The Dakshina Kannada (DK) district administration had been directed to take stringent action against industrial units discharging untreated effluents into the river down the Malavoor dam here turning the water there blackish and poisonous, Karnataka Forests Minister and district-in-charge B Ramanath Rai said today.
Talking to reporters after visiting the dam premises here, Rai said he had seen that several fishes were dying and the water downstream had turned blackish with suspected discharge of effluents from the industrial area near the dam.
The minister said he had also instructed pollution control board officials to find out the source of the discharge of effluents into the river and submit a report within four days.
Further action would be taken after getting the report.
He said the pollution had become worse and the local people were facing a miserable situation with foul smell emanating from the water.
Discussions would be held on how to purify the polluted water.
Scientists at the Fisheries College would be asked to collect water samples to find out the reason for the contamination of water.
DK Deputy Commissioner K G Jagadeesh, who accompanied the minister, said the district administration would ensure that discharge of effluents would be checked.
Water had not been contaminated on the upper side of the dam, while pollution was detected downstream.
Strict action would be taken against industries discharging untreated effluents into the river, he said, adding that water was being tested before distributing it for drinking purpose.
The Rs 42.5 crore Malavoor dam project, meant to supply drinking water to 14 surrounding villages in the district, was inaugurated by Ramanath Rai in April this year.
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