Bengaluru-based NGO Paani Earth Foundation, which recently uncovered toxic pollutants including mercury, DDT, and cancer-causing PAHs in River Arkavathy, has called out major shortcomings in India’s National Water Quality Management Programme (NWMP). The foundation’s findings, which triggered suo motu action by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), have sparked serious concern over water safety and data transparency.

In a plea before the tribunal, the NGO urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to expand its water testing parameters to include hazardous chemicals like phthalates and banned pesticides. They criticised the NWMP for reporting only minimum and maximum annual pollution levels — ignoring real-time or seasonal spikes.

Paani Earth also highlighted glaring data access issues. Though the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) claims 80 monitoring stations exist in the Arkavathy basin, data was only available for 42 — while the CPCB listed just 40. The NGO demanded accurate GPS mapping, full monthly data uploads, and public access to reports.

The tribunal has asked the foundation to share its submission with concerned authorities. Meanwhile, the KSPCB has sought more time to respond.