Madikeri: Kodagu district is facing acute water shortage for the first time in few decades wherein many villages in all the three talks of the district are almost drought hit. To make matters worse, coffee pulping units in some estates of Hardur village limits near Suntikoppa town are diverting the waste water to contaminate natural water streams.
The water mixed with the effluents has become non potable, depriving nearby villagers of pure drinking water. The awful stench at places gives ample proof to the deteriorating situation.
There are few reports of live stock and birds being affected by drinking contaminated water. Families of Kallumutlu Puttanna, Haradur Halappa, Medura Suresh, Jayaram, Varaprasad and Deepak residing near Yemmegundi Estate and other estates owners are the worst hit.
Villagers affected were seen cursing coffee estate owners in the area. The owners however, have turned a blind eye despite being at the wrong end and authorities have turned a blind eye to the villagers’ woes.
