Mysuru: Sagara Katte, one of the district’s iconic sunset viewpoints, 25km from here, is facing increasing pollution due to unregulated tourist activity.The KRS backwaters close to Sagara Katte is being contaminated with discarded flowers, puja materials, pesticide containers, liquor bottles and plastic waste dumped by visitors. With no monitoring mechanism in place after sunset, dumping has continued, according to locals.The KRS backwaters, spreads across Mysuru and Mandya districts, and access to the riverbank through private properties, has made regulation difficult. As a result, large stretches of the waterbody are reportedly polluted.According to locals, good inflow this year has raised the water level, making it a major attraction for sunset views. However, despite the Cauvery water quality being largely good, indiscriminate dumping of waste is causing serious contamination.“From empty bottles of pesticide and beer, all kinds of waste can be seen in the backwaters. It is disheartening to see even educated people throwing plastic into the river,” said a resident.Another resident pointed out that only entry points at Meenakshipuram are guarded. “Other locations are open round the clock. After dusk, youths from across the district gather here to consume alcohol, leading to a pile-up of liquor waste,” the resident added.Residents have called for regulation of tourism activities at the site, suggesting that local GPs be entrusted with responsibility, with active involvement of the community.Environmental activist Ravi Keerthi sought immediate intervention by both district’s administrations. “Pollution of Cauvery River is a growing challenge across the backwaters in both the districts. Stern action must be taken against those responsible,” Ravi added.
