BJP’s Mysuru spokesperson M.A. Mohan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make treatment of sewage and industrial effluents mandatory across the country before its discharge into rivers.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, a copy of which has been shared with , Mr. Mohan drew Mr. Modi’s attention to the alarming pollution of rivers across India due to the discharge of untreated sewage from towns and untreated effluents from industries, resorts and other establishments.

“Despite the availability of modern wastewater treatment technologies, many habitations continue to release untreated wastewater directly into rivers, posing a serious threat to public health, biodiversity, and the environment,” he said, citing the Kabini river in the State as a clear example.

The recent drought conditions when the water level in the Kabini reservoir had plummeted to a record low, widespread exposure of the riverbed and stagnant polluted stretches were clearly visible, highlighting the extent of environmental stress on the river system, he said.

“It has also been observed that untreated wastewater from Saragur town, with a population of nearly 50,000, along with wastewater generated by several resorts and commercial establishments located along the river, is being discharged into the Kabini without adequate treatment,” the letter stated.

This is a matter of grave concern because the same river serves as a source of drinking water for Mysuru and continues downstream to T. Narasipur, where it joins the Kaveri at Sangama. The river then flows into Tamil Nadu before finally reaching the sea. Pollution at the source, therefore, affects millions of people and ecosystems downstream, he said.

The Kabini river also flows through Heggadadevanakote region, an ecologically sensitive area comprising dense forests and tribal habitats. The region is environmentally significant and deserves the highest level of protection. Heggadadevanakote Taluk is also unique for having four major dams, making the conservation of its water resources even more important, he said.

Hence, Mr. Mohan requested the Union government to consider making it mandatory for every urban local body, industry, resort and commercial establishments situated near rivers to treat all wastewater through Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) or Effluent Treatment Plants before discharging it into any river or waterbody.

The government should also ensure strict monitoring, periodic inspections, and stringent penalties for violations, he said while also favouring the launch of a pilot project on the Kabini river to demonstrate a comprehensive river pollution prevention model, including the installation and effective operation of the STPs for towns and commercial establishments along the river.

A successful model should be replicated across all major river basins in the country.

“Protecting our rivers is essential for safeguarding drinking water, agriculture, wildlife, forests, and the health of future generations,” said Mr. Mohan.