NGT intervention in river protection
NGT Pushes River Pollution Control in Karnataka: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, Chennai, has directed Karnataka authorities to submit a comprehensive action plan to stop sewage and wastewater discharge into the Sauparnika River at Kollur. The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 9, 2026, reflecting continued judicial monitoring.
The tribunal expressed dissatisfaction with partial compliance of earlier directions. It emphasised that environmental restoration requires structured planning, not fragmented administrative responses.
Static GK fact: The NGT was established under the NGT Act, 2010, to ensure speedy disposal of environmental cases and enforcement of environmental rights.
Directions by NGT Southern Zone
A bench led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr Prashant Gargava directed the Udupi Deputy Commissioner and the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) to submit a detailed remedial report.
The report must include remedial strategies, cost estimates, infrastructure upgrades, and defined timelines. The objective is to ensure zero wastewater discharge into the river system.
The tribunal also mandated virtual appearance of officials for accountability and compliance verification.
Pollution around Kollur pilgrimage zone
The case originates from a petition filed by social activist Harish Tholar, highlighting long-term pollution from lodges, hotels, and commercial establishments near the Sri Mookambika Temple.
Despite the implementation of an Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) costing ₹19.97 crore (2015–2020), untreated sewage and sullage reportedly continue to reach the river.
Static GK Tip: UGSS systems are designed to collect urban wastewater through underground pipelines for treatment and safe disposal, reducing surface contamination.
Gaps in governance and reporting
The tribunal flagged serious deficiencies in official reports submitted in November 2025. Key missing data included wastewater generation volume, UGSS carrying capacity, required expansion capacity, financial projections, and treatment timelines.
The NGT also questioned the operational efficiency of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), indicating possible systemic failures in sewage management infrastructure.
This reflects a governance gap between infrastructure creation and infrastructure functionality.
Role of regulatory institutions
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has been directed to identify violators and submit enforcement action reports. This strengthens regulatory accountability and legal compliance.
The case demonstrates the growing role of environmental adjudication in urban governance. Judicial oversight is increasingly shaping urban sanitation policy, religious tourism sustainability, and river ecosystem protection.
Static GK fact: Pollution Control Boards in India function under the Water Act, 1974 and Environment Protection Act, 1986, with powers to regulate industrial and urban pollution sources.
Environmental governance significance
The Sauparnika case reflects a broader national challenge of urban sewage management, pilgrimage-centre pollution, and river conservation governance. Judicial institutions are emerging as key drivers of environmental compliance.
This case reinforces the link between infrastructure planning, institutional accountability, and ecological sustainability in India’s environmental governance framework.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NGT Pushes River Pollution Control in Karnataka:
| Topic | Detail |
| Tribunal | National Green Tribunal (NGT) |
| Legal Basis | NGT Act, 2010 |
| River | Sauparnika River |
| Location | Kollur, Udupi district, Karnataka |
| Religious Site | Sri Mookambika Temple |
| Sewerage Project | UGSS (₹19.97 crore, 2015–2020) |
| Regulatory Body | Karnataka State Pollution Control Board |
| Governance Focus | Urban sewage management |
| Environmental Issue | River pollution |
| Administrative Authority | KUWSDB, Udupi District Administration |
