Bengaluru: Toxic pollutants in Arkavathy spark scrutiny of India’s water monitoring programme

Bengaluru-based NGO Paani Earth Foundation has raised alarm over serious gaps in India’s National Water Quality Management Programme (NWMP), following the discovery of toxic pollutants in the Arkavathy River. The foundation detected harmful substances including mercury, DDT, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), prompting suo motu action by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

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In a plea submitted to the tribunal, the NGO urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to widen its water testing scope to include hazardous contaminants such as phthalates and banned pesticides. They criticised the current NWMP framework for only disclosing annual minimum and maximum pollution levels, without accounting for real-time fluctuations or seasonal surges that may pose public health risks.

Data transparency has also emerged as a significant concern. While the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) claims there are 80 water quality monitoring stations in the Arkavathy basin, the foundation found data from only 42, with the CPCB listing merely 40. The NGO has called for accurate GPS tagging of all monitoring locations, comprehensive monthly data uploads, and unrestricted public access to water quality reports.

The tribunal has directed the foundation to share its findings with relevant authorities, while the KSPCB has sought additional time to file its response. The case has intensified calls for reforms in how India monitors and manages the safety of its water resources.