NEWS – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Bench has directed the Karnataka government to submit an action plan within a month to curb pollution in the Thenpennai (Dakshina Pinakini) river.

• The directive follows reports of foaming, blackened water, foul odour, and weed growth near Kelavarapalli dam, Hosur, as the river enters Tamil Nadu.
• The NGT acted suo motu based on media reports and raised concern over untreated sewage and industrial effluents flowing into the river, mainly from Bellandur and Varthur lakes in Bengaluru.
• Karnataka’s report cited 531 industries in the catchment area; 11 were non-compliant with environmental norms.
• While 10 new STPs (313 MLD) are under construction, only four have received administrative approval and none are operational yet.
• Tamil Nadu urged Karnataka to take interim control measures and improve pollution monitoring.
• A central inter-state committee confirmed pollution in June 2024, highlighting black water and untreated sewage in tanks and lakes around Bengaluru.
• NGT warned of monsoon-driven worsening and fixed the next hearing for August 21, 2025.

About the River:

• The Dakshina Pinakini (Thenpennai/Ponnaiyar) originates in Nandi Hills, Karnataka, and flows 497 km into Tamil Nadu, draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• Once perennial and lush, it is now largely dry except during the monsoon.
• The river supports irrigation in districts like Kolar, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore, and hosts temples and historic references in Sangam and Bhakti literature.
• It suffers from severe pollution and sand mining due to industrial expansion.