Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara on Wednesday issued strict directions to curb pollution in the Cauvery River caused by the unscientific disposal of ritual waste, stressing the need to preserve the river’s sanctity and ecological balance.Chairing a progress review meeting of the urban development department, the DC expressed serious concern over the rising contamination of the river due to the practice of immersing clothes, puja materials, and other non-biodegradable items along with ashes during religious ceremonies. He categorically prohibited dumping such materials into the river and emphasised the urgent need to maintain hygiene at all ritual sites.Kumara directed the Srirangapatna chief officer to implement stringent measures to ensure that religious rites at key locations—Paschimavahini, Snanaghatta, Gosai Ghat and Sangam—were carried out in a systematic and environmentally-responsible manner. To strengthen monitoring, he ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at these ghats and instructed officials to fix standard service charges for priests to prevent exploitation of devotees.He also directed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officials to conduct field inspections and devise effective strategies to safeguard the river ecosystem.The Srirangapatna chief officer was further tasked with convening a meeting of local priests to raise awareness about conducting rituals in a scientific and eco-friendly manner. The administration plans to introduce clear guidelines and intensify surveillance along the riverbanks to ensure strict compliance.
