Sullia: River Payaswini is the lifeline of  thousands of people living in Karnataka and Kerala. But, unfortunately this elixir has been polluted by release of waste from chicken stalls that have been functioning in the region.
If one stands near Kanthamangala bridge here in Sullia, the effluents that have been dumped into the river is visible.

Over 50 to 60 gunny bags filled with chicken and other slaughter house wastes are dumped here everyday. Feathers to chopped legs to bloody oozing parts of roosters and hens are all out in open. While some are fresh, some have rotten, adding to the menace.

Lots of such wastes have also been deposited on the banks of the river the scenic beauty of the river into eyesore.

The situation has gone from bad to worse as the water level in the river has depleted.

When the river is in full flow, the contamination due to dumping of wet waste had gone unseen. Now, with the river water drying up, the rotten and fresh waste are all in open.

Though locals tried to keep a vigil, they failed because it is after mid night that workers of chicken stall and other slaughter houses come in vans to dump the bags of waste, it is said.

However, the stall owners have blatantly denied the allegations.

Town Panchayat takes stand

Town Panchayat President Prakash Hegde speaking to newskarnataka has stated that if the incidents of dumping wastes in the river continues then he will impose ban on chicken stall and slaughter houses.

Issuing deadline of ten days to chicken stall owners to mend ways, Hegde has said that if they do not stop then they would have to pay a heavy price.

“We will make sure that these stalls can only sell live chicken. This will solve our problem,” said Hegde adding that the ban on selling chicken will be in place by June if the vendors do not budge down to the orders of the Town Panchayat.

AC orders probe

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Dr Rajendra has ordered a probe into matter and has directed the Tahshildar to submit a report within seven days.