Sun Nov 23 04:12:41 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
The Upalokayukta (ombudsman) in Karnataka, India, Justice B. Veerappa, has strongly criticized officials from various departments (Mangaluru City Corporation, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Revenue Department, and Mescom) for failing to prevent pollution of the Nandini River on the outskirts of Mangaluru. The pollution is attributed to sewage from a private medical college and effluent from the MCC’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Despite a suo motu case being registered months ago and a site visit revealing the issues, little to no action has been taken by the responsible authorities. Justice Veerappa has now directed high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Police Commissioner, and MCC Commissioner, to take immediate steps to rectify the situation and submit action taken reports. He has also tasked specific officials with on-site monitoring and threatened legal action if progress isn’t made by the next hearing date.
News Article:
Mangaluru Officials Lambasted for Nandini River Pollution, Face Legal Action
MANGALURU, November 23, 2025 – The Upalokayukta of Karnataka, Justice B. Veerappa, has issued a scathing rebuke to officials from multiple departments in Mangaluru for their inaction in addressing the ongoing pollution of the Nandini River. The pollution, stemming from untreated sewage discharge from a private medical college and effluent from the Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), has prompted a stern warning of legal action.
Justice Veerappa, in an order issued November 18th, criticized officials from the MCC, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Revenue Department, and Mescom for failing to take corrective measures despite a suo motu case being registered on March 24th following an inspection on March 7th and 8th. The Upalokayukta has now directed the Deputy Commissioner, Police Commissioner, and MCC Commissioner to intervene and submit detailed action taken reports.
He has also ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Mangaluru and the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru (North), to conduct on-site monitoring of the situation. “If no action is taken before December 20, which is the next date of hearing of the case, the authority will take legal action against the two officers and respondent officials” Justice Veerappa said.
The Upalokayukta highlighted that the medical college has encroached upon the river’s buffer zone and that the pollution not only affects the public but also endangers aquatic life. Though MCC Town Planner Raghu has submitted that there was violation by the medical college of constructing in the buffer zone, he was silent on the violation. KSPCB Environment Officer H. Lakshmikanth has submitted about pendency of the criminal proceedings initiated against MCC Commissioner on October 16. The Assistant Director of Agriculture has not taken action to verify whether the paddy grown in the drainage water is feasible or consumable by the general public. The Revenue Inspector and the Panchayat Development Officer have submitted that they have filed FIR against the medical college, but the result is not forthcoming.
The Upalokayukta’s order underscores the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for swift and decisive action to protect the Nandini River and the surrounding environment. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20th.
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