Activist moves NGT over untreated sewage discharge into Godavari

Aakula Sampath Kumar's application has flagged an alleged discharge of 199 million litres per day of untreated sewage into the river.

Hyderabad: A local activist and law student has approached the National Green Tribunal over pollution of river Godavari due to the release of untreated sewage and industrial waste. He has called for an independent scientific investigation, restoration of dysfunctional sewage treatment plants and protection of drinking-water sources.

Aakula Sampath Kumar’s application has flagged an alleged discharge of 199 million litre per day of untreated sewage into the river and its interconnected streams, canals and tributaries through more than 50 identified discharge channels.

He has also raised concern over the reported non-functioning of sewage treatment plants at Ramagundam, Mancherial and Bhadrachalam. His application further pointed out the inadequate sewage-treatment infrastructure and drainage facilities in surrounding areas, including Basara, Dharmapuri, Nirmal, Luxettipet, Manthani and Sarapaka.

He also alleged the discharge of untreated sewage from Mancherial and Mandamarri municipalities and surrounding villages into Rallavagu and Thollavagu, which ultimately flow into Godavari.

Yellampalli Reservoir under threat

Kumar raised concern over the possible impact of the pollution on the Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir, which is an important source of drinking water for Hyderabad.

Kumar has sought independent scientific sampling and accredited laboratory testing of the Godavari, its tributaries and the Yellampalli Reservoir to establish the actual extent of contamination and its implications for public health.

Kumar had earlier approached the High Court over the issue which directed him to the Tribunal.