For two centuries, untreated sewage from Srirangapatna has been flowing directly into the Cauvery river — a lifeline that supplies drinking water to Pandavapura, Mandya, and even Bengaluru. The waste enters through Rampal Road and merges with the river beneath the historic Wellesley Bridge, right where water is lifted for urban consumption.
Despite the Cauvery’s pivotal role, neither the Srirangapatna Town Municipal Council nor departments like the Environment and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd have acted to stop this pollution, said Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa. Taking note, he has launched a suo motu case against all responsible bodies.
This is just one of 22 serious complaints Veerappa registered after a surprise inspection in Mandya. His findings are alarming:
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Mandya town’s sewage empties directly into Guttalu Lake, spreading illness among locals and schoolchildren who use it, while borewell water around the lake remains contaminated.
Illegal resorts and hotels have cropped up within 30 metres of the Cauvery’s high flood level, openly violating environmental norms and creating noise pollution that’s affecting wildlife at the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
In Kiragandur, 17 guntas of grazing land were illegally turned into 12 housing sites and khatas made under suspicious transfers.
Crores in compensation meant for National Highway land acquisition were allegedly misappropriated by the Induvaalu Panchayat official.
Illegal mining, encroachment of lakes, and unauthorized site allotments by the Mandya Urban Development Authority add to the list of grave irregularities.
Justice Veerappa has taken a firm stand, seeking accountability, cleanup, and system overhaul across departments.