebbal andHebbal Valleys). The
institute Valley same may be supervised by
s are KSPCB. The final report
being may be submitted to
assessed KSPCB for review.
based on its
capacity (ii) Completion of
utilised sewerage network for the
an villages in
d characteristics Koramangla&Challaghatta
by BWSSB. andHebbal Valleys (of
However, 110 villages identified by
the BBMP)for tapping the
treated sewage generated, as BWSSB (as per the
wast already submitted to Hon‟ble timeline fixed in
e Tribunal, Principal Bench, O.A No. 125/2017)
water quality Delhi in the matter of
needs to O.A no. 125/2017. (Next
be date of hearing: 15.01.2021)
ascertained.
(iii) Strengthening of STP
Further, Water
60 | P a g e
quality of water conveyance system to
(treated water improve sewage getting
by BWSSB) completely tapped and
diverted for treated, in order to avoid
irrigation to discharge into River
chikkaballapur Thenpennai.
and
Kolar (iv) The outcome of the
Districts performance study of STPs
through Minor may be submitted as Status
Irrigation of Compliance of the State
Department Functionaries of Karnataka
is to the Monitoring Committee
required to constituted in the matter of BWSSB(on a
be O.A 125/2017, for review regular basis)
assessed. and reporting.
Therefore, there
is need to
conduct audit of
the data of
quantity of
sewage
generation,
sewage
treatment
capacity
installed vs
actuall
y operated
and
61 | P a g e
treated
wastewater
characteristics.
62 | P a g e
KSPCB and BWSSB
(after completion of
the study)
Random The information Among the industries those that TNPCB &KSPCB (six
Verification of of are Red/Orange months)
grossly grossly category(small,
polluting polluting medium and large) with treated
(water industries effluent discharge option as
polluting) located in the surface water/sewer
industries river basin drain/others (which includes
located in the alongwith industries having ZLD) in River
River the basin of Thenpennai be
Basin and status of monitored for
Assessment of effluent effluent
wastewat management characteristics by concerned
er has been SPCBs, so as to ascertain the
management compile quality of treated effluent
and d by KSPCB. discharge as per the Consent
discharge Conditions of SPCBs. The details
mode. of the compliance status and
action taken report be placed in
public domain (TNPCB and
KSPCB website).
63 | P a g e
Rejuvenation Bellandur Advisory for development of BDA and concerned
of lakes to and Biodiversity park and wetland State functionaries
remediate the Varthur lakes in the River basin of Thenpennai of Government of
pollution are being or DakshinaPinakinias per Karnataka(six
caused in desilted by CPCB Guidelines titled months)
River Bangalore „Guidelines for setting up of
Thenpennai Development Biodiversity parks in Floodplains
Authority (BDA) of Rivers of India, including River
and Ganga‟ be notified in
awaits consultation with Government of
guidelines Karnataka and KSPCB.
and silt
analysis
report from Completion of Biodiversity park,
Karnataka which comprises of;
SPCB for
(i) Feasibility study for
disposal of the
development of Biodiversity
silt followed by
parks in the River basin of
developmentof
Thenpennai
Biodiversit Bangalore Development
(ii) Preparation of Detailed
y park
Project
and
wetlands
i
n compliance
with the
Hon‟ble
NGT Orders in
64 | P a g e
the matter of Report (DPR) for development Authority (not more
O.A No. of Biodiversity parks in than One year or as
125/2017. Bellandur an Varthur per the timeline fixed
(iii) Award of Project in O.A No. 125/2017)
(iv) Completion of the Project
Environmental Performance EC be calculated and imposed BWSSB and KSPCB
Compensation evaluation of based on the Performance (Six months)
be imposed by STPs by Evaluation of STPs and Random
SPCBs BWSSB Verification of Grossly Polluting
afte and random Industries.
r evaluating inspection
EC be calculated and imposed
performance of
based on Random Verification of
of STPs industries is TNPCB (Six months)
Grossly Polluting Industries
and required to be
Calculation of EC by the three
identification carried out by
member Committee comprising
of defaulters KSPCB/TNPCB
of CPCB, TNPCB and KSPCB,
upon Random with
after submission of Reports by
Verification. specifi
the concerned authorities
c reference CPCB (Six months on
(BWSSB, KSPCB, TNPCB).
to River receipt of the Study
Thenpennai. Report and
recommendations/crite
riafor imposing EC
from KSPCB and
TNPCB)
65 | P a g e
Sewage and Among Feasibility study for providing Feasibility study by
Solid Waste the Sewage Treatment options (such TNPCB in consultation
Management villages as oxidations ponds/ diversion with local authority for
in the villages located channels or wetlands etc.) by implementation (six
(13) near River TNPCB followed months)
adjoinin Thenpennai, by implementation
g River Bagalur by Local authority of the district.
Thenpennai is
Solid Waste Management Plan
up till having
be devised and executed by
Kelavarapalli population
concerned Block Development
of about
Officer, Hosur taluk to ensure
11,000 and the
the solid wastes are not Concerned Block
domesti
disposed on the riverside and Development Officer
c sewage
managed as per Solid Waste to submit to TNPCB
generation
Management Rules, 2016. (six months)
is
estimated to be
0.0715 MLD.
Further, Solid
Waste
generation in
Bagalur is
estimated to be
about 1.5
Tons/day.
Regular Water Water Quality The trend of water quality and TNPCB &KSPCB (to
Quality is being its improvement at major monitor on yearly basis)
Monitoring monitored by confluence points may be
a KSPCB by monitored for the year 2021-22
timportant installing real on a monthly basis
66 | P a g e
locations time monitoring and a report be submitted to
stations CPCB to ensure the quality of
i water flowing in River
n Thenpennai.
Bellandur
Responsibility as a Custodian of
and
Rivers/tanks in Karnataka vests
Varthur.
with State Functionaries
Further,
namely, BWSSB, BBMP, BDA,
Mugalur
Lake
bridg BWSSB, BBMP, BDA,
Development Authority, Minor
e and Minor Irrigation
Irrigation Department. Therefore,
sokkarasanapa Department (every
Water Quality of the water
lli is year)
flowing in River Thenpennai be
being
maintained pristine and tested
monitored
for its characteristics in the
under National
respective jurisdictions.
Wate
r Quality
Monitoring
Programme.
Remedial Measures - Action Plan for Rejuvenation of Lakes The Bellandur Lake has a catchment area of about 148 sq.km (37,000 acres) spread across Central, South, East & South East of Bangalore.The Lake receives water from three main valleys:a) Valley originating from JP Nagar, Puttenahalli, Bilekahalli, Arekere Lake, Hulimavu Lake, Madiwala lake, BTM Layout, HSR Layout, Agara Lake & finally joining Bellandur Lake;
b) Valley originating from Shivajinagar, Ulsoor Lake, Domlur, Indiranagar, HAL and finally joining Bellandur Lake; and c) Valley originating from Kalasipalya, Lalbagh Road, KH Road, [67] Shantinagar Bus Station, National Games Village, Ejipura, Sinivagilu and finally joining Bellandur Lake.
There are two outflow weirs to Bellandur Lake - One near Bellandur Village & other near Yemlur Village. Lake series joining Bellandur Lake are Sarakki Lake, Arakere Lake, Begur Lake, Madiwala Lake, Agara Lake, Ibblur Lake. Both the outflow finally joins Varthur Lake. The outflow from Varthur Lake joins South Pinakini River.
Varthur lake has a total area of 439 acres and 34 Guntas with total periphery length of 8.4 km. The lake receives water from 5 inlets and the 02 outlets. For flood control and water level management near Varthur, waste weir sluice gates are provided.
Desilting work is under progress in Bellandur and Varthur lakes as per the directions of Hon‟ble NGT. Then, wetland construction will be carried out post de- silting work by Bangalore Development Authority.
Further, development of biodiversity parks in those lakes are also under progress. The above status has been reported by BDA in compliance to the orders of Hon‟ble NGT dated 14.08.2020 in the matter of O.A No. 125/2017, to oversee the execution of the action plan on remedial action for restoration of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes at Bangalore, including preventing discharge and dumping of pollutants, removing encroachments from catchment area and other steps for restoration by the monitoring committee headed by Justice ShSantosh Hegde, former Judge of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court.
Notification of Standards for Phosphorus in Soaps & Detergents Froth formation and related items are taken up by NGT in OA 125/2017 and noted that, major cause for foam formation is considered to be discharge of untreated sewage through open drains.
i. As per directions of the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, MoEF& CC and CPCB have been requested by KSPCB to limit the phosphorous content in Soaps & Detergents being [68] manufactured by the industries. Since it is a Standard specified on a product, the same is to be effected by Bureau of Indian Standards. In this regard Bureau of Indian Standards has published notification during August 2020 for the following products. a. Synthetic Detergents for washing woollen and silks Fabrics -Specification (Second Revision) b. Household Laundry Detergent Bars- Specification (ThirdRevision) c. Household Laundry Detergent Powders- Specification. (FifthRevision). ii. The above notifications are enclosed as Annexure- XVI.
CHAPTER VII CONCLUDING REMARKS The causes and sources of pollution has been assessed by the joint committee based on the samples collected from 12 locationsin River Thenpennaiduring September, 2020. It has been ascertained that, the water quality of River Thenpennai falls under the category of Class E (Irrigation, Industrial Cooling, Controlled Waste disposal) of the Designated Best Use Criteria notified under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. The reason being largely, the discharge of treated and untreated sewage from Bangalore, a Comprehensive plan for restoration of the quality of River Thenpennai is under consideration before Hon‟ble Supreme Court in O.S No. 02 of 2015 and Hon‟ble National Green Tribunal O.A No. 111 of 2020.
In cognizance of the above, the joint committee has devised an Action plan (Long Term and Short Term with timelines) under section 6.2 of Chapter VI for restoring the quality of River Thenpennai. Therefore, it is humbly prayed that, the improvement of River Water Quality would require union of orders/directions of Hon‟ble NGT in O.A No. 125/2017 and in O.A No. 111/2020 alongwith directions of Hon‟ble Supreme Court in O.S No. 02 of 2015.
[69]
6.It is seen from the report that there is no source of pollution found in Tamil Nadu area and also the source of pollution was from the Karnataka region and certain action plans have been prepared by the Karnataka State for the purpose of remedying the situation on the basis of the directions given by this Tribunal in this case and also by the Principal Bench in O.A.No.125 of 2017 and the case pending before the Hon'ble Supreme Court as C.S.2 of 2015 Though certain time line has been provided in the action plan, it is not clear as to whether anything has transpired at the ground level for the implementation of the action plan that has been submitted by the respective departments before the committee. So the respective departments who have given the action plan before the committee are directed to submit separate status report regarding the action taken by them on the basis of the action taken report. The committee is also directed to supervise the implementation of the action plan that has been submitted by the State of Karnataka and other departments and submit a further progress report regarding the same and also the improvement of the water quality on account of the short term measures that has been taken by the departments before this Tribunal on or before 8.4.2021 by e-mail in the form of Searchable PDF/OCR Supportable PDF and not in the form of Image PDF along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules..
7. The Registry is directed to communicate this order to the Members of the Committee, the State Departments, the Chief Secretary, State of Karnataka and State of Tamil Nadu for their information and follow up action in this regard. [70] For consideration of further report, post on 8.4.2021 ...................................J.M. (Justice K. Ramakrishnan) ..............................E.M. (Shri. Saibal Dasgupta) O.A. No.111/2020, 18.2.21 kkr [71]