Mangaluru: The sight of dead fish surfacing in a stream flowing into the Phalguni (Gurupura) River near Rayikatte in Kuloor has triggered serious concern among residents, as the water has reportedly turned highly polluted and foul-smelling over the past week.

The Nagarika Horata Samiti, Surathkal, has alleged that untreated industrial effluents from several units, including those located in the Baikampady industrial area, are being discharged into streams that ultimately merge with the river. The committee claimed that despite villagers lodging repeated complaints over the last week, no effective action has been taken so far.

According to the samiti, water contamination has spread up to the Maravoor bridge and along the Kuloor stream, with dissolved oxygen levels reportedly dropping to zero, resulting in large-scale fish deaths and a pervasive stench. While the district administration has attributed the incident to soil dumped across the river as part of bridge construction work near Thannirbhavi, the committee maintained that the problem is far more serious.

The samiti pointed to blackened water and suspected industrial discharge flowing through the Thokur and Kudambur streams as evidence of ongoing pollution. It also recalled that the National Green Tribunal’s Chennai Bench had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of pollution in the river system, but alleged that only superficial remedial measures were implemented on the ground.

Demanding a comprehensive investigation and stringent action against industries found responsible, the samiti warned of intensified protests if immediate steps are not taken to contain the pollution. This could include a gherao of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board office, said samiti convener Muneer Katipalla.