Madikeri: The State Pollution Control Board (PCB) Chairman accompanied by members and team of officials conducted surprise raids on several resorts here after receiving complaints of misuse of natural water resources, pollution of water bodies and unauthorised constructions. The raids will continue for two days on resorts in and around Madikeri to save waters of Cauvery and its minor tributaries in Bhagamandala, Talacauvery and Kakkabbe areas.
Speaking to reporters on the raids, PCB Chairman Lakshman said, “Many resorts have mushroomed in Kodagu in the recent past without obtaining licenses and concretisation in green areas is resulting in environmental degradation and pollution of natural water resources,” and justified the action by saying, “raids are only meant to control unlawful activities in order to conserve nature.”
After visiting Tamara Inn near Kakkabe and Jungle Mount resort on the banks of a river, PCB chairman said most resorts had violated the environmental guidelines with disdain.
The violation are of such serious nature that few resorts have even diverted the natural water streams flowing downhill by constructing concrete embankments, Lakshman said.
Resorts found violating the guidelines will be issued notice and then action will be taken against them as per law, Lakshman warned.
In addition, the waste and sewage have been diverted to natural water streams resulting in pollution and those resorts have been asked to shut down their operations with immediate effect, PCB Chairman stated.
Some resorts have even encroached government land to expand their business operations and those will be issued show-cause notices and if found guilty, he Deputy Commissioner has been asked to act against them, PCB member Jogira Cauveriappa said.
In some cases related to polluting water bodies, police complaints have been registered and the DC of Kodagu has been extending valuable support to address the problem, Cauveriappa confirmed.
Pollution Control Board officials of Mysore region and Madikeri along with Cauvery River Swachatha Andolana Convener accompanied the board chairman and members during the raids.
