Final Report

On

Comprehensive Assessment of Thippagondanahalli

Reservoir Catchment Area and its Preservation Zone

August, 2015

Volume-I

Prepared By
Center for Lake Conservation (CLC)
Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute
(EMPRI)
 Final Report on

Comprehensive Assessment of
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR)
Catchment Area and Its Preservation Zone
Volume-I

Submitted to

HON’BLE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA,

BENGALURU
August, 2015

(Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka Order dated 02/02/2015 in WP NO.38218/2013)

Prepared By:

Centre for Lake Conservation,

Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI),
Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment,
Government of Karnataka
 Working Group
Chairperson : Smt. Ritu Kakkar, IFS (APCCF), Director General, EMPRI,
Bengaluru

Members : 1. Smt. Swaswati Mishra, IFS (CCF), Director, EMPRI, Bengaluru

2. Sri. K.H. Vinaya Kumar, IFS (CF), Director (Research), EMPRI,

Bengaluru

Core Working Team : CLC (Centre for Lake Conservation), EMPRI, Bengaluru

Research Scientists: 1. Mr. V.Sreenivas, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,

2. Dr. Jeya Prakash, P., M.Sc., M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., PGDBA, DLL, CES, CPM

3. Dr. Puspa P. Dash, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Space Science),

4. Dr. O.K. Rema Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.,

Research Associates: 1. Er. B.S. Chandrakala, B.E.,

2. Ms. Nayana Prakash, M.Sc.,

3. Er. Reethu Singh, B.E.,

4. Dr. Shrisha, D.L, M.Sc., Ph.D.,

5. Mrs. Suma Rani, S.N., M.Sc., Ph.D.,

6. Mrs. Ashwini, G., M.Tech. (Geo Informatics),

Technical Assistants: 1. Mr. S. Shashi Kumar, B.Com.,

2. Mr. Vachan Kumar, B.E.,

Field Assistants : 1. Mr. D.N. Manjunatha Reddy, B.Com.,

2. Mr. C. Siddaraju, PUC,

3. Mr. D.T. Chikkamuniyappa, BBM.,

Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute
Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka

PREFACE

Water is life, every human being, now and in the future, should have access to safe
drinking water. In the past, water bodies have been one of the outstanding features of
Bengaluru. Over the years, there has been general degradation of the quality and quantity of
water bodies mainly due to uncontrolled urbanization, encroachment of water bodies, pollution
due to domestic sewage and industrial effluents etc.

An acute shortage of drinking water had occurred in the year 1922 with the drying up of
Hesaraghatta tank. The situation demanded urgent remedial measures and as a result,
construction of a TG Halli Reservoir on the river Arkavathi was commenced. TG Halli
Reservoir was a source of excellent drinking water, to the city, till 1990’s. However over the
years the flow to the TG Halli reservoir got reduced and the water quality also deteriorated. To
study the reasons for reduced inflow to the TG Halli reservoir, a study was entrusted to ISRO-
INRIMT in the year 1999 by BMRDA. This study analysed the landuse/ landcover, drainage
patterns, the geomorphology, slope, rainfall and other related factors. The study indicated rapid
urbanization, encroachment of tanks, obstructions to drainages, over exploitation of ground
water etc. as the major reasons for reduced inflow to the TG Halli reservoir.

The ISRO-INRIMT study considered the various aspects of TGR catchment area and
suggested a host of remedial measures and regulations for controlling further developments that
were damaging the quality and quantity of flow. Based on this report, Government of
Karnataka brought out a notification dated 18.11.2003. As per this, TGR catchment area was
divided into four zones restricting activities in each zone in an attempt to revive the river and
the reservoir. However, despite the Government Order, developments have been taking place
at a fast rate in the catchment area resulting in further deterioration of water quality and forcing
BWSSB to stop the supply of drinking water from TG Halli reservoir since 2012. The
concerned Authorities had issued demolition notices to some of the unauthorized
constructions as per the TGR preservation Notification.

“HASIRU BHAVANA”, DORESANIPALYA FOREST CAMPUS, VINAYAKANAGAR CIRCLE, J. P. NAGAR 5TH PHASE, BANGALORE 560 078
TEL 080-2649 0747 /46 FAX080-2649 0745 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITEHTTP://EMPRI.KAR.NIC.IN
 As a result, 61 Writ Petitions were filed by the owners of these buildings before the bench
of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka during 2013. This has led to a conflict situation between
the local people and the Government Authorities. Further, the Government of Karnataka also
withdrew the TGR preservation Notification dated 18.11.2003 on 24.07.2014 with the objective
of taking stock of the current situation and issue fresh notification.

The Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has taken up the matter (WP No. 38218/2013) and
stayed the withdrawal of the TGR preservation Notification. Further vide Interim Order dated
02-02-2015, the Hon’ble High Court has entrusted EMPRI to take up a comprehensive study
on the entire TG Halli reservoir catchment area. The present study has been conducted by
EMPRI within the scope of the ToR given by Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka.

As a part of the study comprehensive field visits have been carried out by the Centre for
Lake Conservation team at EMPRI to understand the present situation, developments that
have taken place and for identifying the sources of pollution. Remote sensing and GIS analysis
has also been carried out to find out the change in land use/ land cover. The properties
concerning the Writ Petitions have also been visited and observations recorded along with
photographs and GPS readings. Water quality has also been analysed by collecting samples.
Both the Rivers Arkavathi and Kumudvathi are non-perennial and major water flow is seen
only during monsoon. During summer the Arkavathi river is mostly dry except for the inflow of
polluted water. The major reasons for the reduced inflow and deteriorated water quality are
found to be massive changes in land use and land cover in the catchment, unplanned
urbanization leading to change in drainage patterns, unauthorized obstructions to water flow,
lack of maintenance of the cascading lake system, over exploitation of ground water leading to
unsaturated condition of soil, discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste to the river
course.

The previous study reports on the TG Halli catchment area have also indicated similar
problems resulting in reduced inflow to TG Halli reservoir as well as deteriorated water quality.
The previous study reports mentioned that the TGR catchment area exhibited mostly
agriculture and farming as main features but during the last decade, the situation has worsened
and the Arkavathi bank has become a veritable goldmine for developers. The rapid
development along the river stretch has resulted in encroachment on the riverbed,
overexploitation of groundwater, pollution of water bodies by discharging untreated waste water
and hence reducing and polluting the river. Seasonal encroachment for agriculture, soil
excavation and quarrying are some of the major activities seen on the tank and river bed.
 In recent decades, with more attention to sustainability and quality of life, there is a
greater understanding of the vital role of urban rivers and riverfronts. With the help of available
information, an attempt has been made to arrive at reasonable recommendations by reviewing
national and international guidelines and also from the suggestions given by expert committee
constituted for the purpose.

It is time to make serious efforts to take preventive measures in protecting our rivers by
controlling and preventing further damage to our river systems. It should be kept in mind that,
saving a river, cannot be achieved overnight; it is a long-term commitment. It needs determined
effort from all directions to get desired results.

Bangalore,
(Ritu Kakkar)
Director General,
EMPRI
EMPRI Abbreviations

Abbreviations
% Percentage
° Degree
Below
ˈ Minutes
ˈˈ Seconds
°C Degree Centigrade
AAS Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
A-G Acres and Guntas
ATREE Ashoka Trust for Research on Environment and Ecology
BBMP Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike
BCM Billion Cubic Meter
BDA Bangalore Development Authority
BDL Below the Detectable Limit
b.g.l. below grade level
BIAAPA Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority
BIS Bureau of Indian standards
BMRDA Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority
BMICAPA Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Area Planning Authority
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BUZP Bangalore Urban Zilla Panchayat
BWSSB Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board
CETP Common Effluent Treatment Plants
CFU Colony Forming Unit
CGWB Central Ground Water Board
CLC Centre for Lake Conservation, EMPRI
cm Centimetre
CNNL Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPCB Central Pollution Control Board
CPDO Central Poultry Development Organization
CWUI Composite Water Use Index
DC Deputy Commissioner for District
DMG Department of Mines and Geology
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DoEE Department of Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka
DLF Delhi Land and Finance (P) Ltd., Delhi
E East
EC Electric Conductivity
EO Environmental Officer
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EMPRI Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute
ESZ Ecological Sensitive Zone
et al. Etalia

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area I

EMPRI Abbreviations

ETP Effluent Treatment Plants

ft. Feet
g Gram
G+ Ground floor with (1st/ 2nd/ 3rd floor)
GIS Geographical Information System
G.O. Government Order
GoI Government of India
GoK Government of Karnataka
GP Grama Panchayat
GPS Global Positioning System
ha./Ha. Hectare
HFL High Flood Level
Hon’ble Honourable
HP Horse Power
IAHV International Association for Human Value
IB Investigators Bungalow
IISc. Indian Institute of Science
IN-RIMT Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
IRS Indian Remote Sensing Satellites
ISRO Indian Space Research Organization
IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management
JSYS Jala Samvardhane Yojana Sangha
KBJNL Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Ltd.
KFD Karnataka Forest Department
Kg Kilogram
Km Kilometre
Km2 Square Kilometre
KNNL Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited
KSNDMC Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre
KSPCB Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
KSRSAC Karnataka State Remote Sensing and Application Centre
KSTDC Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
KUWS&DB Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board
L Litre
Lat. Latitude
LDA Lake Development Authority
LISS Linear Imaging Self Scanning sensor
Long. Longitude
LPA Local Planning Area
LPCD Litre Per Capita per Day
LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
Ltd. Limited
LU/LC LandUse and LandCover
m Meter
m3 Cubic Meter

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area II

EMPRI Abbreviations

MCM Million cubic meters

MCFT Million cubic Feet
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India
ml Millilitre
MLD Million Litre per Day
mm Millimetre
mm3 Cubic Millimetre
MPA Magadi Planning Authority
MPN Most Probable Number
ND No Data
NGO Non-Government Organisation
NH National Highway
No. Number
NPA Nelamangala Planning Authority
NRCP National River Conservation Plan
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
ODP Outline Development Plan
pH Negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration
PIL Public Interest Litigation
ppm Parts Per Million
PSR Pressure–State- Response
Pvt. Private
RRZ River Regulation Zone
RTAC Research and Training Advisory Committee, EMPRI
RWH Rain Water Harvesting
SH State Highway
SOI Survey of India
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
sp. Species
Sq. Km. Square Kilometre
STP Sewage Treatment Plant
Sy. No. Survey Number
t Tones
TDS Total Dissolved Solid
TGR Thippagondanahalli Reservoir
TMC Thousand Million Cubic feet
tmc ft. Thousand Million Cubic Feet
TOC Total Organic Carbon
ToR Terms of Reference
TSS Total Suspended Solids
UDD Urban Development Department
UGD Under Ground Drainage
WENEXA Water and Energy Nexus
WHO World Health Organization

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area III

EMPRI Abbreviations

WP Writ Petition
WRDO Water Resources Development Organisation
yr. Year
μg microgram
μmhos micromhos
μs microsecond

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area IV

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

Chapter Page
No.
Content No.

Volume-I
Executive Summary i

1 General Introduction 001

2 TGR Catchment Area and Notification 010

3 Literature Survey: Analysis of Study Reports Published

for TGR catchment area 024

4 State of Affairs in TGR Catchment Area (ToR-1) 043

5 Change in Landuse/ Landcover for the period 2003-

2014 (ToR-2, 3 & 4) 179

6 Water Yield and Availability (ToR-6) 206

7 Water Quality Deterioration and Reasons for Pollution 215

(ToR-7 & 8)

8 An Analysis of Various Stakeholder Meetings 243

9 Methodologies Adopted in other States in India and

other Countries for Rejuvenation, Conservation and
Preservation of Rivers and River Courses in Urban
Agglomerations (ToR-9) 252

10 Conclusions and Recommendations (ToR-10) 288

Reference 308

Volume-II (ToR-5)
(Writ Petitions connected to 38218/2013)

11 Commercial Superstructures 312

12 Residential Superstructures (WP.No.48047/2013) 386

Atlas for Commercial Superstructures under Litigation 1039

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

Volume-III
(Annexures)

Chapter-1: General Introduction

1.1 TGR Preservation Notification dated: 18.11.2003 1099

1.2 TGR Preservation Notification Withdrawal Order dated: 1103

24.07.2014

1.3 Hon‟ble High Court Interim Order on WP No. 38218/ 1106

2013 dated 28.11.2014

1.4 Hon‟ble High Court Interim Order on WP No. 38218/ 1110

2013 dated 18.12.2014

1.5 Hon‟ble High Court Interim Order on WP No. 38218/ 1113

2013 dated 02.02.2015

1.6 Government of Karnataka Order dated: 02.12.2014 1116

1.7 Constitution of Technical/ Advisory Committee for 1120

TGR Project dated: 03.12.2014

1.8 EMPRI Office Memorandum for Constitution of 1122

Technical/ Advisory Committee of TGR Project dated:
04.03.2015

1.9 Proceedings of Three Advisory Committee Meetings 1124

dated: 06.12.2014, 12.02.2015 and 10.04.2015

1.10 Proceeding of Technical Committee Meeting dated: 1141

27.03.2015

Chapter-2: TGR Catchment Area and Notification

2.1 Bangalore Urban Zilla Panchayat Order dated: 1145
12.04.2011

Chapter-3: Literature Survey

3.1 Thippagondanahalli Biodiversity Report by IISc. 1146
Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

3.2 Project Report on “Change Analysis of Drainage Pattern 1161

for TGR Catchment Area” by Chandana, A.L.

Chapter-4: State of Affairs in TGR Catchment Area

4.1 Table Containing the Observations in the TGR 1197

4.2 Table Containing the Observations in the Hesaraghatta 1199

Reservoir

4.3 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-2 villages of 1200

TGR Catchment area

4.4 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-3 and 4 1203

villages of Arkavathi River Course

4.5 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-3 and 4 1220

villages of Kumudvathi River Course

4.6 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-1 villages of 1224

Hesaraghatta Sub-catchment Area

4.7 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-1 villages of 1237

Arkavathi Sub-catchment Area

4.8 Table Containing the Observations in Zone-1 villages of 1244

Kumudvathi Sub-catchment Area

Chapter-5: Change in Landuse/ Landcover for the period 2003-2014

5.1 Village-wise Landuse/ Landcover Change Data between 1251
the years 2003 and 2014

5.2 Village-wise Changes in Built-up Area between the years 1335

2003 and 2014

5.3 Village-wise Landuse/ Landcover Maps between the 1343

years 2003 and 2014

5.4 Arkavathi River Sub-catchment: Village-wise Changes in 1389

Area under Superstructures between the years 2004 and
2014
Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

5.5 Kumudvathi River Sub-catchment: Village-wise Changes 1404

in Area under Superstructures between the years 2004
and 2014

5.6 Note on Encroachment of Tanks 1408

5.7 TGR Catchment Area Drainage Change Analysis 1420

Chapter-8: Analysis of Various Stakeholder Meetings

8.1 Bachenahatti Gram Panchayat Meeting Proceedings 1427
dated: 17.12.2014

8.2 Choudanayakanahalli Gram Panchayat Meeting 1430

Proceedings dated: 19.12.2014

8.3 Nelamangala Taluk Panchayat Meeting Proceedings 1434

dated: 12.01.2015

8.4 Bangalore North Taluk Panchayat Meeting Proceedings 1439

dated: 17.01.2015

8.5 Status Report of the Monitoring Committee Constituted 1445

for TGR

8.6 „The Karnataka Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin 1453

Conservation and Development Bill, 2013‟ proposed by
UDD

8.7 NPA letter regarding TGR catchment area dated: 1471

03.03.2015

8.8 MPA letter regarding TGR catchment area dated: 1475

18.03.2015

8.9 DMG letter regarding TGR catchment area dated: 1484

30.03.2015

8.10 KSPCB letter regarding TGR catchment area dated: 1489

26.02.2015

8.11 BIAAPA letter regarding TGR catchment area dated: 1492

27.03.2015
Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

Chapter-10: Conclusions and Recommendations

10.1 Proceeding of Research and Training Advisory 1493
Committee (RTAC) Meeting of EMPRI dated:
16.04.2015

10.2 Concept Note on Utilization of Recycled Water for 1499

Recharging the Arkavathi Sub-catchment Area

10.3 Concept Note on Decentralised Wastewater Treatment 1501

Systems (DEWATS)

Chapter-11: Commercial Superstructures

11.1 Gramin Bhandara Yojana/ Rural Godown Scheme 1505
(RGS)

11.2 Panchanama for ground verification of Superstructures 1506

involved in Writ Petitions

Chapter-12: Residential Superstructures

12.1 Spot Verification Questioner 1561

12.2 Village wise Panchanama for ground verification of 1563

Superstructures involved in Writ Petitions

12.3 List of Petitioners in the Adakimaranahalli village 1587

12.4 List of Petitioners in the Siddanahosahalli village 1594

12.5 List of Petitioners in the Dombarahalli village 1599

12.6 List of Petitioners in the Tarabanahalli village 1603

12.7 List of Petitioners in the Sasuveghatta village 1607

12.8 List of Petitioners in the Makali village 1610

12.9 List of Petitioners in the Heggadadevanapura village 1613

12.10 List of Petitioners in the Madanayakanahalli village 1616

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area EMPRI

12.11 List of Petitioners in the Kadaranahalli village 1619

12.12 List of Petitioners in the Lakshmipura village 1621

12.13 List of Petitioners in the Hanumanthasagara village 1622

12.14 List of Petitioners in the Kumbarahalli village 1623

12.15 List of Petitioners in the Bilijaji village 1624

12.16 List of Petitioners in the Soladevanahalli, 1624

Harokyathanahalli and Hesaraghatta villages
EMPRI Summary

Executive Summary
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir [TGR] or T.G. Halli, also called as Chamarajasagar
Reservoir is situated in the Bangalore Rural district. The TGR used to supply 145MLD of
water to the Bangalore City for domestic purposes which gradually decreased. In the 1990s, the
water inflow to TGR got reduced due to the rapid urbanization in the TGR catchment area. In
order to ascertain the exact causes for the dwindling inflow to TGR, the BWSSB entrusted a
study to ISRO. Based on the ISRO-INRIMT report, the Department of Forest, Ecology and
Environment, Government of Karnataka had issued a vide Government Order no. FEE 215
ENV 2000, dated 18.11.2003 that segregated TGR catchment area into four conservation
zones with certain regulations and concerned Government Authorities were given responsibility
of implementation of the G.O. However the Government Order could not be implemented
due to tremendous increase in population of Bangalore, high development pressure and lack of
coordination between various agencies. So jurisdictional Authorities such as BDA, BIAAPA,
etc. had issued the demolition Notices to unauthorized constructions, particularly in Zone-3
and 4 with reference to the 2003 TGR notification. The affected persons filed 60 Writ
Petitions connected to WP 38218/ 2013 before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka.

Meanwhile the Karnataka Government withdrew the TGR preservation notification

(G.O. No. APG 01 ENG 2011 dated: 24.07.2014) to take stock of the present situation and
come up with suitable modifications to the Government Order. The Hon’ble High Court
stayed the withdrawal Notification and appointed the Amicus Curiae to assist and provide
detailed information regarding the current situation to the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka.
Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka directed EMPRI to carry out a comprehensive study and
submit the report on TGR catchment area based on the Terms of Reference suggested by
Amicus Curiae. In accordance with the Orders of the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka,
EMPRI had submitted the Interim Report on “Comprehensive Assessment of TGR
Catchment area and its Preservation Zone” on 27.04.2015. However there was one case (WP.
No. 48047/2013) that involved 870 households and it was not possible to carry out field surveys
of so many properties within the short period given for submission of interim report.
Incorporating the field observations of these household and some more analysis, the final
report has been prepared. The Final Report is segregated into three volumes. The Volume-I
has addressed all the Terms of Reference except the details of the field surveys connected to
the writ petitions, Volume-II has the details of the 61 Writ Petitions before the Hon’ble High
Court of Karnataka connected to the issue and the Volume-III has the annexures and
supportive documents. There are 10 chapters in the Volume-I report, which are summarised
below:

General Introduction of study has deliberated the importance of Hesaraghatta

(Chamarajendra Reservoir) and Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (Chamarajasagar Reservoir), in
the context of drinking water scenario of Bangalore city. The background of the study and the
10 Terms of References (ToR) directed by the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, have been
explained in the Chapter I to provide the context and scope as well as limitations of the study.

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area i

EMPRI Summary

The Chapter 2 (TGR Catchment Area and Notification) describes the study area of the
project including TG Halli Reservoir, Hesaraghatta reservoir (sub-catchment area as Zone-1),
Arkavathi river (sub-catchment area) and Kumudvathi river (sub-catchment area) in the TGR
catchment area. Further, the location and villages falling under the four preservation zones, i.e.,
Zone-1, Zone-2, Zone-3 and Zone-4 as per the 2003 TGR preservation notification, are
described in detail. Historical issues in the TGR catchment area as well as administrative issues
concerning the implementation of TGR preservation Notification have been discussed.

The Chapter 3 contains the Literature Survey and describes the analysis of important
previous study reports concerning TGR Catchment area. About 30 articles have been reviewed
and the limitations of the study have also been discussed. Some important studies are given
below:
i. Reduced inflow into TG Halli Reservoir- A remote sensing based evaluation in 2000 by
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) & IN-RIMT (Indian Resources and
Information and Management Technologies Limited).
ii. The framework of policies and plans for sustaining T.G. Halli reservoir in 2002 by IN-
RIMT.
iii. Reservoir catchment management using GIS and RS – A case study in Karnataka in
2008 by Saibaba et al., in 12th World Lake Conference.
iv. Obstructions to flow of natural water in the course of Arkavathi river and its tributaries
from its origin up to the TG Halli Reservoir in 2010 by CNNL (Cauvery Neeravari
Nigam Limited).
v. Water management in Arkavathy basin - A situation analysis in 2013 by ATREE
(Ashoka Trust for Research on Environment and Ecology).
vi. Kumudvathi river rejuvenation – Phase I project report in 2013 by IAHV (International
Association for Human Values).
vii. Change analysis of drainage pattern for Tippagondanahalli catchment in 2014 by
Chandana et al., in 8th International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
technical symposium.

The fourth Chapter describes in details the State of Affairs in the TGR Catchment Area.
The field observations made during extensive field visits by EMPRI team have been explained
in detail to give an overview of the present situation of the TGR catchment area zone wise as
per the first ToR. Existing situation of the TGR catchment area has been documented along
with photographs and GPS readings. In the TG Halli reservoir itself, soil excavation, sand
mining, dumping of wastes etc. have been observed due to absence of backshore fence and
adequate protection. Further, seasonal encroachments of the TGR for agriculture and
considerable spread of aquatic weed (Eichhornia sp.) in TGR due to eutrophication as a result
of sewage inflow through the Arkavathi River have been recorded. The water stored in TGR is
not used by BWSSB but the water flows down to Manchanabele dam, which is supplied to
Mandya town for portable purposes. Hesaraghatta Reservoir extends over 11 villages and has
become a popular tourist spot for photography and for picnic that has resulted in dumping of
solid waste. Extensive soil excavation and dumping of wastes are happening due to lack of
management and maintenance. Even though the Hesaraghatta Reservoir is free from the
sewage influx, the water stored is not used for any purpose.

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area ii

EMPRI Summary

Zone-1 as per the 2003 preservation notification is spread over 550 villages under the
Hesaraghatta, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi sub-catchment areas. Improper management of solid
and liquid wastes generated by the expansion of old settlements in the Gramathana has resulted
in the pollution of the waterbodies and river courses in the catchment area. Encroachment on
waterbodies as well as on drains, quarrying, soil excavation, sand mining, solid waste dumping,
and sewage influx etc. are the common problems in the Zone-1 catchment area. Further, most
of the lakes in Zone-1 have dried due to seasonal encroachments by farmers and over-
exploitation of groundwater. There are four industrial areas in Zone-1, which pave the way for
the operating of small scale industries without consent from KSPCB that has resulted in the
discharge of untreated effluents in to the streams of Arkavathi river.

Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (606.57 km2) spreads over 273 villages. Sewage discharge
from households and industrial wastewater flowing to the storm water drains, dumping of solid
waste in the lakes and its drains, possible encroachments by farmers on lake bed are the issues
of concern in the Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area. Further, the series of cascading tanks from
the Nandi hills in the Arkavathi river course are no longer overflowing. The wastewater and
trade effluents are freely flowing in the streams and storm water drains, which pollute the major
waterbodies and ultimately the Arkavathi river during monsoon season.

Arkavathi sub-catchment area (376.59 km2) spreads over 123 villages. The absence of UGD
in some of the habitations, has forced the community to use the storm water drain for discharge
of sewage waste. In 2007, 110 villages were added to the BBMP area, but as these areas are not
under the jurisdiction of BWSSB, the sewage generated by these villages are ultimately being
released to the nearby waterbodies and to the rivers. Further, the effluents are directly let into
the 2nd order drain of Arkavathi river near Madavara Kere. The Kumudvathi sub-catchment
area (154 villages) has also been affected by groundwater over-exploitation, lack of proper
management of solid and liquid wastes, quarrying, soil excavation, sand mining and
encroachment on tanks. The combined Industrial Area (Sompura and Dabbaspet) have
increased the mushrooming of unlicensed polluting industries adjacent to the Industrial area,
which are polluting the drain. Necessary action needs to be taken up by concerned authorities
to control and prevent encroachment of tanks and discharge of effluents by polluting industries.

Zone-2 as per the 2003 preservation notification is spread over the 33 villages. There are 34
brick kilns, 19 layouts, 19 poultry and goat livestock farms and two warehouses for LPG in the
villages in zone-2. The issues in Zone-2 are soil excavation and sand mining in the villages of
Gangenahalli and Goravanahalli respectively of Arkavathi river bank and illegal stone quarrying
in Bidanpalya village. Sewage from the hamlet of Gangenahalli village is flowing to the
Arkavathi river and further, the river bed in Nagasandra and Jogerahalli villages appears to have
been encroached for growing horticultural crops which needs to be verified by concerned
authorities.

Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river course between Hesaraghatta Reservoir and TGR as per
the 2003 preservation notification are spread over 53 villages of Bangalore Urban district. As
the area is suburb of Bangalore city and National Highway-4 passes through the area, the area
has seen rapid development without proper planning, which has resulted in the degradation of

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area iii

EMPRI Summary

Arkavathi river. Sprawling of buildings and new layouts in the Hesaraghatta, Ivarakandapura,
Varthuru, Tarabanahalli, Thorenagsandra, Madhanayakanahalli, Siddhanahosalli and
Adakimaranahalli villages have resulted in the dumping of solid and liquid wastes, and
encroachment of 2nd, 3rd and 4th Order streams of Arkavathi river. Extensive quarrying in
Kittanahalli village; granite slurry in streams of Arkavathi river in Giddenahalli, Kammasandra
and Ravuthanahalli villages; industries in Kadabagere village; sand filtering unit in Alur and
Bettahalli villages are the other issues documented in the Arkavathi river course. Further, the
waterbodies in Heggadadevanapura, and Dhombarahalli, Makali and Harokyathanahalli
villages have been converted in to layouts, godown and residential houses respectively which
needs to be further verified by the concerned authorities.

Zone-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi river course as per the 2003 preservation notification is
spread over 98 villages from Benegere village to Bidanpalya village. Lack of proper
management of solid wastes and waste water in the villages has resulted in the deterioration of
the water quality. Further, the sewage is let into the lakes of Benegere, Karimane, Heggunda,
and Motaganahalli villages through the storm-water drains. The upstream of Kumudvathi river
bed (above Thymagondlu village) appears to have been encroached for the agriculture activities
and further, the encroachment of river bed by Yoga centre and layout in Aralasandra and
Kempohalli villages have been documented. The extension of Sompura Industrial Area to
Niduvanda village without the proper effluent treatment also adds its pollutant to the
Kumudvathi river.

The Chapter 5 describes the overall Change in Landuse/ Landcover between the year 2003
and 2014, the remote sensing analysis has been carried out by the KSRSAC with the help of
LISS-IV satellite imageries of 5.8m resolution. NH-4 (Bengaluru-Tumakuru), NH-48
(Bengaluru-Mangaluru) and NH-207 (Bengaluru-Dobbaspet) with State Highways (KA SH-3, 9,
39, 74, 86, 104) and Broad Gauge Railway Line (Bengaluru-Arsikere) are the major transport
infrastructure in the TGR catchment area. The remote sensing analysis has revealed that the
agriculture lands in the TGR catchment area has decreased while the built-up area has
increased between the reference years 2003 and 2014. Village wise analysis of the
developments has been carried out for the 200 villages located in the Zone-2, 3 and 4 and it
was found that 15 villages (particularly Kadabagere, Heggadadevanapura and
Huralichikkanhalli villages) have significant landuse/ landcover changes due to increased
number of constructions and layouts.

Further it is found that some of the waterbodies have been encroached and converted into
godowns (Taverekere, Makali and Heggadadevanapura villages), brick factories (Srinivaspura
and Hajipalya villages), residential houses/ layouts (Harokyathanahalli, Dombarahalli and
Heggadadevanapura villages) and Government institution in Dasenahalli village. With regards
to permissions given for such developments, Panchayats, BDA, BMRDA, NPA, MPA,
KSPCB, etc., were requested to provide information but complete information has not been
received. With regards to the nature and purpose of superstructures, it was not practically
possible to verify and record for each superstructure. But the ground truth verification of the
properties connected with the Writ Petitions and general observations during field visits had
inferred that there are three major types of superstructures. One major purpose for

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EMPRI Summary

construction of superstructure has been Godowns under the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana
Scheme. These warehouses were meant to be used for storage for agricultural purposes.
However since there is no such requirement for storage of agricultural produce at present,
these godowns are mostly being used as storage units mostly for finished goods and in some
cases for Industries/ factories in operational or closed condition. Further, the mushrooming of
godowns in these villages is due to the loan facility provided to the local people under the
National Grameena Bhandara Yojana. Second major constructions of superstructure are the
apartments, villas, layouts, and individual houses are used as residential spaces by either owners
or rented. Third major constructions of the superstructures are industries. The constructions
and layouts have in some places affected the drainage patterns.

The Chapter 6 has explained the Water Yield and Availability (ToR-6) in TG Halli
reservoir as well as the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers based on secondary data. Water
inflow data of TGR collected from the BWSSB has been correlated with the rainfall data of
TGR catchment area from 1937 to 2012. This analysis revealed that minimum of 600mm
rainfall was recorded in the TGR catchment area and there has not been much variation in the
overall rainfall in the catchment. But the inflow of water to TGR has dramatically reduced due
to the changes in landuse, encroachment of 2nd and 3rd order drains due to urbanization, drain
diversions by the unplanned developments, etc. There was no secondary data with the
concerned authorities with regards to the availability of water in Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers since these rivers have not been gauged by the State Government or Central Government
Authorities. In order to assess the water availability currently, the EMPRI team has plotted the
water availability map by recording the geo-coordinates of the stretches where water was
available during the field visits with the help of GPS. The 33 Km stretch of Arkavathi river is
segregated into three categories such as dry river (from Nandi hills to downstream of
Hesaraghatta reservoir), stagnant river (Tarabanahalli and Heggadevanapura villages) and river
stretch having sewage flow (from Alur village to TGR). The Arkavathi river course in the Zone-
1 (Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area) is linked with the major waterbodies through a cascading
system. However these waterbodies are not overflowing in the last decade and therefore are not
generating flow in the Arkavathi river. Ephemeral Kumudvathi river has water blotches in
Basavenahalli, Doddakarenahalli, Kodihalli, Tippadabegur, Dodderi and Chikkamaranahalli
villages i.e. for a total of 1.58Km stretch out of 48Km.There has been an acute shortage of
ground water and the level of ground water is depleting year by year due to over-exploitation of
groundwater near the rivers. Additionally, the groundwater fluctuations has also been analysed
based on the secondary data (1980-2014) collected from the DMG for the Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi sub-catchment area.

The Chapter 7 describes the Water Quality Deterioration and Reason for Pollution.
Analysis has been done regarding past and present water quality of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers and reasons for deterioration. As per the ToR-7, the water quality samples were collected
from identified points and the analysis of important parameters was carried out. Arkavathi river
water quality data for the previous years (2010-2014) were collected from the KSPCB, which
are found to lack uniformity with data gaps. However it showed that the water quality has
deteriorated to class-E due to the presence of coliform and high concentration of iron and lead.
But the present water quality analysis based on 17 water samples showed that the Arkavathi

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EMPRI Summary

river water quality is below class-E due to high concentration of nickel and manganese in
Kadaranahalli village stretch and high concentration of iron and manganese in Alur,
Heggadadevanapura, Makali and Madanayakanahalli villages. The data collected from KSPCB
for Kumudvathi river water quality for the years 2013 and 2014 showed that the water quality
has deteriorated to class-D due to the high concentration of iron. However the parameters
analysed in the past lacked uniformity and there are data gaps. But the present water quality
analysis based on water availability (three water samples) showed that the Kumudvathi river
water quality is categorized as class-C due to the low dissolved oxygen, whereas the colour and
manganese concentration exceeded the permissible limits in the Basavanahalli village. This may
be due to the operation of stone crushers in the area.

TGR water quality data for the past years (2000-2014) were collected from the BWSSB,
which are found to lack uniformity with data gaps. However the available secondary data
showed that the EC, TDS, calcium hardness concentration and coliform count have increased
over the years. This may be due to the brick kilns operating in the areas surrounding TGR. But
the present water quality analysis results indicate class-E quality class for Arkavathi river inlet
water and class-C quality class for Gangappanahalli village inlet water, whereas the outlet water
from TGR can be categorized as class-D. Additionally, the groundwater quality data also has
been analysed based on the secondary data (1995-2014) collected from the DMG for the
Kumudvathi sub-catchment area and fresh ground water samples were collected and analysed
as a part of the present study. When compared to the Kumudvathi river, the Arkavathi river is
more polluted due to the ingress of untreated sewage from the settlements, industrial effluents
and solid wastes. Further to the extent possible the reasons for pollution of Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi rivers as per the ToR-8, were traced based on the ground verification, which
showed that the point (storm water drains carrying sewage, wastewater generated from
households and commercial establishments, illegal quarrying and effluent from unregulated
small scale industries) and non-point sources (sewage from BBMP area and rapid sand mining)
are polluting the Arkavathi river than the Kumudvathi river.

The Chapter 8 contains the analysis of Various Stakeholder Meetings and the concerns
raised by the primary stakeholders and their suggestions. The efforts made by the Government
Departments or Authorities to implement the Government Order of 2003 and for
conservation of TGR catchment area have been explained. Four stakeholder meetings were
conducted by EMPRI in Bachenahatti Gram Panchayat (Zone-2), Chaudanayakanahalli Gram
Panchayat (Zone-2), Nelamangala Gram Panchayat (Zone-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi river course)
and Bangalore North Taluk Panchayat (Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river course). Lack of
awareness about the 2003 TGR preservation Notification, difficulties in carrying out agriculture
due to insufficient availability of surface and ground water, are the issues raised in the primary
stakeholders in these meetings. The local residents also suggested to reduce the width of the
buffer zone, demarcate the TGR boundary, relaxation of the buffer zone for old settlements
taking into consideration their natural expansion and setting up a separate TGR catchment area
conservation authority to coordinate with all the consent Departments.

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EMPRI Summary

The Chapter 9 contains the legal and policy matters related to conservation of rivers
and waterbodies in India. Also methodologies and best practices adopted in other States in
India and internationally in other countries for Rejuvenation, Conservation and Preservation of
Rivers and River Courses in Urban Agglomerations have been elaborately reviewed. The
National and International guidelines and Acts existing for preservation and conservation of
rivers and its courses as per ToR-9 have been discussed. Also the regulation of human activities
along rivers and lakes – Report 2002 prepared for the National River Conservation Directorate,
MoEF by National Institute of Ecology, New Delhi; Maharashtra River Policy and Andhra
Pradesh Government Notification on Osmansagar and Himayathsagar reservoirs conservation
and other such examples have been discussed. Based on the review of National guidelines on
conservation of Rivers, the chapter concluded that there is need for the State Level Water
Regulatory Authorities for dealing with water issues in a holistic way; need to constitute basin
level river Institutions; Developing strategies for each river especially in urban set ups; to
establish national and regional institutes for research and training in river ecology and
Involvement of public in the decision making and implementation of water management
activities.

About 90 International guidelines have been collected and eight guidelines are elaborately
reviewed including Pasig River in Philippines, Kallang River in Singapore, Bronx River in
South East New York, Rivers of Japan, Urban Rivers of Malaysia, Jordon River in Israel,
Nairobi River in Kenya with respect to urban agglomeration. Awareness creation for
improvement of relationship between river and local population, effective implementation of
existing policies, restoring the flow channel, participatory approach in decision making, planting
trees along river sides, establishment of green areas on both sides of the River and its tributaries
along the course within city centre, implementing suitable agricultural practices, promoting
recycling and reusing of industrial effluents and installing the Gross Pollution Traps (GPT)
along the river course are some of the best practices documented from the international
guidelines.

The Chapter 10 contains the Conclusions and Recommendations (ToR-10) based on the
earlier studies, the existing scenario of TGR catchment area and the suggestions from the
concerned departments, Planning Authorities of the TGR catchment area, local population
and detailed consultations with experts. The chapter has summarised all the findings in the
TGR catchment area and concluded that there is reduction in Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers water flow and consequent reduction to TGR, which can be mainly attributed to the
groundwater over-exploitation, unplanned rapid urbanization leading to change in drainage,
lack of maintenance of the lakes and tanks in the cascading system, water intensive agricultural
practices etc. Deterioration of water quality can be attributed to influx of untreated sewage from
households, commercial establishments, industrial effluents, poor management of solid waste.
Overall there is lack of coordination between the planning Authorities, implementing
authorities and enforcement agencies. Further, the local people were not made adequately
aware about the Government Notification of 2003. The concerned Planning Authorities, Gram
Panchayats have not been able to ensure implementation of the Government Notification. An
attempt has been made to give suitable recommendations to address the challenges of the TGR
catchment area. These recommendations are prepared based on the three Advisory

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EMPRI Summary

Committee Meetings and 9th Research and Training Advisory Committee Meeting of EMPRI.
Taking into consideration available guidelines and methodologies related to the rejuvenation,
conservation and preservation of river courses in the other States of India and in the other
Countries. Following are the recommendations in brief, formulated to rejuvenate, conserve and
preserve the water courses in the TGR catchment area.

1. Formation of Multi-disciplinary Institution for the river basin to have effective

coordination among the Government Agencies
2. Removal of unauthorized obstructions in river courses and its drain
3. Stopping the illegal quarrying, soil excavation and sand mining in the TGR catchment
area
4. Preservation of lakes and river beds in the TGR catchment area and revival of tank
system
5. Protection and Preservation of TG Halli Reservoir
6. Control of industrial effluent discharge into the river course
7. Alternative technologies for treatment of wastewater and use the treated water for
Arkavathi river flow
8. Preservation and maintenance of storm water drains
9. Management of solid wastes
10. Regulation and management of groundwater
11. Adoption of Rainwater Harvesting System (RWH)
12. Decommissioning of abandoned bore-wells and tube-wells
13. Creation of Tree Plantation along the River Stretches
14. Encouraging climate resilient agriculture
15. Implementation of existing conservation zone till the formation of Authority and
prevention of change in landuse pattern
16. Creation of adequate awareness among the local people

Volume-II of the Report deals with the existing status of the superstructures that are subject
matter in the batch of Writ Petitions (WP) No. 38218/2013 and its connected 60WPs filed
before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka as per the 5th ToR. Out of 61 WPs, 58 are
connected to godowns, one is connected to layout development, one is connected to industry
and one is connected to 870 individual residential houses. About 99% of the WPs are filed
from the villages located in the Arkavathi river course, which also shows that there is
remarkable growth in these villages. Ground verification was done by a team consisting of
EMPRI representatives, Revenue Department, KSPCB representatives and the representatives
of the petitioners. A Panchnama was drawn in each case which was signed by the members
present. During the inspection, management of solid and liquid wastes, and the documents
related to permissions and operation of superstructures were also verified. Ground verification
of the superstructures has revealed that the godowns are not permitted by the Planning
Authorities, and are rented to companies to store the finished products. Further, the solid and

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EMPRI Summary

liquid wastes generated by most of these superstructures are directly polluting the Arkavathi
river. A map is prepared showing the location, information and status for each of these
superstructures connected to the Writ Petitions along with photographs and GPS location.

WP 48047/2013 was filed by the group of 870 householders distributed in the 20 villages
(Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river course), which are constructed between the years 1942 and
2000. Major superstructures are distributed in Adakamaranahalli, Siddanahosahalli and
Dombarahalli villages and within the Gramathana limit. Within the 870 households, only 669
households could be identified and verified. The survey has revealed that some of the houses
are built under the scheme of Ashraya Yojane and Janata Nivas Yojane. The households
surveyed include multi-storied houses (G+1 to G+3) with commercial complexes or small
provision for stores and mostly occupied by tenants. Houses renovated to G+2 and above are
against the TGR preservation Notification located in Zone-4. Electricity and water have been
supplied by BESCOM and Grama Panchayats respectively. Each house is facilitated with
lavatory and soak pit for sewage, but generated wastewater is discharged into the storm water
drains and in some villages, the solid wastes are disposed in open land or burnt because there is
no proper system to manage solid waste.

Volume-III of the Report has the supportive documents of the Volume-I and II reports
included as annexures such as the Government of Karnataka Notification, Hon’ble High Court
of Karnataka Interim Orders, proceedings of meetings, Panchayat orders, Reports on TGR as
biodiversity hotspot, Report on TGR drainage pattern, Landuse/ Landcover statistics and
maps, Maps on encroachment of tanks, Secondary data received from various line
Departments such as NPA, KSPCB, etc., The Karnataka Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River
Basin Conservation and Development Bill, 2013 proposed by UDD, Panchanama for ground
verification of 61 WP’s superstructures, Questioner format used to survey the residential
superstructures, Details of Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWAT) and
concept note for the revival of Arkavathi river by use of the treated wastewater.

There is no single solution to conserve the TGR catchment area since the issues are highly
complex and interlinked. So the integrated solution will be achieved only by the stringent
implementation of recommendations for the sustainable management of TGR catchment area.
The above recommendations may be considered for the implementation by the consent
Government Departments/ Authorities who can develop their strategies and plans in detail.
Further, the revival of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers are bound to be long term process
that cannot be expected to happen in a short period of time. The desired results can be
achieved only by sustained and coordinated efforts.

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EMPRI General Introduction

Chapter-1: General Introduction

Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and, therefore, a basic
human right. Contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social
health of all people. It is an affront to human dignity.
-Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary-General

The importance of water is too obvious to require much elaboration. Water is life. It is one of
the most critical natural resources for the continuance of life on earth. It is a scarce, precious and
replenishable natural resource that cannot be created. Its true value can be known only when it is
not available.

Bengaluru with an average rainfall of 900mm is the capital of Karnataka State and one of the
important industrial centers of southern India that has witnessed rapid increase in population,
particularly during the last decade. The population of Bengaluru has increased to 9.6 million
(Census of India 2011, Karnataka) and geographical expansion of 2,196 km2, on account of
globalization causing invasion on peri-urban and rural areas.

Bengaluru’s location in the semi-arid peninsular plateau region makes it naturally water scarce.
The first official water supply for the city was from these water bodies- a 100 year old Hesaraghatta
tank (Chamarajendra Reservoir) on the Arkavathi at a distance of 18-20km from city and the TG
Halli reservoir (Chamarajasagar Reservoir) which was built in 1932, at the confluence of the river
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi 35-40 km away (Mohan Kumar et al., 2011). As the supply from local
water bodies became inadequate with increase in population, the Cauvery water supply scheme was
conceived. As the demand for the drinking water from the city is increasing, it has become
important to revive/ conserve the existing water-bodies (Figure-1.1).

1.1. Background of the Present Study:

TG Halli reservoir was an important source of drinking water for Bangalore till 1990s.
However over the years the flow to the TG Halli reservoir got reduced and the water quality also
deteriorated. With the objective of understanding the reasons for diminished water flow to TG
Halli reservoir and measures to be taken for its conservation, the Bangalore Metropolitan Region
Development Authority (BMRDA) initiated a study through The Indian Space Research
Organization-Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ISRO-
IN_RIMT) in the year 2000. The study considered various aspects of the TGR Catchment and
suggested a host of measures and regulations for further developments that was damaging the
quality and quantity of flow. Accordingly the Government of Karnataka vide Government Order
no. FEE 215 ENV 2000, dated 18.11.2003 declared four zones and regulated developments as
given in Annexure-1.1.

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EMPRI General Introduction

TGR Catchment Area

TG Halli Reservoir

Figure 1.1: Drinking water supply to Bengaluru city, before December 2012

However despite the Government Order, developments have taken place at a fast rate in these
zones. Also the quality of water has further deteriorated and BWSSB has stopped supplying
drinking water from TG Halli reservoir since 2012. In the meantime the Government of
Karnataka withdrew the G.O. dated 18.11.2003 vide G.O. No. APG 01 ENG 2011 dated
24.07.2014 (Annexure-1.2). The Hon’ble High Court took up the matter and vide Order, in case
number: WP 38218/2013 dated 28.11.2014 has stayed the withdrawal of the G.O. dated
24.07.2014. The order of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has been annexed in Annexure-1.3.
There are also a large number of Writ Petitions pending in High Court because of the
interventions by BDA and other authorities to demolish or take action with regards to the
unauthorized developments.

The Hon’ble High Court has appointed Amicus Curiae on 18.12.2014 in case number: WP
38218/2013, to get a holistic view of the entire issue. The order dated 18.12.2014 is annexed in
Annexure-1.4. Further vide Order dated 02-02-2015 in case number: WP 38218/2013, the
Hon’ble High Court has entrusted EMPRI to take up a comprehensive study on the entire TG
Halli reservoir catchment areas (Annexure-1.5) which encompasses the detailed ToR for the study
given in paragraph 1.4. The present study has been conducted by EMPRI within the scope of the
ToR given by Hon’ble High Court. The study has been undertaken in a limited time frame of five
months. Earnest effort has been made to obtain necessary information from various Government
Departments/ Agencies, conduct field inspections and to study all published reports on TGR
catchment, analyse the existing legal and policy framework and collect the best practices nationally
and internationally. In the following section some basic information about the TGR catchment and

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EMPRI General Introduction

important water resources has been given. However the details of the observations made during
field verifications has been separately covered in chapter-4.

1.2. Thippagondanahalli Reservoir Catchment:

As per the report of ISRO, the TGR catchment i.e., the upper Arkavathi river catchment is
1453 km2, covering parts of Doddabalapur, Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Magadi and Bengaluru
Taluks. The National Highways Number 4, 48 and 207 pass through the catchment. There are
three distinct sub-catchments in the TGR i.e., Hesaraghatta, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi covering
an area 606Km2, 376.6 km2 and 462.6 km2 respectively. TGR catchment consists of 735 villages
and 85% of the catchment has a slope less than 3%, which can be classified as flat terrain.
Catchment comprise mostly a rural landscape with agriculture and farming as main features but
during the last two decades, a number of industries, housing complexes, unauthorized layouts etc.,
have come up in the catchment which are responsible for massive extraction of groundwater and
also for polluting the watercourse due to discharge of untreated sewage. There are 541 tanks in the
catchment which are mostly dry with high rate of soil excavation. (ISRO and IN-RIMT, 2002)

1.2.1. Hesaraghatta Reservoir:

In 1894 the Government proposed the first treated water supply to Bengaluru by enlarging
the irrigation tank near Hesaraghatta constructed across the river Arkavathi about 15 kms from
Bengaluru. The tank covers a surface area of 660.32 Ha and has a storage capacity of 19.68
Million cubic meters (MCM) of water (ISRO and IN-RIMT, 2002). An open channel
conveyed the water from the tank up to Soladevanahalli over a distance of about 6 kms by
gravity and from there the raw water was pumped to the treatment plant located at 18th Cross,
Malleswaram, Bengaluru. There is a syphon at the Hesaraghatta tank used to discharge flood
water when the reservoir is full and also there is rain gauge to measure the rainfall (Bangalore
Water Supply and Sewerage Board [BWSSB], 2015).
Due to the proximity of the tank to Bengaluru a lot of unauthorized development has taken
place in the catchment gradually reducing the inflow into Hesaraghatta tank. The tank became
almost dry from 1980 onwards. However, there are a number of bore wells in the tank bed and
water is drawn from these to meet the
local needs (BWSSB, 2015). Reservoir is
deteriorating and drying up (Figure-1.2),
reducing its reliability as water supply
source. As per the discussions with the
local villagers by EMPRI research team,
from the last 25 years water from
Hesaraghatta tank is not supplied to the
Bengaluru city. The reasons attributed for
the deterioration of the tank are erosion,
sand mining, encroachment, ground-water
exploitation etc. Figure-1.2. Hesaraghatta Reservoir

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EMPRI General Introduction

1.2.2. Arkavathi River:

The River Arkavathi is a tributary to river Cauvery, it takes birth in Nandi hills and runs for
190 km before joining river Cauvery at Sangam in Kanakapura Taluk with a total catchment of
4,150 km2 from origin to confluence with river Cauvery (2nd Advisory Committee Meeting
under the study Thippagondanahalli Catchment area, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Niyamitha,
2015). The river’s catchment overlaps with the western portion of the rapidly growing
metropolis of Bengaluru. The River covers parts of 5 taluks – Doddaballapur, Nelamangala,
Magadi, Bangalore North, Bangalore South, within two districts – Bangalore Urban and
Bangalore Rural. The river flows from north to south in the southwesterly direction
downstream of Hesaraghatta tank for about 33km till TG Halli reservoir. The River feeds a
series of cascading tanks and the two major water reservoirs (Hesaraghatta and Chamrajasagar)
that were once major sources of water to Bengaluru city.

As the River Arkavathi is non-perennial, major water flow is seen only during
monsoon and during summer the river is mostly dry except for the inflow of polluted water i.e.
sewage from households and effluents from industries, thus rendering the river water unfit for
use even during monsoon. And also due to over exploitation of ground water the retention of
surface water has reduced leading to decline in the river flow.

1.2.3. Kumudvathi River:

The River Kumudvathi is a tributary of river Arkavathi which originates from Shivagange
hills of Bangalore Rural district and eventually flows to Chamarajasagar Reservoir of
Thippagondanahalli. The River is filled with water only in monsoon season and in the rest of
the year it is in shriveled condition. The water trickles down to this river from North to South
direction through fringes of drains connecting series of lakes and tanks across the villages of
Nelamangala taluk of Bangalore Rural district and Magadi taluk of Ramanagar district (ISRO-
IN_RIM). The encroachments due to extension of settlements and the emerging industries in
the river catchment zone have induced anthropogenic activities which have resulted in decline
in surface water as well as ground water in the region.

1.2.4. Chamarajasagar Reservoir

(Thippagondanahalli reservoir):
With the drying up of Hesaraghatta
tank in the year 1922, the situation
demanded urgent remedial measures, for
which Government constituted a
committee under the chairmanship of Sir
M. Visveswaraiah in the year 1926. After
detailed investigation of all possible
sources of supply including the rivers
Cauvery and Hemavathy, the Figure-1.3. Chamarajasagar Reservoir
Visveswaraiah committee recommended

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EMPRI General Introduction

the construction of a reservoir on the river Arkavathi by building dam at T.G. Halli (Figure-
1.3) 25 km from Bengaluru city downstream of Hesaraghatta tank. The dam was constructed
with an impounding capacity of 1072 mcft. for a supply of 5 MLD of water to the city. During
the year 1960-61, the height of the reservoir was raised to increase the capacity to 3340 mcft.
Over a period of time suitable interlinking in the raising mains were made and the total supply
was increased to 145 MLD from TG Halli (BWSSB, 2015).

2500
Reservoir Inflow (MCFT)

2000

1500

1000

500

2011
2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2012

2013

2014
Year

Figure-1.4. Inflow to TGR from catchment (BWSSB, inflow data of CRS reservoir)

The TG Halli treatment plant was

constructed in 3 stages. The first stage treatment
plant commissioned in 1933 consists of settling
tank and rapid sand filter. The second stage
treatment plant, commissioned in 1958, consists
of clarifiers and filter bed of 6.7 MLD capacities
and lastly the third stage commissioned in 1963
consists of clariflocculator and filter bed of 70
MLD capacity (Figure-1.5). The treated water is
stored at Thorekkera intermediate pumping
station before distribution to the city. At present
the TG Halli treatment plant is not under Figure-1.5. Chamarajasagar Reservoir
working condition (Source-BWSSB).

As per Figure-1.4, TGR has received highest inflow in the year 2005. The TGR still
receives some inflow mainly consisting waste water through the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
Rivers, leading to pollution in the water body. Till recently supply from TG Halli was scanty
and was restricted to about 50 MLD on an average, that too for a few months in a year, and
from December 2012 the supply of water was completely stopped (Diversion of 5 TMC of
water from the Hemavathy Reservoir into the Arkavathi Catchment, BWSSB,).

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EMPRI General Introduction

1.3. Battle for Clean water:

For a long time i.e., from 1895-1972, the river Arkavathi was lifeline for Bengaluru city.
The supply of water from two old reservoirs, commissioned during the British regime, viz,
Thippagondanahalli and Hesaraghatta Reservoirs of Arkavathi river, a tributary of river Cauvery
has become unreliable owing to the declining flow of water in the catchment. The river Arkavathi
is presently under serious threat, since it is not getting the required rain water from its catchment,
due to formation of substantial layouts within the catchment area changing the terrain and
topography, unauthorised obstructions, over-exploitation of ground water, etc.

Over the past several years, parts of the catchment have been encroached, besides substantial
silting has also been observed. The catchment of the river Arkavathi was predominantly agriculture
in nature but due to its nearness to the city it underwent a change in land use by developments
which are mostly unauthorized. These developments have in some places encroached on the river
bed and also on the small streams that were conveying the rain water to the river, which has
resulted in gradual reduction of flow. The entries of untreated sewage from these developments
have polluted the river. Therefore there is no supply of drinking water from this source to the city
since the last few years.

Hence meeting water needs of the

growing population together with the Demand (MLD) Supply (MLD)
2000
expansion of water supply networks to
Bengaluru city, remains a major 1500
challenge because of rapid change in
water use pattern in the recent decades.
MLD

1000
As the population is increasing
drastically, to meet the demand of the
500
population, Cauvery water supply
scheme stages I, II, III, IV, phase I and
0
phase II was brought into the city, as it
2001 2007 2011 2015 2021
is not possible to supply water from Year
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (Figure- Figure-1.6. Demand and supply for Bengaluru City through
1.6) on the river Arkavathi due to lack Cauvery Source (Deepak Kumar and Vasudevan, 2009)
of sufficient flow (Deepak Kumar and Vasudevan, 2009).

The expert committee chaired by B.N. Thyaga Raja, Engineer in Chief (retired), BWSSB,
formed by the Government for identification of sources for sustainable water supply to Bengaluru
for the next 50 years, in their report have stated that any augmentation of freshwater in future to
the city will be only by diversion of water from the west flowing rivers and this water has to come to
Arkavathi catchment only before supplying to Bengaluru city. Also protection of the Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi catchment and rejuvenation of these rivers is essential to get back the earlier supply.
The committee suggested that the entire catchment be declared as GREEN BELT and allow
developments only under the green belt criteria (information taken from BWSSB contains a letter

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EMPRI General Introduction

from B.N. Thyaga Raja, Engineer in Chief (retired), BWSSB, 2015 to Sri. Anjum Parvez, IAS,
Chairman, BWSSB, Bangalore).

Since Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers are unable to meet the demand of the whole city a clean
water scheme with recycling and reuse of treated wastewater should be implemented and also
reviving of these rivers is a key factor to fill the huge gap between demand and supply of drinking
water in Bengaluru city.

1.4. Terms of References:

The Department of Ecology and Environment (DoEE), Government of Karnataka (GoK)
had entrusted the study on “Rapid assessment of TGR catchment area and its preservation zone”
to EMPRI vide G.O. No. APG 96 ENG 2014 (Part-2) dated: 02.12.2014 (Annexure-1.6).
Subsequently the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has given an interim order on 02.02.2015 and
has entrusted EMPRI (Annexure-1.5) to carry out a Comprehensive assessment of TGR
catchment area and its preservation zones, with following Terms of References (ToR):

1. To conduct a study and produce an accurate report on the exact state of affairs in the TGR
Catchment area in general and Zones-2, 3 and 4 in particular by surveys with photographs,
maps and sketches so as to eliminate any factual controversy in respect of the course and
location of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers and constructions and developments that
have taken place in Zone-2, 3 and 4.
2. To identify all superstructures and infrastructure that has come up in the TGR catchment
area in general and Zones-2, 3 and 4 in particular, post the Notification No. FEE 215 ENV
2000 dt. 18/11/2003 issued by the Government of Karnataka and superimpose structures
on map or satellite imagery. Particular attention will be put up in Zone-3 and 4.
3. To identify and denote the survey numbers of the superstructures and any infrastructure
that have been put up, including details of the permissions, if any that have been granted by
Authorities such as Planning Authorities, KSPCB, etc.
4. To identify the nature of superstructures and the purpose of presently being utilized.
5. To specifically identify the structures that are subject matter in the batch of 61 Writ
Petitions filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka will be identified in the map or
satellite imagery.
6. To estimate the TGR water yield for the past 30 years based on the secondary data
available with the State Agencies and determine the availability of water in Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi Rivers.
7. To determine the extent of water quality deterioration in the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
Rivers since the 2003 notification by water quality analysis from different points.
8. To identify and analyses the specific reasons for the pollution of Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi rivers.
9. To identify the adopted methodologies in other States in India and in other Countries for
rejuvenation, conservation and preservation of rivers in urban agglomerations.

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EMPRI General Introduction

10. To recommend methods for rejuvenating the Arkavathi and Kumudhavathi rivers and
protecting the river ways from further deterioration and also to recommend the
permissibility of further developments and establishment of superstructures in the TGR
catchment area.

1.4.1. Methodology Adopted:

For undertaking the study entrusted by Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, EMPRI has
taken multi-stakeholder approach by collecting updated information from concerned
Departments, Government Agencies, analysis of previous reports on the catchment area,
consultation with the experts, consultation with local people to elicit their views, etc. An Advisory
Committee was formed (Annexure-1.7) consisting of representatives from all the line departments
and three meetings of the Advisory Committee have been held. Further, a Technical Committee
consisting of water resources experts were also formed (Annexure-1.8). Detailed presentation and
deliberation has also been conducted with the Research and Training Advisory Committee of
EMPRI. The following methodology has been adopted carrying out the study:

a. The 15 members core working team of Centre for Lake Conservation (CLC), EMPRI has
carried out detailed field verifications in TGR catchment area in general and zones-2, 3
and 4 in particular to access the state of affairs as per ToR-1.
b. With regards to study of superstructures and infrastructure (ToR-2, 3 and 4) in the TGR
catchment area as per the Order of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, the study was taken
up by Karnataka State Remote Sensing and Application Centre (KSRSAC) by analysing the
Land Use/ Land Cover change between the years 2003 and 2014 (LISS-IV).
c. For on ground verification of the properties involved in Writ Petitions, a Committee was
formed consisting of representatives from the concerned departments including KSPCB
(Karnataka State Pollution Control Board), BDA, Bangalore Urban Zilla Panchayat,
BIAAPA (Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority), BMRDA (Bangalore
Metropolitan Region Development Authority) and BMICAPA (Bangalore Mysore
Infrastructure Corridor Area Planning Authority). This committee carried out extensive
field verification of 61 Writ Petitions (WP). Whereas the 60 WP are connected to the
individual superstructures and one WP is connected to the 870 households.
d. Secondary data available with the State Agencies such as BWSSB, Cauvery Neeravari
Nigam Ltd., etc. were used to identify the yield and the availability of water in the Arkavathi
and Kumudvathi rivers.
e. For assessing the deterioration of water quality in the two rivers of the TGR catchment
area, 25 water samples were collected. Further, the water quality secondary data from
KSPCB and BWSSB for the past years have been collected and analysed.
f. The National and International guidelines for the rejuvenation, conservation and
preservation of river courses in urban agglomerations have been collected from the internet
and analysed. The guidelines/ case studies/ rejuvenation efforts which were found to be
more applicable to the context of the present study, have been analysed.

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g. With regards to the recommendations for rejuvenating the two rivers and permissibility of
further developments in the TGR catchment area, suggestions have been formulated in
consultation with the experts, opinions expressed by three Advisory Committees
(Annexure-1.9), Technical Committee (Annexure-1.10), four Stakeholder Meetings and
the 9th Research and Training Advisory Committee of EMPRI.

Within the time constraint, all efforts have been made to address all the issues as per the
ToR and come up with suitable suggestions for rejuvenating the Arkavathi and Kumudhavathi
rivers, and protecting the river ways from further deterioration.

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Chapter-2: TGR Catchment Area and Notification

2.1. Introduction:
The issue in TGR catchment area became prominent in 1978-79, when 414 acres of
land in the banks of Arkavathi River, within a distance of about 2 Kms from Chamaraja Sagar
Water Reservoir at Thippagondanahalli, was converted to non-agriculture purposes for
Arkavati Farmers Cooperative Society, to be developed as a township by DLF (Delhi Land and
Finance Universal Ltd., Delhi). Necessary permissions were also accorded by concerned
authorities. In 1984, BWSSB filed appeals before the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal against the
orders of the Deputy Commissioner according permission for conversion of the lands for non-
agricultural purpose leading to establishment of a township near TGR. The Tribunal dismissed
the appeals of the BWSSB holding that it had no locus standi to present the appeals and its
grievance was imaginary. Aggrieved by the order of the Appellate Tribunal, the BWSSB filed
Writ Petitions before the Hon‟ble High Court of Karnataka.

During the pendency of the Writ Petition (WP) itself, DLF (Delhi Land and Finance
Universal Ltd., Delhi) realising the serious objections to the Township which it had proposed
to establish had submitted a revised proposal as Green colony named as Arkavathi Green
Valley Retreat Scheme with Central Sewerage System to the Government in 1985. In 1991,
State Government considered the proposal and constituted an expert committee for reviewing
the proposal. In the year 1992 the Hon‟ble High Court had quashed the orders of land
conversion, subsequent to which the DLF had filed WP in Hon‟ble Supreme Court. In 1998,
Hon‟ble Supreme Court gave the judgment allowing the project subject to certain conditions,
but various public organizations opposed this decision and finally the Government withdrew
the permission given to DLF to construct the housing complex during the year 1999 (High
Court of Karnataka vide order dated 24.04.1992 for the WP No. 19919-19954 and 21172-
21177/1982).
Gradually the attention on the TGR and its catchment increased due to reduced and
fluctuating inflow into the TGR which has been an important source of drinking water for
Bangalore. A study was initiated by BMRDA and undertaken by ISRO to analyse the reasons
for reduced inflow and suggest ways to increase the inflow and maintain the quality of water in
the TGR. The study has been analysed in detail in Chapter-3. Based on the recommendations
of the ISRO report, the Government of Karnataka issued a Notification for preservation of the
entire catchment of TGR as well as stretches around Arkavathi, Kumudvathi and also the
reservoir itself. The Notification, the preservation zones and the major components of these
zones have been covered in this Chapter.

2.2. Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR):

The first protected water supply from the Hesaraghatta tank across the Arkavathi river
was initiated in the year 1895 to provide 55 LPCD (Litres Per Capita per Day) of water to
2,50,000 people in Bangalore City. But in 1922, the Bangalore community had experienced
water shortage because of drying up of Hesaraghatta reservoir. In order to ensure water security
for Bangalore community a Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of
Late Sir M. Visvesvaraya, which suggested construction of a dam across Arkavathi river at
Thippagondanahalli as TGR scheme.

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Thippagondanahalli Reservoir is situated in west of Bangalore City, which was

constructed at the confluence of Arkavathi river originating from Nandi hills and Kumudvati
river originating from Shivaganga hills and beyond Tyamagondalu town. The construction of
masonry dam was initiated in the year 1930 and completed in 1934 to store water upto
67.22MCM. Due to the rapid urban sprawl and increased demand for water, the TGR main
dam and waste weir was raised by 10ft. to store 85.97MCM of water during the year 1954.
During the year 1964, the water storage capacity was further increased to 94.72MCM as a third
phase. TGR reservoir is spread over 15 villages with the height and length of the dam being 170
ft. and 1480 ft. respectively.

2.3. Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR) Catchment Area:

TGR has a catchment area of 1453 km2, which included the Hesaraghatta reservoir and
617 tanks. The cumulative storage of all these tanks and Hesaraghatta reservoir is 143 MCM
(Million Cubic Metres); about one and a half times the storage of TGR (ISRO and IN-RIMT,
2000).TGR catchment area is located between the Latitudes 12° 56ˈ and 13° 23ˈ 15ˈˈN and
Longitudes 77° 13ˈ 30ˈˈand 17° 41ˈ15ˈˈ E. The catchment area extends upto Dobbaspet towards
northwest of Bengaluru City on the Bengaluru to Tumkur National Highway (NH-4) and upto
Nandi hills. The NH-4 connecting Bengaluru City with Pune, NH-48 connecting Bengaluru
City with Mangalore and Bengaluru to Arsikere Broad-gauge railway line are the major
transport infrastructure that passes through the catchment area. Nelamangala and
Doddaballapur are the two major towns located within the catchment area.

Most of the TGR catchment is underlain by hard-rock, consisting of gneiss and granite,
whereas the highly weathered soils extend from the land surface to about 20m below grade
level (b.g.l.) and form a shallow aquifer. There are three sub-catchment areas in the TGR
catchment area namely, Hesaraghatta (606.57km2), Arkavathi (376.59km2) and Kumudvati
(462.60km2) sub-catchment areas. The entire catchment area is spread over four districts
namely Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapura.

2.4. TGR catchment area preservation Notification:

In the 140thmeeting of KSPCB (24thJuly‟2002) it was recommended that further
developments in TGR catchment area should be regulated as per ISRO report to ensure the
improvement of quantity and quality of inflow of water in to TGR, and also suggested to
constitute a separate Authority for the conservation of TGR catchment area. Further, in a
meeting conducted by Urban Development Department (UDD) chaired by Principal Secretary
(8thJuly‟2003) it was also resolved to protect TGR catchment area by regulating the activities to
prevent the inflow of contaminants in TGR. Based on the recommendations of UDD, KSPCB
and the ISRO/IN-RIMT (2000) report „Reduced inflow into T.G. Halli Reservoir – A Remote
Sensing Based Evaluation‟, the Department of Ecology & Environment had notified the entire
TGR catchment area (1453 km2) into four zones (Annexure-1.1) (G.O No.FEE 215 ENV 2000
dt.18/11/2003) to

(a) Protect the eco-sensitive catchment area by regulating anthropological activities and
(b) Provide water security for Bengaluru city in public interest since the water inflow to
TGR was getting reduced.

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TGR catchment area notification took into consideration the recommendations of

ISRO report (2000) that suggested the following;

i. Declare entire TGR catchment area as conservation zone and adopt suitable land
utilization strategy from the point of regulating the Urbanization/ Industrialization
ii. Declare about 10km radius around TGR as protection Zone
iii. Regulate buffer of around 2km on either side of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi courses
(within TGR catchment area) for protecting the TGR from further deterioration
iv. Implement necessary measures to prevent alteration of drainage course and
impediments to the flow of water along the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi Rivers
v. Checking of uncontrolled disposal of effluent/sewage into the streams/ surface
waterbodies within the catchment.
vi. Implementing suitable measures for controlling over-exploitation of groundwater in the
catchment, implementing proper waste management system and implementing
programmes for revival of the tanks in the catchment.

The notification declared that the directions would come into effect immediately
th
(18 November‟2003) and non-compliance of the same would attract penal action under
sections 15 and 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification also directed
the concerned Authorities (mentioned in the notification) to implement the directions with
wide publicity of the provisions and submit the monthly compliance report on the action taken
to the Secretary (Ecology and Environment), Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
The notification also was copied to the Compiler of the Karnataka Gazetteer Department for
publication in the Gazette.

The entire TGR catchment area is spread over 735 villages of the Middle Cauvery
Basin, which were notified as four categorised zones (Figure-2.1) The entire catchment area
falls under the jurisdiction of five Planning Authorities namely, BDA (Bangalore Development
Authority), BMRDA, NPA (Nelamangala Planning Authority), MPA (Magadi Planning
Authority) and BIAAPA. The numbers of villages in the different categorised zones falling
under the NPA area are depicted in Venn diagram (Figure-2.2), the diagram also showed that
the 550, 19, 21 and 4 entire villages fall in the zone-1, 2, 3 and 4 category respectively (Table-
2.1). Village and Survey number wise categorised zone in TGR catchment area are illustrated in
the NPA website (www.npa.in).

2.4.1. Zone-1:
The entire TGR catchment area was declared as Zone-1 apart from the other three
zones. The area is spread in the districts of Bengaluru Urban (five hoblis in Bangalore
North and Thavarekere hobli in Bangalore South taluk), Bengaluru Rural (four hoblis in
Doddaballapur, Kundana hobli in Devanahalli and three hoblis in Nelamangala taluk),
Ramanagara (Soluru hobli in Magadi taluk) and Chikkaballapura (Nandi hobli in
Chikkaballapura taluk).

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Figure-2.1: TGR catchment area map with categorised zone and village boundary (Source: www.npa.in)

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EMPRI TGR Catchment Area & Notification

Figure-2.2: Venn diagram for number of villages in categorised preservation zones

(Source: www.npa.in)

Table-2.1: Zone-wise distribution of villages in the TGR catchment area

No. of
Zones Villages in Location of villages in River Course
Zone
1 550 Hesaraghatta, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi sub-catchment area
2 18 Around TGR
3 21 Six villages in Arkavathi and 15 villages in Kumudvathi river
course
4 4 One villages in Arkavathi and three villages in Kumudvathi
river course
1&2 7 -
1&4 36 17 villages in Arkavathi and 19 villages in Kumudvathi river
course
2&3 1 Kumudvathi river course
3&4 55 19 villages in Arkavathi and 36 villages in Kumudvathi river
course
1, 2 & 4 2 -
2, 3 & 4 2 Arkavathi river course
1, 3 & 4 36 11 villages in Arkavathi and 25 villages in Kumudvathi river
course
1, 2, 3 & 4 3 Arkavathi river course
Total Villages 735 -
(Source: As per the map published in www.npa.in)

Zone-1 TGR catchment area is under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru Rural, Bangalore
Urban, Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara Zilla Panchayat‟s and BBMP (Table-2.2) with the
planning Authorities such as BMRDA, Bangalore International Airport Area Planning
Authority (BIAAPA), Nelamangala Planning Authority (NPA) and Magadi Planning Authority
(MPA).

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Table-2.2: TGR catchment area location and its Jurisdiction Authorities

Planning
Zone No. District Taluk Hobli Jurisdiction of
Authority
Tubgere
Kasaba
Doddaballapur BMRDA
Doddabelavangala
Madhure Bengaluru Rural
Bengaluru Rural Devanahalli Kundana BIAAPA Zilla Panchayat
Kasaba (ZP)
Nelamangala
Nelamangala NPA
Somapura
Thymgondala
Chikkaballapura
Chikkaballapura Chikkaballapura Nandi BMRDA
ZP
1
Jala BIAAPA
Bengaluru
BMRDA
Urban Zilla
Hesaraghatta and
Panchayat
Bengaluru BIAAPA
Bengaluru North Yelahanka
BDA BBMP
Urban Yeshwanthpur
BMRDA
Dasanapura Bengaluru
and NPA
Urban Zilla
Bengaluru
Tavarekere BMRDA Panchayat
South
Ramanagara Magadi Soluru MPA Ramanagara ZP
Bengaluru Rural
Bengaluru Rural Nelamangala Kasaba NPA
Zilla Panchayat
Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru
2 Thavarekere BMRDA
Urban South Urban ZP
Kasaba Ramanagara
Ramanagara Magadi MPA
Soluru Zilla Panchayat
BMRDA
Hesaraghatta and
Bengaluru
3&4 BIAAPA Bengaluru
Bengaluru North
Arkavathi BDA and Urban Zilla
Urban Dasanapura
River Course NPA Panchayat
Bengaluru
Tavarekere BMRDA
South
Kasaba
Nelamangala Bengaluru Rural
3&4 Bengaluru Rural Nelamangala NPA
Somapura Zilla Panchayat
Kumudvathi
Thymgondala
River Course
Ramanagara
Ramanagara Magadi Soluru MPA
Zilla Panchayat

While 550 villages are exclusively in Zone-1, there are many villages which are partly located
in Zone-1 and partly in other Zones. For example, two villages are located partly in the Zone-1,
2 and 4; 36 villages are located partly in Zone-1, 3 and 4; and 39 villages located partly in Zone-
1 and 4; whereas Sondakoppa village is located in all the Zones.

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The Authorities responsible for the regulation of various activities are:

i. Overexploitation of groundwater are to be regulated and checked by the Department of

Mines and Geology, and further they should not grant any fresh leases or licence for
mining, quarrying and stone crushers in the TGR catchment area of Zone-1.

ii. UDD, BWSSB and NPA are to monitor the disposal of solid and liquid wastes in
Zone-1 if done without scientific processing.

iii. Department of Agriculture/ Horticulture are to ensure adoption of rain water harvesting
systems in all the existing buildings, within 18th May‟2004. Further the Department
should also promote organic farming including bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides in
Zone-1.

Further, the Zone-1 TGR catchment area is classified into Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area
(C05CAM31), Arkavathi sub-catchment area (C05CAM32) and Kumudvathi sub-catchment
area (C05CAM30) based on the watershed maps (WRIS, ISRO) are given in the Figure-2.3a,
2.3b and 2.3c respectively.

Figure-2.3a: Hesaraghatta Sub-catchment area Figure-2.3b: Arkavathi Sub-catchment area

2.4.1a. Hesaraghatta Reservoir:

Hesaraghatta reservoir is an important waterbody located in the zone-1, which was used
as the source of water for Bangalore city earlier by BWSSB. The earthen dam across the
Arkavathi river in Hesaraghatta reservoir was constructed in the year 1881 with the height
and length of 37.6 ft. and 5200 ft. respectively. The storage capacity of the reservoir is
1.1TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) with the water spread area of 6.8 sq.km over 11
villages. Most of the zone-1 TGR catchment areas fall in the Hesaraghatta sub-catchment
area, which spread across the 606.6km2.

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2.4.2. Zone-2:
The area covered within 2 kms from the TGR
boundary was notified as Zone-2, where agriculture and
related activities were only permitted. As per the
Notification, the zone-2 area should be monitored by the
UDD (Urban Development Department), BMRDA
(Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development
Authority), NPA (Nelamangala Planning Authority), BDA
(Bangalore Development Authority), BWSSB (Bangalore
Water Supply and Sewerage Board) and Directorate of
Municipal Administrations. The area is spread across
Bengaluru Urban (Thavarekere hobli in Bangalore South
taluk), Bengaluru Rural (Nelamangala Kasaba hobli in
Nelamangala taluk) and Ramanagara (Magadi Kasaba and
Soluru hoblis in Magadi taluk) districts (Table-2.2).

2.4.3. Zone-3:
The Area covered within 1 km distance from the river
banks of Arkavathi (only from Hesaraghatta tank upto
Figure-2.3c: Kumudvathi Sub-
TGR) and Kumudhavathi was defined as Zone-3. As per
catchment area
the Government Order only agricultural activities and
agriculture related (allied) activities like horticulture, sericulture, plantation, farm forestry,
poultry, cattle, goat, piggery, fisheries, etc., were permitted in this zone. Apart from the 21
villages that are completely in Zone-3; 55 villages are located partly in the Zone-3 and partly in
zone-4; one village is located partly in the Zone-3 and partly in Zone-2; and one village is falling
partly in Zones-2, 3 and 4 (Table-2.1).

2.4.3a. Arkavathi River Course:

The main stream of the Arkavathi river has its origin in the Nandidurga, Nandi hills in
Chikkaballapura district, North of Bengaluru, joined by its first major tributary, the
Kumudvathi river at TGR. The river runs 190 km and joins the Cauvery river at Sangam in
Kanakapura taluk with the total catchment area of 4,150 km2, which is part of the inter-state
Cauvery River basin. The ephemeral Arkavathi river originates from Nandi hills taking a
southwest path through Hesaraghatta tank and further South joins TGR. The sub-basin
covers parts of eight taluks – Doddaballapur, Nelamangala, Magadi, Bangalore North,
Bangalore South, Ramanagara, Anekal and Kanakapura within three districts– Bangalore
Urban, Bangalore Rural and Ramanagara. Kumudvathi, Vrishabhavathy and Suvarnamukhi
are the three tributaries of Arkavathi river. Arkavathi River sub-basin catchment overlaps
with the western portion of the rapidly growing Bengaluru City under the jurisdiction of
BBMP (Figure-2.4). Arkavathi river sub-catchment area is spread over 376.6 km2 and flows
from Nandi hills for 36 km length to reach Hesaraghatta reservoir.

TGR catchment area includes part of the Arkavathi catchment area as sub-catchment.
The physiography of catchment area showed that the terrain has a gentle slope towards the
South and the landscape is uneven with plains, hills and valleys. Major drainages of the TGR

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catchment area are the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers, which are part of the Cauvery
river basin. The network of streams/ nalas joining with either Arkavathi or Kumudvathi
rivers forms the drainage pattern as dendritic and few places it is parallel to sub-parallel,
which are controlled by joints and fractures.

Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river course in TGR catchment area is spread only in the
Bengaluru Urban district (Hesaraghatta and Dasanapura hoblis in Bangalore North and
Thavarekere hobli in Bangalore South taluk). Zone-3 and 4 areas are under the planning
Authority jurisdiction of BMRDA, NPA and BIAAPA. Two planning authorities sharing
the jurisdiction boundary in Bangalore North taluk of Bangalore Urban district are
Hesaraghatta hobli under the BMRDA and BIAAPA, and Dasanapura hobli under the
BMRDA and NPA. As per the preservation notification, NPA prepared map, which show
that the Arkavathi river course is spread over six entire villages in Zone-3; one entire village
located in Zone-4; one village is located partly in Zone-2, 3 and 4; 14 villages are located
partly in Zone-3, 1 and 4; 21 villages are located partly in Zone-3 and 4; and 22 villages are
located partly in Zone-1 and 4 (Table-2.1).

2.4.3b. Kumudvathi River Course:

Kumudvathi river is a tributary of Arkavathi river encompassing major part of
Nelamangala taluk, Bangalore Rural district and a part of Magadi taluk of Ramanagara
district. It originates from a spring “Kumbha Thirtha”, which is located on the Eastern side
of Shivagange hills. Hundreds of streams are flowing from different directions joining to
form the trunk stream of the river, which measures 45 kms before it confluences with river
Arkavathi at TGR. Non-perennial Kumudvathi river flows from North to South with a
number of storage tanks along the streams. Kumudvathi watershed (460 Km2) spread on 278
villages is located in the left bank of Cauvery watersheds and coded as 4B3B8 in the
watershed atlas of Karnataka published by KSRSAC. Administratively, the watershed covers
195 villages of Nelamangla taluk (327 Km2) and the rest of the area is covered in 83 villages
of Magadi taluk (133 Km2). The basin has 18 mini watersheds ranging in size from 12 to 40
Km2 (Figure-2.5). There are 233 tanks in the basin, which are fed by one or a set of streams
during the rainy season. 90% of the Kumudvathi watershed rainfall is monitored by the
three rain gauges located in the Thyamagondalu, Nelamangala and Solur villages. The
project report prepared by IAHV (International Association for Human Values, 2013) has
assessed the water yield potential of Kumudvathi river as 2875.20MCFT. For reference, the
same is produced in Table-2.3.

Zone-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi river course in TGR catchment area is spread in the
districts of Bengaluru Rural (Nelamangala Kasaba, Somapura and Thymgondala hoblis in
Nelamangala taluk) and Ramanagara (Soluru hobli in Magadi taluk). Zone-3 and 4 areas are
under the planning Authority jurisdiction of NPA and MPA in Bangalore Rural and
Ramanagara districts respectively. As per the map prepared by NPA marking the various
Zones as per the Notification along the Kumudvathi river course, 15 villages are located in
Zone-3; three villages are located in Zone-4; one village is located partly in the Zone-2 and 3;
34 villages are located partly in the Zone-3 and 4; 22 villages are located partly in the Zone-
1, 3 and 4; and 17 villages are located partly in the Zone-1 and 4 (Table-2.1).

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Figure-2.4. Arkavathi river Sub-catchment area (Source-ATREE, 2013)

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2.4.4. Zone-4:
A ribbon of 1km distance from the Zone-3 river banks of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi on
both sides were declared as Zone-4. In this area only green category industries were permitted
with compulsory rainwater harvesting system and waste water treatment facilities. New buildings
with only ground and first floor were permitted with adoption of rainwater harvesting systems.
Other regulatory/civic agencies were supposed to issue permit only after Consent for
Establishment (CFE) is obtained from KSPCB with regard to new industries. Apart from Zone-
1, all the other Zones (2, 3 & 4) were to be regulated and monitored by UDD, BMRDA, NPA,
BDA, BWSSB and Directorate of Municipal Administrations. The present status of each zone
in the TGR catchment area and pollution factors in the catchment area are elaborately
deliberated in subsequent chapters.

Table-2.3. Water potential of Kumudvathi river (Source-IAHV, 2014)

Watershed
S.No. Mini Watershed Area in Sq.km Yield in Mcft.
Code
1 Makankuppe 4B3B8P1 35.71 223.18
2 Tavarekere 4B3B8P2 23.62 147.58
3 Kerekottiganuru 4B3B8Q1 19.96 124.73
4 Gundenahalli 4B3B8Q2 18.56 115.97
5 Tyamagondlu 4B3B8Q3 40.36 252.20
6 Hemapura 4B3B8R1 32.77 204.78
7 Pallarahalli 4B3B8R2 37.12 231.99
8 Gangabhairappanapalya 4B3B8R3 23.80 148.72
9 Mondigere 4B3B8S1 25.00 156.23
10 Teppadabeguru 4B3B8S2 27.89 174.32
11 Kempahalli 4B3B8S3 21.90 136.86
12 Srinivasapura
4B3B8T1 25.98 162.34
(Vannasandra)
13 Mahadevapura
4B3B8T2 19.91 124.43
(Vannasandra)
14 Torehosapalya 4B3B8T3 20.71 129.41
15 Kannasandra 4B3B8U1 26.52 165.70
16 Dasegowdanapalya 4B3B8U2 19.51 121.91
17 Motaganahalli 4B3B8U3 12.14 75.89
18 Kavalapalya 4B3B8V1 28.64 178.96
Total 460.09 2875.20

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Figure-2.5: Watershed of Kumudvathi river course (Source-IAHV, 2014)

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2.5. Reasons for Ineffective Implementation of the Government Order:

Though the notification was issued with the best intentions of protecting the TGR
catchment and thereby ensuring sustained flow to the TGR, there were certain shortcomings in
the process of notification as well as implementation that resulted the Government Order
ineffective:

(i) The Notification was not published in the Karnataka Gazette, though a copy was
marked to the Gazette for publication.
(ii) The process of providing an opportunity for raising objections after the issue of
draft notification was not followed.
(iii) Adequate awareness about the notification was not created between the
communities after the notification.
(iv) Though it was envisaged that concerned authorities would submit reports on a
monthly basis to Secretary, Environment, the same was not followed.
(v) While the notification has aimed to regulate uncontrolled developments, there has
not been much focus on prevention of alteration of drainage courses, monitoring
the uncontrolled disposal of effluent/sewage into the streams/ surface waterbodies
and particularly over-exploitation of groundwater.
(vi) KSPCB‟s suggestion to constitute a separate Authority for the conservation of TGR
catchment area mentioned in the notification was not initiated. As there was no
separate Authority to monitor and regulate the activities in the TGR catchment area
even after a decade, the directions given by the notification could not be properly
implemented.
(vii) No systematic effort for promotion of organic farming was taken up by the
Department of Agriculture/ Horticulture as per Zone-1 regulation.
(viii) Proper demarcation of boundaries has not been done leading to ineffective
implementation.
(ix) While the notification aimed to regulate ground water exploitation to do irrigation
activities, there has been no micro-irrigation/ drip irrigation plans implemented in
the TGR catchment. Since the water tables have gone down over the years, the
farmers have expressed difficulties in carrying out agriculture.
(x) Any such Notification affecting communities necessitates continuous
communication and dialogue with the local communities which have been found to
be lacking. Planning and implementation of schemes should be done in association
with the local people to ensure success.
(xi) Multiple Government Authorities have also issued orders/ directions which are in
contradiction to the Government notification of 2003. Some of them which have
been obtained are given below:
a. The Bangalore Urban Zilla Panchayat has issued orders that 500m buffer
should be strictly maintained as a no development zone, instead of 1 Km as per
the 2003 Notification (Annexure-2.1).
b. The Tahsildar, Bangalore (North) has acquired 6 acres of land in Survey No. 25
of Alur village under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing scheme for weaker sections.
This falls in Zone-3 of the Notification.

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c. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has constructed flats for

implementing Alur BDA Housing Project with Ground +3 storeys in Alur
village, falling in Zone-4 as per the notification.
d. Zoning Regulation (Volume-3) in the Revised Master Plan - 2015 of BDA
(2007) considered the 250m radius expansion for the old settlements (Grama
Thana) of the villages as natural growth (Section-4.13.2.iii) in their jurisdiction.

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Chapter-3: Literature Survey: Analysis of Study Reports Published for

TGR Catchment Area
3.1. Introduction:
On the TGR catchment area, there have been many studies carried out in past by
Government Organisations, NGOs, individual researchers etc. Since the time allotted for the
current study was limited, extensive literature survey of various previous studies has been
carried out to get as much information on the area as possible. In the following paragraphs, the
major findings of the earlier reports on the basis of scientific/ socio-economic studies have been
enumerated in brief. Since the ISRO-INRIMT report submitted in the year 2000 has been the
most extensive study so far and also since it formed the basis of the 2003 Government
Notification regulating developments in the catchment, the report has been analysed in detail.
As far as the other reports are concerned, only the basic finding has been mentioned.

3.2. Review of the ISRO Report:

3.2.1. Overview:
Tippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR) had supplied 120MLD (Millions of Liters per
Day) of potable water to the Bengaluru City since 1964. But after the year 1995, TGR was
unable to provide consistent supply, so BMRDA entrusted a study to Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) in association with Indian Resources Information &
Management Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to evaluate the TGR catchment and to ascertain the
reasons for the reduced inflow into TGR. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in
association with Indian Resources Information & Management Technologies Pvt. Ltd (IN-
RIMT) submitted a study report titled “Reduced Inflow into TG Halli Reservoir- A
remote sensing based evaluation” in the year 2000. This study has addressed the following
major components:-

1. Physical system of the TGR, inventory of natural resources in the TGR catchment
and their changes over the decade
2. Hydro-meteorological phenomenon.
3. Reasons for reduced flows and
4. Environmental issues and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the TGR
catchment.

The study identified the aerial extent of the TGR catchment, i.e., the Upper Arkavathi
river catchment to be 1953 sq.km covering parts of Doddallapur, Nelamangala,
Devanahalli, Magadi and Bangalore taluks. There are three distinct sub-catchments of the
TGR, with aerial extents of 606.6 sq.km (Hesaraghatta), 376.6 sq.km (Arkavathi) and
462.6 sq.km (Kumudvathi).

3.2.2. Objectives and Scope of the study:

To understand the reasons for reduced run-off/inflow into TGR, the study was carried
out with the following objectives:

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1. Assess and evaluate the changes in the land use/land cover pattern in the TGR
Catchment in the past 15 years
2. Assess the groundwater and surface water resources and to arrive at water balance
3. Evaluate the drainage/stream conditions in the catchment
4. Evaluate the geological and structural features and their control on water resources
in the TGR Catchment
5. Assess the spatial distribution and intensity of rainfall, rainfall trend and other
hydro-meteorological conditions.

3.2.3. Approach adopted in the study:

An integrated approach involving remote sensing techniques for the derivation of
spatial information along with collateral data and detailed field inventory was adopted in
order to understand the reasons for reduced inflow into TGR.

3.2.4. Methodology:
Visual interpretation of kharif and summer season satellite imagery acquired during
1983, 1988-89, 1993-94 and 1998 was carried out along with necessary collateral and
ground truth information to generate land use/ land cover maps of the TGR catchment on
1:50,000 scale. Spatio-temporal changes that have taken place between 1983 and 1998 in
terms of urban growth and other land use pattern within the catchment was analysed.

Field survey covering all the villages of the catchment was carried out to gather
information regarding water supply and sanitation conditions, waste disposal methods,
socio-economic conditions, drainage conditions, cropping pattern etc., were undertaken.
Satellite data used was IRS-1C (Indian Remote Sensing Satellites) LISS III (Linear Imaging
Self Scanning sensor) imageries of March and November 1998, IRS-1B LISS II imageries
pertaining to November 1993 and March/April 1994, IRS-1A LISS II imageries of
December 1988 and March 1989 and Landsat MSS data of October 1983 and February
1985. The other collateral data included rainfall data, census information, climatological
information, reservoir level data (TGR and Hesaraghatta) from BWSSB, observation well
data from Dept. of Mines and Geology, well inventory data etc.

3.2.5. Natural Resources Assessment:

3.2.5a. Slope: Major portion of the TGR catchment is characterized by the presence of
nearby terrain level to gently sloping area (0-3% slope). Out of the total TGR catchment,
47.3% of the area is plain with 0 -1% slope, 38.24% of the area is very gently sloping (1-
3%). These two categories of the slope together representing 85.57% of the TGR
catchment, contribute less to the surface run-off during rainfall and generally water spreads
over large areas and finds more scope for infiltration. Gently and moderately sloping areas
(3–10% slope) are generally seen between the plains and strongly sloping hills and
represent 11.79% of the catchment. Strongly sloping and steep sloping areas (10-35%)
together cover only 1.76% and are seen on the sides of Shivagange, Nandi hills and
surrounding the TG Halli reservoir.

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3.2.5b. Hydro-geomorphology: The TGR catchment forms part of the Precambrian shield
of Peninsular India. Further, the study report has analysed the geology in terms of prospect
for groundwater recharge and potential for runoff. The following analyses have been
made:

 Denudational Hills: moderate to high hills of large aerial extent with great potential for
run-off. (Constitutes only 1.3% of the total TGR catchment)

 Residual hills: isolated or group of small hills interspersed with narrow hills that act as
zones of high surface run-off (0.24 % of TGR catchment)

 Inselbergs: isolated moderate to highly elevated residual hills acting as high surface run-
off zones (0.02% of TGR catchment)

 Pediment Inselberg Complex: Gently undulating plains dotted with number of small
hills with moderately high run-off and poor to moderate ground water potential (1.54%
of the TGR catchment)

 Pediment: Gently sloping erosional bedrock surface with detritus with overall poor
ground water prospect with moderate to good prospects along fractures/lineaments
(3.52% of TGR catchment)

 Pedi plain: Flat or gently sloping surface, constitutes major portion of TGR catchment
(80.47% of the total area) with moderate potential for ground water.

 Buried Pedi plain: Landscape of low relief with comparatively thick overburden of
weathered material, ground water prospect being generally good, covering 12.28% of
TGR Catchment.

 Dykes: Intrusive rocks cutting across the other litho-units randomly and play a very
important role in the movement of ground water normally groundwater prospect is
good in the upstream side of dyke perpendicular to the stream.

3.2.5c.Land use/ Land cover: Land use/ land cover mapping for the TGR catchment was
carried out by visual interpretation of multi season satellite data of kharif and summer
seasons for the years 1983, 1988-89, 1993-94 and 1998 (Figure-3.1). The mapping was
done on 1:50,000 scale. Description of different land use/ land cover classes found in the
study area are given below:

 Built-up land: The total built up land was found to have increased from 1674.12 ha in
1988 to 5020.12 ha in the year 1998 (200% increase). The breakup of built up land
area as given below:

i. Village / Settlements: Changed from 296.34 ha. (1988) to 368.3 ha. has (1998)
[24% increased]

ii. Towns:Changed from 217.89 ha (1988) to 809.44 ha (1998) showing an

increase of 270%

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iii. Urban/New Layouts: Changed from 1056.36 ha (1988) to 5242 ha (1998),

indicating fivefold increase, mainly around Bangalore City, Nelamanagala town
and Dodddaballapur town.

iv. Industrial land / layouts: Changed from 105.22 ha (1988) to 533.89 ha (1998)
around Nelamangala, Doddaballapur towns and near Dobbaspet.

 Agricultural land and cropping pattern: The study revealed that in TGR catchment
there was an increasing trend of agricultural land being used for growing commercial
trees (Eucalyptus/ Casurina/ Acacia). The crops grown were paddy in low-lying areas
and ragi, maize, potato, vegetables, pulses, oil seeds etc. in the uplands. The study
found that coconut constituted an important plantation crop whereas other important
plantation crops included areca nut, mango, sapota, vegetables, grapes, mulberry,
flowers etc. The GIS analysis showed a decline in agricultural plantation/garden
crops/vegetables from 18307.20 ha (1988 – 89) to 15741.61 ha (1993-94). There was
also an increase in agricultural fallow [493.68 has in 1993-94 to 627.97 in 1998].

 Forests: A gradual decrease was found in the areas covered by forest plantation (like
Eucalyptus) and increase in scrub forest between 1988-89 to 1998.

 Wasteland: A decrease in total wasteland was found in TGR catchment area (land
with/without scrubs, stony waste, gullied land and marshy areas) from 19018 ha (1988)
to 14017 ha (1993). Stony wasteland was found to be covered by quarries.

 Commercial Plantations: The study found that there was a tremendous increase in
commercial plantations (Eucalyptus, Casurina, Acacia) since these plantations were
found to be more economically viable due to increase in agricultural wages. The area
covered by commercial plantation during 1988-89, 1993-94 and 1988 was found to be
7064.51 ha, 15833.14 ha and 26982 ha respectively.

 Quarrying: The area under quarries was found to have increased from 208.29 ha (1988-
89) to 376.5 ha (1998).

 Waterbodies: Comprising of areas under tanks, reservoir and rivers. In the TGR
catchment surface water spread during the year 1988, 1994, and 1998 were 5901 ha,
6724 ha and 6378 ha respectively.

Hence the study by ISRO-IN_RIMT had already indicated a trend of new

residential, industrial layouts within the catchment. The increase was more prominent
during 1994-1998 with new layouts mostly developed on wastelands and even agricultural
land. There was a major decrease in crop land and increase in commercial plantations.
Also there was increase in quarries.

3.2.5d. Hydro-Meteorological Studies: The rainfall data of Nelamangala, Bangalore North,

Magadi, Doddaballapura and Devanahalli for the period 1980-1998 was analysed. On an
average the TGR catchment was receiving 16-60% during monsoon (June-September) and
22-25% during post-monsoon (October-December). Post-monsoon rainfall and their

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intensities were found to be more significant from the point of generation of surface
rainfall.

For analysing the trend in rainfall, data was taken from Central Ground Water Board
for the period 1901-1980 and analysed. Over the year 1901-1980, general rise in rainfall
was indicated in Bangalore North, Magadi, Nelamangala and Doddaballapura except
Devanahalli where rainfall remained more or less constant. There was a deficit in rainfall in
all the five stations in the year 1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990, whereas during the year 1988,
1991 and 1993, all five stations had recorded excess rainfall.

Further for the surplus rainfall years 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1998 an attempt was made
to assess the quantum of runoff. The maximum cumulative runoff was assessed as 362 mcm
after subtraction of 11% (44mcm) as ground water recharge. A comparison of the estimated
inflow based on surplus rainfall and inflow inferred by BWSSB data (from withdrawal and
storage records) showed that the estimated inflow had not actually reached the TGR
reservoir.

3.2.5e. Water Resources: The study pointed out that around 541 irrigation tanks (541),
constructed around the second and third order streams, constituted the main surface water
source. Due to interception of appreciable volume of water by tanks of varying sizes at
different reaches, substantial reduction of runoff was found before reaching TGR. Out of
the rainfall runoff, at least 30% of the runoff contributed in filling of 541 tanks and
groundwater recharge. Further, the 40% of runoff accounted for seepage losses in tanks due
to gaps in rainfall spells, accelerated groundwater recharge (11%) due to over-exploitation,
immobility of surplus water due to flat terrain, filling up quarries, evaporation and
transitional losses. The water spread areas of the tanks have been compared with the SOI
(Survey of India) toposheet (1973-74) and found to be less on an average indicating
shrinking of the tanks. To some extent these tanks were supplying water for irrigation.

3.2.5f. Groundwater Resources:

It was found that groundwater resources were being tapped to a great extent in the
TGR catchment for domestic or irrigation purposes. A survey of open/dry wells was
conducted by visiting each village within the catchment, inventorying the wells and
interviewing the people. Most of the open wells in the upper portions were found to have
become dry during summer. It was seen that the villages in the area have gone in for a large
number of bore wells, some of them through Government schemes. An inventory of 9373
bore wells within the catchment area indicated the indiscriminate drilling of borewells. In
some cases, borewells were found to be drilled down to a maximum depth of 450 ft. Most
of the borewells drilled upto 200 ft., 15 years before the study, were found to have dried
because of depletion of water table. In some cases it was seen that pumps were being
operated continuously where there is power supply.

Water table fluctuations indicate that in parts of TGR catchment ground water tapping was
much higher than the recharge. Water Balance Study was carried out to assess the annual
dynamic resource and ground water graft. Groundwater draft and dynamic resources
calculation revealed that in the TGR catchment area groundwater was over-exploited so the

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water table was continuously depleting. Composite Water Use Index (CWUI) was used to
estimate the annual requirement of groundwater based on human, livestock population and
crop water duty, i.e. volume of water required for crops and agricultural plantations. CWUI
showed that 272 villages had medium to high water consumption, particularly in the vicinity
of rivers and tanks.

Environmental aspects: The study has also reflected on the tremendous pressure on the
ecological and environmental aspects due to unsystematic growth, lack of appropriate
sanitation measures, water supply and solid waste disposal in the settlements. The study
mentioned presence of effluents/ sewage from Peenya to Dasanpura from industrial and
urban settlements, which contaminated ground water. The study also found that the ribbon
development along two National Highways from Peenya to Nelamangala was polluting the
Arkavathi river by their untreated effluents/ sewerage (Figure-3.2), which also lead to
contamination of groundwater source through the open fracture systems in the country rock.
Further, the micro-level pollution source analysis found that the large number of brick
manufacturing units (soil excavation in waterbodies) and poultry farms lead to land pollution
in TGR catchment area. Peenya and Makali village industrial effluents were directly
discharged into streams of Nagasandra and Madavara tanks near Makali village, which was
found to flow through Arkavathi course and reach TGR, whereas, Kumudvathi series was
not affected seriously.

Water quality was analysed for 52 samples including ground water and surface water
samples. Almost all the samples of surface water showed high concentration of all the
parameters compared to prescribed standards. Ground water in both the micro watersheds
also showed signs of contamination due to urban sewage and industrial effluents.

3.2.5g. Conclusions regarding cause of decreased water inflow to TGR:

The study concluded the following reasons for decreased water inflow to TGR:
 Since the slope of the catchment is less than 3%, the total incidental runoff tends to
spread over the land and influence recharge than forming run-off.
 The coarse-textured soils having infiltration rate ranging from 10-16% hinders the
generation of run-off.
 The geology/ geo-morphology as a whole is not ideally suited for generation of run-off
 Truncated nala and minor impediments in the form of gully plugs, barriers, check
dams, built-up areas hinders the flow of water.
 Since there are large number of tanks and depressions, the tanks tend to lose some
storage, when there is intermittent rainfall.
 Due to dynamic and continuous urbanization in the TGR catchment, in certain places
first and second order streams have been blocked due to construction of railway line,
roads and new layouts, thereby affecting free movement of surface run-off.
 The study also revealed that there is appreciable rise in reservoir if there is a good daily
rainfall of more than 40mm continuously for few days. Also there should be few
showers of short duration (more than 60 mm/day) during monsoon and post-monsoon
period in Nelamangala, Bangalore North and Magadi regions.

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3.3. Indian Resources and Information and Management Technologies Limited (IN-RIMT)
report on the framework of policies and plans for sustaining T.G. Halli reservoir, 2002:
Based on ISRO Report, the Principal Secretary, urban Development Department (29th
Aug‟2000) directed BMRDA to prepare an implementation plan with legal framework for
implementation. BMRDA entrusted the study on „Framework of policies and plans for
sustaining TGR‟ in 2002 to IN-RIMT to evolve proper action plans which can be implemented
under the framework of policies. Further, the report prepared by IN-RIMT was finalised after
discussion with Secretary, Department of Ecology and Environment and BWSSB. But the
study area had not considered the Hesaraghatta sub-catchment because the Hesaraghatta tank
downstream had low runoff potential to TGR and the 10 km radius around TGR upstream
and linear stretch of 2 km wide along Arkavathi and Kumudhavathi Rivers were taken as
Ecological Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for detailed study (Figure-3.3).

In the report by Indian Resources and Information and Management Technologies

Limited (IN-RIMT) the framework of policies and plans for sustaining T.G. Halli reservoir
have been analysed following an approach of Pressure–State- Response (PSR) developed by
UNEP. The approach defines a region in terms of Pressure (P) on the environment; Status (S)
of environment; and Response (R) of the society as well as the system with respect to the load
imposed. The analysis has indicated that TGR catchment has the potential to provide necessary
services to the human enterprise, if proper strategies are adopted for sustainable use of the
system. In order to assess the problem, the response of the society and enterprise has been
analysed.

3.3.1. Societal Response:

A. Encroachment of agricultural land, tank beds and stream courses: It was observed that
farmers have kept considerable extent of arable land as fallow in anticipation of getting
them converted to commercial usage. Drainage courses have been levelled and diverted at
many places for other purposes. The interview of farmers revealed that in the TGR
catchment area, the agriculture had lost its scope due to the inconsistent rainfall, non-
availability of timely labourers, increase in agricultural labour cost, financial constraints due
to smaller land holdings, irregular supply of power to IP sets, price fluctuation, non-
regulated market, migration of farmers to urban, increased land prices due to proximity to
Bangalore City, reduced water storage in tanks, low yields in bore-wells, etc. Farmers
reported that many cattle had died due to drinking of polluted water, which was let out by
industries during the monsoon season.

B. Shift towards bulk supplies and overexploitation: To meet the demand-supply gap, it
was observed that bore wells had become the order of the day. Many industrial units were
found to be buying water from individual farmers who were supplying water commercially.

C. Blind spots in planning and implementation: The study found lack of co-ordination
between the works of different Government agencies. The Gram Panchayats were
permitting developments of residential layouts without referring the matter to BMRDA or
Town Planning Authorities. The Industries department had permitted establishment of
industries even on the bank of Kumudvathi.

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D. Need of the hour and available options: The study emphasized on the importance of
integrating environmental considerations in the planning process, economic and sectoral
development, developing anticipatory and preventive strategies for developmental projects
and demonstrating sound ecological policies that benefit development. The study has
emphasized on strengthening Nelamangala Planning Authority (NPA) to increase its
effectiveness.

E. Policy for TGR catchment: The study adopted the policy of Governance as “Ensuring
sustainable development of the TGR catchment, conserving the natural resources of the
catchment and protecting the TGR from any kind of contamination and maintaining the
optimal inflow of water in the TGR”.

3.3.2. Suggested strategies:

a. Declaration of a part of the TGR catchment as Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

with help of already existing laws

An area of 455.30 Sq. km (10 km radius around the TGR and linear stretch of
approximately 2 km along the main course of Arkavathi river upto Hesaraghatta
and Kumudvathi) as ESZ of TGR catchment area (Figure-3.4).

Sub-zone-1: Only agriculture was suggested.

Sub-zone-2: Only agriculture and allied activities like animal husbandry, dairy
farming and poultry farm was proposed.

Sub-zone-3: Permitted activities suggested were residential layouts, a few selected

industries, subject to compulsory adoption of waste recycling, ground
water recharge measures and rain water harvesting as well as
compulsory clearance from KSPCB and BWSSB.

b. Strengthening the existing NPA in term of manpower, infrastructure and

preparation of outline development plan for the Local Planning Area of NPA were
proposed. Taking into consideration, the action plans required to be implemented
for sustainable development of TGR catchment.

c. Some of the action plans/ programmes suggested were:

o Action Plans for sustaining quantity of inflow

 Improvement of drainage courses with details of priority stretches for

removing clogging (Arkavathi from Makali village upto TGR and
Kumudvathi from Tonachinakuppe upto Avalakuppe as priority-I and
Kuluvanahalli, T. Begur and other tank cascades as priority-II)

 Prevention of further development and exploitation of ground water by

conservative use of available resources for public purposes was
proposed. Prevention of further development of ground water for non-

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agricultural purposes, rainwater harnessing and recycling of used water

by industrial units, strict regulation by KSPCB against ground water
based enterprises etc, were some of the other important suggestions.

 Revival and rejuvenation of 344 tanks by doing repairs, desilting,

connecting underutilized tanks directly, developing pisciculture, bigger
tanks to be developed as recreation centres, etc. were proposed.

o Action Plans for sustenance of quality of water flowing into TGR

 Prevention of non-agricultural activities in BDA‟s green belt area and
other areas falling outside the LPA (Local Planning Area) of NPA in the
TGR catchment- 15% of the villages of ESZ come under the jurisdiction
of BMRDA, 19% under BDA and rest under NPA. These three
agencies should coordinate to prepare an ODP (Outline Development
Plan).

 Restriction on the development of new layouts/ resorts- no new layouts

should be permitted in ESZ and existing ones, if needed, should be
shifted out.

 Curtailment of industrial activity in the TGR catchment- Development

of any industries other than poultry, dairy farms and animal husbandry
should be totally avoided.

 Industrial establishments located around Makali village and Peenya

industrial areas as well as the rural habitats were found to contribute to
pollution. A special notification by the State Government was suggested
for the protection of TGR catchment under Section 19(3) of Karnataka
Water Act, 1974.

 Enforcing consortia approach for waste management for setting up

Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) at suitable locations was
suggested.

 Establishment of rain gauges and run off gauges at suggested places,

water quality monitoring spots and analysis of results was also suggested.

3.3.2. Limitations of the study:

 The limitations of the report were that there was no clear relationship
established between the objective of conservation of the river with the width of
the buffer zones of ribbons of 1 km and 1-2 km on both sides of river
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi. Also the existing habitations were not taken into
consideration and there was no suggestion regarding the natural expansion of
the existing Gram Thana‟s or the inhabited areas. There was limited
consultation with the public.

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 The Land Use/ Land Cover Analysis were done with available imageries with
poor spatial resolution (1983), and hence it is important to take stock of the
present situation by updating the data.
 The recommendations regarding regulations on development have not been
prioritized, other than guidelines to protect water quality (Srinivasan et al.,
2015). Considering the severity of developmental pressure in a city like
Bangalore, without adequate institutional mechanism such restrictions are very
difficult to be implemented. Though the report has talked about strengthening
the NPA which is only one of the multiple Governmental stakeholders, it has
not laid out a plan or strategy for inter Departmental coordination required for
achieving the desired objectives in the study area.
 The diagnostic appraisal and analysis of the system carried out earlier by
ISRO/IN-RIMT was able to bring out the problems and was able to suggest
programs of action, but has not accurately assessed the strength of the consent
Authorities to implement these regulations/ programs.

3.4. Study commissioned by CNNL (Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited ) on „Obstructions

to flow of natural water in the course of Arkavathi river and its tributaries from its origin
up to the TG Halli Reservoir‟, 2010:
The study was commissioned by CNNL, to identify all encroachments and obstructions
in the river course as well as other aspects including land use pattern changes, ground
water situation, study of rainfall etc. Field inventory of obstructions/ encroachments etc.
was carried out. A total of 83 obstructions in Hesaraghatta sub-catchment, 115
obstructions in Kumudvathi sub-catchment and 277 in Arkavathi sub-catchment were
identified. The study also concluded that there was a major problem of ground water
over exploitation upto 142.1% in the entire TGR catchment area, which was found to be
more pronounced in the Arkavathi sub-catchment. The study recommended the
following actions for the rejuvenation of the rivers: (1) Regulation of groundwater
development (2) Restriction of further spread of exotic plantations (3) Restoration of
river course and tanks by removing the encroachments and obstructions (4) Setting up
an Authority for development of regulations in the TGR catchment.

3.5. Study by ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research on Environment and Ecology), 2013:
The study estimated the level of water availability for the Arkavathi sub-basin
community and revealed that most of the groundwater samples were polluted with
nitrates. Further the study also revealed that there was increasing electricity consumption
due to pumping from borewells, as the density of wells increases and the groundwater
level dropped. In the study, six distinct hypotheses have been tested for finding the
reasons for drying up of TGR and Hesaraghatta reservoir, which are (i) substantial
increase in commercial plantations have resulted in reduction in recharge and
consequent reduction in surface flow (ii) Upstream extraction of groundwater by
farmers, industries and households has increased greatly in the last two decades, so the
groundwater levels have declined hundreds of feet, and this may be decreasing runoff,
causing first order streams to dry up (iii) Channels and tank beds have been encroached

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upon or fallen into disrepair. As the integrity of the watershed is destroyed, water no
longer flows into tanks. Tanks no longer overflow into the Arkavathi River (iv) Illegal
sand mining of stream beds has decreased recharge into aquifers and consequently
affecting base flow (v) Temperature increases due to climate change or urban heat island
effects may be increasing evaporation and evapotranspiration (vi) Rainfall magnitudes
and/or intensities are changing, thereby reducing inflows. They have concluded that the
first three hypotheses are substantiated and effects on surface flow due to climate change
and decrease in rainfall are not substantiated.

3.6. Brief Description of other reports produced for TGR Catchment area:
 In 2004, IISc. (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) scientists have studied and listed
biodiversity hotspot area of the TG Halli Reservoir and reported 55 species of
flowering plants, two species of lichens, one earthworm specie, 26 species of butterflies,
crab, four species of amphibians, five species of lizards, 10 species of snakes, one
tortoise specie, 111 species of birds and eight species of visiting mammals (Annexure-
3.1).
 In 2009, PIL (Public Interest Litigation) was filed in the Hon‟ble High Court against the
State and the KSPCB for allowing hazardous waste treatment plant to be set up near the
TGR. The court ordered the KSPCB to set up the plant in some other area. BMR
(Bangalore Metropolitan Region) Audit report (2010) revealed that the inventory of
polluting sources maintained by KSPCB was based on the industries applying for
Consent for Establishment/Consent for Operation and others that came to light during
the limited inspections conducted by its Regional Offices. They found that the 46
industrial units (highly polluting-12, moderately polluting-6 and least polluting-28) were
operating in Zone-3 of the TGR catchment area, besides 46 godowns, 12 layouts and
three colleges were also there.
 The entire TGR catchment area was categorised as over-exploited in 2004 by the
Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) and there was no improvement till 2011
(CGWB, 2006 & 2014).
 Saibaba et al. (2008) found that there were 382 medium and large industrial units, and
six unauthorised waste dumps (Figure-3.5) in the TGR catchment area during the year
2007.
 Rajashekara and Venkatesha (2011) had documented the occurrence of aquatic birds to
enlisting 30, 31, 24 and 30 species in Hesaraghatta, Nelamangala, Somanahalli and
Thippagondanahalli lakes respectively. They also stated that the aquatic weeds are
absent in Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli lakes as they are well maintained
natural reservoirs for supplying of drinking water to Bangalore city.
 Chandrashekar et al. (2012) stated that the Manchanabele dam constructed across the
River Arkavathi has the catchment area of 1590km2, Out of which, 152km2 is an
independent catchment area. They conducted the water quality study in the dam and
catchment area and found that the reservoir water was polluted by the wastewater but
the water was suitable for irrigation purposes.

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 KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, 2014) had earmarked

Thippagondanahalli as a most backward category tourism spot with expectation of
medium tourist arrivals in its proposed policy for the year 2014-2019.
 Rajashekara and Venkatesha (2014) stated that the birds are good bio-indicators in the
agro-ecosystems and should be protected to conserve the agro-biodiversity and
environment. They conducted the study between 2008 and 2010 on insectivorous bird
in the villages of Hesaraghatta, Nelamangala, Somanahalli and Thippagandonahalli and
found that the number of bird species was highest in Hesaraghatta and
Thippagondanahalli. The percentage of population density of insectivorous birds was
highest in Hesaraghatta (14.23) with least (3.12) diversity and the highest diversity (3.44)
of birds were observed at Thippagondanahalli.
 Chandana et al. (2014) studied the drainage change analysis between the year of 1900
(Cadastral map) and 2009 (merged CARTOSAT-I and LISS-IV imagery) and found
that 180 drainages had vanished and 1598 drainages were encroached out of 2436 total
drainages (Figure-3.6). Major encroachments were found in the Nelamangala taluk
(5776.55m), whereas most of the drainages were encroached by fallow land, crop land,
plantation and built-up area (Annexure-3.2).

3.4.1. Study reports on Arkavathi River:

 Srinivasa (2009) had stated that all the waterbodies connected to the Arkavathi river
are polluted resulting in contamination of groundwater in all aquifers and suggested to
evaluate and apply the best management practises. He also suggested that the Total
Maximum Daily Load was very important for judicious use of water resources.
 Nandini et al. (2009) had found environmental degradation of the Arkavathi basin
including sewage pollution, illegal encroachment on wetlands, illegal quarrying and
sand mining (mud-lifting) on the basin floor, deforestation of catchment zones, the use
of heavy detergents in laundry works in the water bodies, brick making factories, etc.
 Venugopal and Ramasesha (2009) found that the Arkavathi river had lost its
assimilating capacity due to the reduction in the run off generated because of land use
change and urbanization.
 Shivashankar (2009) stressed that the integrated approach such as advanced
agriculture practices should be considered to rejuvenate Arkavathi.
 Shashirekha (2009) study had revealed that 92.7% of groundwater samples were
polluted in Arkavathi watershed. Her study also revealed that the Gogo exporters Pvt.
Ltd. and Himshu Ltd. industry in Doddaballapur taluk and also industries in Peenya
were contaminating the groundwater.
 Vishwanath (2009) had suggested that the river basins institutions should be
established for planning and managing the Arkavathi river basin.
 Subhajyothi Das (2011) had discussed that the recharge of groundwater table is the
only way for the revival of Arkavathi river.
 Farooqi (2011) found that the groundwater is being pumped more than that of
rechargeable quantity which was the major problem in Bangalore.

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 Srikantia (2011) stated that the rejuvenation of Arkavathi river is possible, if only local
leadership, the stakeholders and NGOs participate in the process.
 Hegde and Subhash Chandra (2012) found that the rivulets and streams of the
Arkavathi river flowing amidst mounds, hills and rock-cut valleys are mainly trained by
Northern East and Western South lineaments and they also suggested that the
groundwater table should be allowed to revive up to the unconfined aquifer horizon.
 Srinivasan et al. (2015) had conducted more than 60 Water Literacy Meetings with the
TGR catchment area farmers and found that the primary causes of Arkavathi River
flows drying in the TGR catchment was groundwater extraction and increased
obstructions along the stream course, which were anthropogenic in origin. They also
added that the climate change could play a critical role in further exacerbating water
stress in future.

3.4.2. Kumudvathi River:

As the Kumudvathi river was comparatively less polluted than the Arkavathi river,
only few studies have been published. Lingaraju et al. (2013) and Subhajyoti Das (2014)
have proposed artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting to augment and restore the
depleted groundwater aquifers in the Kumudvathi sub-catchment area and they also
found that the 2nd and 3rd order streams of Kumudvathi river are favourable for
construction of recharge wells as the weathered zone is nearly 15–20 m thick with dense
fractures.

3.5. Conclusion from the Previous Studies:

The previous studies conducted in the TGR catchment area from the year 1981 to
2015 had revealed that many issues exist in the TGR catchment area from the last two decades.
The following are concluded from the review of literature and reports published so far:

1. Water flow in the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers has drastically reduced, which
resulted in the reduction of inflow water rate to TGR. Following are the reasons
identified in the previous studies:
a. Slope of the TGR catchment area is less than 3%, so the total incidental rainfall
runoff tends to spread over the land/ waterbodies. Therefore the geo-
morphology of the TGR catchment area is not ideally suited for generation of
run-off.
b. Due to urbanization, 1st and 2nd order streams of Arkavathi river have been
blocked due to construction of railway line, roads and new layouts, which has
resulted in reduced inflow.
c. Truncated nala and minor impediments in the form of gully plugs, barriers,
check dams, built-up areas hinders the flow of water to reach the rivers.
d. 180 drainages had vanished and 1598 drainages were encroached out of 2436
total drainages in the TGR catchment area. Major encroachments were in the
Nelamangala taluk by fallow land, crop land, plantation and built-up area.
e. Over-exploitation of groundwater in the TGR catchment area, whereas the
groundwater was categorised as dark zone in 2004 and there was no
improvement till 2011.

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2. Deterioration of water in the Arkavathi river and TGR due to following reasons
a. Environmental degradation of the Arkavathi basin by sewage pollution,
encroachment on wetlands, quarrying and sand mining on the basin floor,
deforestation, brick making factories, etc.
b. Unauthorised waste dumps in TGR catchment area.
c. 92.7% of groundwater samples were polluted in Arkavathi watershed.

3. Some of the suggestions to conserve the TGR catchment area by the previous studies
are as follows:
a. Declare part of TGR catchment area as Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
b. Revival and rejuvenation of tanks.
c. Establishment of water quality monitoring spots, rain gauges and run-off gauges
in Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers.
d. Restriction of further spread of exotic plantations.
e. Artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting to augment and restore the
depletion of groundwater aquifers.
f. Enforcing consortia approach for waste management for setting up Common
Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP).
g. Restrict over-exploitation of groundwater.
h. Setting up an Authority/ River basins institutions for development of regulations
in the TGR catchment.

4. Sand mining, temperature increases due to climate change and rainfall magnitudes are
hypothesis, which are not substantiated with the drying of Arkavathi river.
5. KSPCB is monitoring only the industries who applied for Consent for Operation.
6. TGR is a most backward category tourism spot, even though it is a biodiversity rich
area.

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Figure-3.1: TGR catchment area Land Use/ Land Cover Map (1998)

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Figure-3.2. Pollution hazards zones of TGR catchment area (1998)

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Figure-3.3. Ecologically Sensitive Zone demarked by IN-RIMT, 2002

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Figure-3.4. IN-RIMT proposed sub-zone classification

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Legends
Green Category
Orange Category
Red Category
Unknown Industry
Dumping

Figure-3.5. Location of Industries in TGR catchment area, 2007

Legends
Waterbodies
Encroachment

Figure-3.6. Encroachment of drainage in TGR Catchment area (1900-2009)

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Chapter-4: Current situation in TGR Catchment Area

4.1. Introduction:
Catchments and watersheds are land areas that drain to a Hydro Network. The
determination of their boundaries is necessary for a hydrological system. Drainage boundaries
are used in water availability studies, water quality projects, flood forecasting programs, as well
as many other engineering and public policy applications. A catchment is defined as the land
area that contributes runoff to a given Hydro Edge. Any raindrop falling on an Edge catchment
has a unique path to a Hydro Edge and is routed down through the Hydro Network.
Reservoirs occupy a prominent place in the history of irrigation in South India and is useful life
saving mechanism in the water scarcity areas which are categorized as Arid and Semi-arid
zones. The rivers, reservoirs and lakes all over the country without exception, are in varying
degrees of environmental degradation. The degradation is due to encroachments,
eutrophication (due to the inflow of domestic and industrial effluents) and siltation. There has
been a quantum jump in population during the last century without corresponding expansion
of civic facilities resulting in deterioration of rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, especially in urban
and semi urban areas becoming sinks for the contaminants. The degradation of reservoir and
lake catchments due to deforestation, stone quarrying, sand mining, extensive agricultural use,
consequent erosion and increased silt flows, have vitiated the quality of water stored in
reservoirs and lakes. Infrastructure development, housing projects and inflow of untreated
waste water into the water bodies have resulted in deterioration of urban and rural lakes and
reservoirs (Chandrashekar et al., 2012). The TG Halli reservoir is no exception and suffers
from the problem of untreated waste water.

4.2. Methodology:
To verify and record the status of the TGR catchment and the preservation zones (as
per the Government Order dated 18.11.2003), extensive field verifications have been carried
out by EMPRI research team of Centre for Lake Conservation (CLC). Remote sensing study
by KSRSAC have been taken into account and the EMPRI researchers have documented the
existing condition of drainages; water bodies and landscape with reference to village maps
including the layouts and apartments, sanitation and solid waste management facilities etc.
Further, the unauthorized or illegal activities in the zones as per the Government Order dated
18.11.2003, such as quarries and industries were also documented with photographs and its
geographical coordinates with the help of GPS.

4.3. Status of Reservoirs:

4.3.1. Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR):
Foreshore of the TGR is well fenced, but the backshore of TGR has not been
adequately fenced which has resulted in free access and soil excavation, sand mining, and also
dumping of wastes etc. Influx of sewage water in TGR through the Arkavathi River has
degraded the quality of TGR water. Aquatic weed (Eichhornia sp.) has spread over some
parts of the TGR due to eutrophication as a result of sewage inflow. Seasonal encroachments
by the farmers for agriculture (Plate-4.4c) and brick kiln activities were also observed in TGR.
The water stored in TGR is presently not being treated by BWSSB and supplied but due to
the leaking sluice gate of TGR, the water flows down to Manchanabele dam. The farmers in

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the surrounding villages have grown Jowar, Finger millet and Lablab (Avarekalu) etc. by
drawing water from the TGR. The details of observations made in the 37kms shore length of
TGR during the month of Decemberʹ2014 along with GPS readings are annexed in the
Annexure-4.1.

4.3.1a. Biodiversity:
While tracking the entire reservoir the flora and fauna observed have been recorded and
given below:

i. Flora:
33 plant species belonging to 22 families have been identified, which include 13 tree
species, 08 shrub species and 12 herb species. Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth),
Ipomoea fistulosa and Lemna sp. are aquatic plants. Among these, water hyacinth is the
major aquatic weed covering parts of the surface water spread area followed by Lemna sp.
Further, Ipomoea fistulosa is wide spread weed in the feeder channels of the reservoir.
Apart from the natural vegetation, BWSSB with the help of Karnataka Forest Department
(KFD) had planted the Dodonaea viscosa, Pongamia pinnata, Tectona grandis, Grevillea
robusta, Eucalyptus sp. and Acacia sp. in the premises of the TGR. The flora observed in
TG Halli reservoir is presented in Table-4.1 and Plate-4.1.

ii. Fauna:
About 22 bird species, two odonate species (dragon fly and blue grass dartlet), beetles,
snails, reptiles (snakes and lizards) and fishes were observed. Egrets, Storks (Painted and
Wooly necked storks), Heron, Black Drongo are common, whereas Kingfisher, Eagles
and Brahminy kites are cited rarely in the TGR premises. But in 2011, Rajashekara and
Venkatesha had reported 30 species of aquatic birds in the TGR. The avifauna observed
in TG Halli reservoir is presented in Plate-4.2.

4.3.1b. Pollution and other related Issues:

i. Inflow of Sewage:
Reservoir is located in a place where North, East and West directions are elevated and
south portion is low lying area. Hence, reservoir receives major portion of water from
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi Rivers which are joining the reservoir from North East and
North West directions respectively. TGR receives polluted water with foam and debris
from various points. Mainly the inflow points are near the Gangenahalli, Nagasandra,
Jogerahalli villages of Arkavathi river belt. TGR water is muddy and slurry with algal
bloom. Oil spills and dead fishes were observed during ground verification in
Decemberʹ2014. The observations of inflow of polluted water are presented in Plate-4.3.
ii. Rapid Soil Excavation:
TGR is fenced only on the Magadi to Bengaluru highway side. Since the rest of
reservoir area is not fenced, free access by people, grazing animals and encroachments for
seasonal agriculture are very common within the TGR (Plate-4.4 a-c). Soil excavation and
sand mining are the major activities documented in some locations of the reservoir.
Adjacent to the present water spread area, mud roads and tracks have been observed that

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have disturbed the natural channel of water flow into the reservoir. The observations of
soil excavation and sand mining in TGR accessed through different villages are presented
in Plate-4.4 (d-j).
iii. Other Issues:
One brick kiln (Plate-4.5a) is operating next to the reservoir which is contributing to
pollution due to burnt wastes and fly ashes (Plate-4.5 b and c) being dumped immediately
adjacent to the reservoir area. Domestic solid wastes such as plastic covers, plastic bottles,
glass wastes, waste cloths, detergents covers are observed in the vicinity of the reservoir.
The observations are presented in Plate-4.5 (d-g).
4.3.2. Hesaraghatta Reservoir:
The observations documented in the Hesaraghatta reservoir during Decemberʹ2014 are
annexed in the Annexure-4.2. As the water in the Hesaraghatta reservoir is not being utilised
for the domestic or irrigation or industrial activities, the local community have utilised for
fishing activities. The reservoir is also playing a critical role in recharging the groundwater and
the local people are using ground water for their requirements and they are also supplying
ground water to nearby villages.

4.3.2a. Biodiversity:
In flora, observations include tree species, herbs, shrubs and aquatic weeds. Two types
of aquatic weeds have been documented, namely, Ipomoea fistulosa (Plate-4.6a) and
Alternanthera sessilis (Plate-4.6b), mostly in the Northern East and Northern West of
reservoir. The terrestrial plant growth is dominated by Grasses and Prosopis juliflora. Other
plant species observed are Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara (Plate-4.6c),
Calotropis gigantea (Plate-4.6d), Prosopis juliflora (Plate-4.6e), Eupatorium odoratum (Plate-
4.6f), Mimosa pudica, Tribulus terrestris, Tecoma stans, Agave americana, Croton
sparsiflorus, Peltaphorum inerme, Cassia sp., Artocarpus heterophylla, Eugenia jambolana,
Tamarindus indica, Punica granatum, Azadirachta indica, Lemna sp., Crotalaria juncea,
Achyranthes aspera, Argemone mexicana. Interestingly there was no Eichhornia crassipes.
This may be indicative of the fact that Eichhornia crassipes gets introduced further
downstream of the Arkavathi river stretch due to sewage inflow.

Fauna such as Egrets (Plate-4.6g), Black Drongo (Plate-4.6h), Ducks and Herons (Plate-
4.6 i-l) are observed all along the reservoir. Butterflies, snakes (Plate-4.6m), insects (Plate-
4.6n), odonates, spiders, fishes (Plate-4.6o) and grazing animals are also observed in the
reservoir.

4.3.2b. Pollution and other related Issues:

As the entire area is not fenced, unauthorized access was observed. Hesarghatta
reservoir has become a popular tourist spot for photography and for picnic. Since there is
no management of tourism activities, solid wastes were found to be dispersed in different
locations of the reservoir (Plate-4.7 a-c). Aquatic plant debris, poultry wastes, plastic and
organic wastes were observed in the Southern part; glass, plastic bottles, waste cloths, cover
and paper wastes in the South East; and debris, waste cloths and plastic wastes in Southern
West side of the reservoir during the ground verification. Construction of Durggalamma

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temple is in progress on reservoir main bund and the construction debris is dumped on the
bund itself (Plate-4.7 d-f). Apart from this, religious offering activities such as dumping of
organic wastes and animal sacrifice are also leading to pollution (Plate-4.7g).

Extensive soil excavations (Plate-4.8) are happening in the South West region in
particular. As per the information provided by the local people, soil excavation is regular
and daily a lot of soil load is being transported. The Southern part of the Hesarghatta
reservoir water has algal growth, but there is no inflow of sewage into the reservoir.

4.4. Existing Status of Zone-2 covering an area of 2 km Around the Reservoir:

A zone of 2 kms from the TGR boundary is notified as the zone-2, as per the
Government Order dated 18.11.2003. The zone-2 covers 33 villages located in the districts of
Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban and Ramanagara districts and list of the villages falling in
Zone-2 is given in Table-4.2.

Soil excavation in the Gangenahalli village near Arkavathi river bank and sand mining
in Goravanahalli village was observed (Plate-4.9 a and b). Stone quarrying was seen in
Bidanpalya village (Plate-4.9c). Such activities result in increase in the TDS (Total Dissolved
Solids) and siltation in the nearby water bodies. Open dumping of agriculture waste and open
defecation in the TGR surrounding villages has resulted in addition of nutrients and also the
microbial load in the water during rainfall. Further, sanitary soak pit and improper solid waste
management in the Zone-2 villages have also added nutrients and contaminants to the surface
water. Brick kiln in ten villages, layouts in six villages, livestock farms for poultry and goat in
nine villages and warehouses for LPG were observed in the Zone-2. The details of the locations
and observations are presented in Annexure-4.3.

Aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna sp. were observed in many parts of the
Arkavathi River in Zone-2. The possible entry of these weeds to Arkavathi River is from
Madanayakanahalli or Siddanahosahalli (Zone-3) village waterbodies through which Arkavathi
river passes. The agricultural crops and plantations (Plate-4.9 d-g) observed include the
following:
1. Eucalyptus sp., Pongamia pinnata and Acacia sp. are cultivated along the river.
2. Teak, Coconut and Arecanut plantations were observed next to river side in
Gangenahalli village.
3. Banana plantations were observed in Goravanahalli village.
4. Agriculture activity by growing Jowar and finger millet was observed in Ganakallu
and Hosur villages.
5. Growing of Jowar and finger millet, banana and coconut plantation was observed in
Cholanayakanahalli and Motaganahalli villages.

Next to Varthur village, the inflow of sewage from Gangenahalli village was observed.
The sewage flows through Nagasandra, Jogerahalli villages (Plate-4.10 a and b) and finally
reaches the TGR. In Gangenahalli village, sewage water flowing in the Arkavathi River with
foam and aquatic weed Eichhornia with the plant debris was observed. Further in Nagasandra
and Jogerahalli villages, river bed was found to be encroached for growing horticultural crops,
as per the discussion with the local people. In these villages agricultural wastes, plant debris,

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burned wastes and aquatic weeds were also found to be dumped in the bank of Arkavathi River
(Plate-4.10 c and d).

Formation of two layouts in the Zone-2 TGR

catchment area was found to be completed and layout
nearby Arkavathi River and layout in zone-2 was tracked
using GPS. (a) Layout near Metipalya village near Arkavathi
River (Figure-4.1) and (b) Layout in Ganakallu village,
which is constructed for RBI Employees Association, as
per the display board. This can be further confirmed from
Figure-4.1. A layout formation
the Revenue department. The observations are presented near Gagenahalli village
in Plate-4.11.

4.5. Status of the River Arkavathi and Preservation Zones-3 and 4 around Arkavathi:
4.5.1. Arkavathi Sub-Catchment:
The Arkavathi River is located in the Karnataka State in southern India. The riverʹs
catchment overlaps with the western portion of the rapidly growing metropolis of Bengaluru.
The region receives approximately 830mm of precipitation annually. The main stem of the
Arkavathi River has its origin in the Nandi Hills, north of Bengaluru at Chikkaballapura
district. The river Arkavathi flows in the south-westerly direction. The Arkavathi sub
catchment has a total area of 376.59 km2, which includes 137 tanks, Hesaraghatta being the
major tank and some of the other tanks are Huskuru kere, Honnasandra kere,
Bommashettihalli kere etc. From these series of lakes, water is fed into the river Arkavathi.
Presently the river Arkavathi is non perennial and the water flows only when there is
continuous rainfall in the region. There is a national highway i.e. NH-4, that passes through
the Arkavathi sub catchment.
4.5.2. Hesaraghatta Sub-Catchment:
The first protected water supply to Bengaluru came from the Hesaraghatta Tank
which was built across the River Arkavathi and was called the Chamrajendra Water works. In
the year 1925, Hesaraghatta tank started drying up and urgent remedial measures were taken.
Hence the reservoir was commissioned on river Arkavathi by building a dam (Chamraja
Sagar) at TG Halli, downstream of Hesaraghatta tank. The Hesaraghatta sub catchment
covering an area of 606.57 km2 has 197 tanks of varying sizes. Kakolakere, Madhurekere,
Doddatumkuru kere, Dodda Hejjije kere, Aradheshanahalli kere etc., are some of the tanks
in the catchment. The Hesaraghatta tank has a storage capacity of 19.68 MCM of water. NH
207 is one of the highways that passes through the catchment. Till about few decades back
this tank was used as the drinking water source to Bengaluru city. But from past twenty five
years the water from Hesaraghatta tank is not flowing down the River Arkavathi because the
water in the tank was not sufficient and it is used for local needs. Hence the sluice gates and
the syphon were closed by the BWSSB.

The study carried out by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in association
with Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies Pvt. Ltd., (IN-RIMIT)
revealed that unplanned development in the catchment area is one of the main reasons for

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the deteriorating quality and reduced inflow into the reservoir. Increasing urbanization and
industrialization in the catchment area has altered the drainage pattern in the catchment areas
and also has led to overexploitation of groundwater. This in turn has affected the inflow into
the Tippagondanahalli Reservoir. The report also said that there are a number of industries
in the catchment area, whose effluents also flow into Tippagondanahalli Reservoir affecting
the quality of water. Underground leachate from untreated effluent and sewage was also found
to be affecting the quality of ground water in this area.

4.5.3. Field Observations in the Zones-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river stretch:

The field visits were carried out in zone-3 and 4 i.e. in and around the Arkavathi river
stretch. Till 2012 the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board relied on the Arkavathi-
fed Tippagondanahalli reservoir to supply water to West Bengaluru. By November 2012, the
water-level had plummeted to 6 ft. in the reservoir. While the water in the river has risen
again, the water is not usable as it is contaminated with sewage and effluents from the
surrounding layouts and industries. Field visits were undertaken, covering all the villages in
zone-3 and 4 to gather information on the issues concerning these zones within two km buffer
area. Also photos and GPS points were taken onsite. Field observations for fifty three (53)
villages were completed in the Arkavathi stretch, i.e. from Hesaraghatta tank till TG Halli
reservoir. The field visits were conducted in the following villages: Hesaraghatta, Billijaji,
Thorenagasandra, Hurullichikkannahalli, Ivarakandapura, Kallenahalli, Kudige
Thirumalapura, Tharabanahalli, Thamarasanahalli, Hosallipalya, Guddaddahalli,
Dasenahalli, Kallupalya/Muniyanapalya, Heggadadevanapura, Madhanayakanahalli,
Siddhanahosahalli, Gowdahalli, Kittanahalli, Sasiveghatta, Dombarahalli, Adaikamaranahalli,
Kadaranahalli, Laxmipura, Vaddarahalli, Madavara, Bettahalli, Ravuhathanahalli, Averahalli,
Shivanapura, Soldevanahalli, Tammenahalli, Dasanpura, Guddadahalli, Byyandahalli,
Narayanappanapalya, Giddannahalli, Honnagannahalli, Kurabarahalli, Sigehalli, Varturu,
Mallasandra, Sundekuppa, Balchkuppa, D. Narayanpura, Channamaranpalya, Channehalli,
Gattisiddanahalli, Kadabagere, Marenahalli, Honnaganahalli and Kittanahalli.

It was observed that the long course of the river, however, has shrunk over the years. The
reduced surface flow of the 33-km stretch of the Arkavathi can be attributed to few major
factors, including rampant encroachment, industrial pollution, sand mining, quarrying,
unauthorized development etc.

4.5.4 Major environmental issues in the catchment of River Arkavathi:

4.5.4.1. Hesaraghatta Village:
The large Hesaraghatta tank in the village is a source of water to the village and
surrounding villages of the district. The Hesaraghatta village being populous has witnessed
expansion of habitats around small drains and streams of the river. This has led to
encroachment of stream bed that has been subjected to dumping of solid and liquid wastes
in the streams (Plate-4.12 a-d). The entire stream stretch in Hesaraghatta village has
witnessed intense growth of weeds and grass as the stream has no flow of water. Continuous
inflow of sewage into the river might have led to groundwater contamination.

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The ground water resources are being tapped to a great extent either for domestic or
irrigation purposes, illegal bore wells are distributed throughout the upper catchment i.e.
Hesaraghatta catchment, which gives adequate quantity of water only during rainy season.
As the dry season advances, and as the water table lowers, most of them become dry during
the summer seasons. Therefore villagers have gone in for large number of bore wells. This
has led to indiscriminate extraction of ground water in the Arkavathi and Hesaraghatta
catchment.

Hesaraghatta tank has two outlet streams, one outlet flows from the sluice gate and the
other outlet is a main river from the syphon (which is used to discharge flood water when
the reservoir is full) side of the tank. These outlet streams from the tank, flows further down
the village and converge near Travellers Bungalow (TB) Cross of the Hesaraghatta village
and flows further down as river Arkavathi. The Arkavathi River flows from Hesaraghatta
tank till about 5.6 km downstream where the remnant of the brick aqueduct (bridge) to
convey water by gravity from tank is situated in Tarabanahalli Village. This entire stretch is
totally dry as there is no overflow of water from tank in the past 30 years. As per the
discussion with the local villagers during field observation, the sluice gates were closed by the
Government on request from these villagers, hence there is no flow of water in this river
stretch (Plate-4.12 e-g).

But there are a few blotches of stagnant sewage water in the river course. Adjacent to
the stream that is flowing from the sluice gate of Hesaraghatta tank, there's a huge
Hesaraghatta settlement, through which a small sewage inlet is let into the stream and a
bathroom is constructed at the edge of the same stream (Plate-4.12 h and i). The inflow of
sewage into the stream is not so evident since the stream bed is covered with grass and
weeds. It is further subjected to dumping of solid and poultry waste, construction debris,
black sludge, hence resulting in stream blockage. As the same stream runs down through the
main road, waste water inlet is let into the stream from the nearby shops and solid waste was
also found to be dumped (Plate-4.12 a-d).

A Green Park Residency Welfare Dhaba (Plate-4.12j), Wood Works, Durgamba and
Christ Motors (Plate-4.12k) are located right next to the Arkavathi River which is flowing
from the syphon side of Hesaraghatta tank. A drain containing dhaba waste (Plate-4.12l) is
let into this river and also there is intense growth of weeds and grass. There is a
Hesaraghatta Residency Resort (Plate-4.12m) situated adjacent to the river and it might be
encroaching into the river bed, which should be further verified by Revenue Authorities. A
small inlet containing waste water from the resort is let into the dry river and also dumping
of solid waste from the resort was observed.

The Hesaraghatta Village is home to newly developed layouts around the village. It was
specifically noticed that the newer layouts coming up in this village, which are in
development stage, have created impediments for the flow of water. Annapoorneshwari
layout (Plate-4.12n) is situated right next to the river Arkavathi, where the storm water drain
is constructed till the edge of the river. The layout is still in the developing stage.

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Prakruthi layout (Plate-4.12o) is coming up right next to the river Arkavathi, where the
river is completely dry (Plate-4.12p), with weed growth. Opposite to the layout the river bed
is also subjected to encroachment for raising the banana plantation (Plate-4.12q).

Kempegowda layout (Plate-4.12 r-t) is situated right next to the river, encroaching the
river bed, storm water drains from this layout is let into the river, and few houses have
already come up in the layout while few are still under construction. There’s a hollow block
factory in the village, as well as poultry and quarry waste has been dumped near the nala
(Plate-4.12 u-w). In due course of time during monsoon season, when there is flow in the
river and when these layouts are fully developed, more runoff could be generated from
these urban locales, which could contaminate the river with sewage and effluents.

4.5.4.2. Dasenahalli Village:

The village came into prominence after the establishment of the CPDO (Central
Poultry Development Organization) near Hesaraghatta, in collaboration with the Danish
and Irish Governments. CPDO specializes in breeding and raising varieties of cattle and
poultry animals.

The village Dasenahalli next to Hesaraghatta village comes under zone-4. The village
houses Government institutes like CPDO (Central Poultry Development Organization) and
duck unit (Plate-4.13 a-e) that might have encroached part of the Hesaraghatta tank bed
(which needs to be verified by concerned revenue authorities) and also massive soil
excavation on the Hesaraghatta tank bed was observed. Few layouts in the village are under
still under development (Plate-4.13f)

4.5.4.3. Ivarakandapura Village:

The village Ivarakandapura is known for Indian Institute of Horticultural Research,
which is spread over 263 hectares. The village has a huge waterbody known as
Ivarakandapura Lake. The lake is completely dry and is fenced with barbed wire (Plate-4.14
a and b). As per the information given by local villagers, the reason for fencing the lake
could be that the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (Plate-4.14c), have reserved the
water body for cultivation of vegetable and fruit crops. This may further be verified by Lake
Development Authority and Revenue Authorities. Few nurseries and plantations have been
cultivated around the waterbody and few nurseries have encroached the lake edge (Plate-
4.14 d and e). Solid waste has been dumped (Plate-4.14f) in the outlet stream from
Ivarakandapura Lake and also few developments have come up next to the outlet stream.
The other issue concerning the village is that a number of layouts (Plate4.14g) are coming
up and also few poultry farms (Plate4.14h) which are causing nuisance, by dumping poultry
waste (Plate4.14i) in the vicinity of the village and also in the water body and massive soil
excavation (Plate4.14j). The Revenue Authorities and the concerned Planning Authorities
should verify the permissibility of such developments.

4.5.4.4. Kittanahalli and Giddenahalli Villages:

Both the villages are subjected to extensive quarrying. Though the government has
banned quarrying in Arkavathi catchment, it was observed during field verification. Presently
quarrying (Plate-4.15 a-d) is in progress just 500m away from the River Arkavathi. The

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Department of Mines and Geology may further look into the matter and take necessary
action. Quarrying can generate a number of environmental effects through blasting,
excavation, crushing, and transport of aggregates. Illegal quarry disturbs the ecology and
drainage pattern in the river. It also reduces water inflow to the TG Halli Reservoir and has
reduced the groundwater table. The water also gets polluted due to quarrying activities. The
villages and residential colonies in the area are feeling the effects of uncurbed quarrying
activity. Further quarry waste has been dumped in the river stretches (Plate-4.15 e and f) as
well as near the culverts and bridges.

There are two granite factories (Plate-4.15 g-i). One of the granite factories is adjacent to
the river, just about 50m away and the other is around 200m away from the river, where
cutting and cleaning of granites are done. The granite waste is let into the water causing
water pollution and also the dust particles from cutting the granite, causes air pollution. The
river flowing in force under the bridge, is foamy in nature, carrying the polluted water. The
river bed is fenced i.e. encroached for plantation (Plate-4.15 j-l).

4.5.4.5. Varthuru Village:

Construction of Gayathri residency/D K Residency layouts etc. (Plate-4.16 a-d) are
coming up right next to the river Arkavathi within a distance of 100m in Varthuru village.
There was a small waterbody present in this area till 2012, but by 2014 this waterbody has
been encroached for layout development. There is further clearing of land going on for
layout development (Plate-4.16e) near the river course. Other issues in this village are brick
factory and poultry farms (Plate-4.16f), where brick waste and poultry waste are discarded
into the river, causing contamination in the river. The Revenue Authorities and Town
Planning Department should further look into these developments and take suitable action.
The river bed has been fenced, i.e. encroached for plantation and also soil excavation by
local people has been observed (Plate-4.16 g and h). Growth of water hyacinth has been
observed in the river, which indicates that river water is polluted (Plate-4.16 i and j) and
quarry waste has been dumbed near the lake (Plate-4.16k).

4.5.4.6. Kadabagere Village:

This village is known for the issues concerning the river from few industries like
Cement industry, Power Plus Pvt. Ltd., Nutri Food Farm Pvt. Ltd. (Plate-4.17 a-c) and also
few godowns, brick factories (Plate-4.17d) and poultries. The KSPCB may further inspect
with regards to the pollution levels due to the industrial units and take suitable action.
Layout development, granite factories, sand mining are some of the issues observed in this
village (Plate-4.17 e-h).

4.5.4.7. Tarabanahalli Village:

In Tarabanahalli, houses built adjacent (Plate-4.18a) to the stream are letting the grey
water into the storm water drains which in turn are entering the stream. Some houses have
directly connected the pipes into the stream. Srigiri Convention Hall (Plate-4.18b) has been
built close to the river (within 100m). New Anjanadri layout has come up close to the
stream. The river Arakavathy is completely dry with weed growth and also polluted with

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solid waste, construction debris, poultry waste, cloth waste etc (Plate-4.18 c-f). Brick factory
and layout development in the village (Plate-4.18 g and h) are also some of the other issues.

4.5.4.8 .Thorenagsandra Village:

There are several layout developments coming up in this village. Few of the layouts
are still in early developmental stage where as few others have come up. Two to three layout
developments have taken place very close to the river Arkavathi.

4.5.4.9. Alur Village:

Alur village is falling partly within the zone-3 and zone-4 and also zone-1. During
ground verification disposal of solid waste into the river was observed (Plate-4.19a). The
sewage water from the broken man hole adjacent to the river was found to be entering the
river (Plate-4.19b). Further down the river Nilgiri plants were observed in middle of the river
bed (Plate-4.19c). The width of the river has narrowed due to the agricultural encroachment
of the river bank from either side. This may further be verified by Revenue Authorities.
Layout has been developed adjacent to the river (Plate-4.19d). Lakes in Alur, forming a part
of the river course are subjected to severe abuse evident from layouts developed adjacent to
the lakes (Plate-4.19 e and f). Further, solid waste dumping near Pan Parag India Ltd. into
drain close to the stream was observed (Plate-4.19g). A sand filtering unit (Plate-4.19h) with
a drain connected to the stream and layout (Plate-4.19i) are present adjacent to the stream.

4.5.4.10. Heggadadevanapura Village:

Heggadadevanapura village has totally three lakes. Of the two lakes one lake has
been completely converted to layout (Plate-4.20 a and b). Few houses are present in the
layout. The other lake has been encroached by the godown – Future Consumer Enterprises
Ltd. (Plate-4.20 c and d). This may be further verified by revenue authorities. The storm
water drain carrying the grey water from the settlement is entering the river (Plate-4.20e).
Puddle of stagnant polluted water was found in the river (Plate-4.20f). Growth of duck
weeds, ipomoea and others are seen. Close to the river, borewell and houses are present.
Many godowns (Plate-4.20g) and layouts (Plate-4.20h) within 1 km from the river are
present in the village.

4.5.4.11. Makali Village:

NH-4 High way is passing right through this village. The village has grown
tremendously along the river Arkavathi. Golden Seams Textile Pvt. Ltd. is situated around
520 mts away from the river (Plate-4.21a). Himalaya Drug Company is situated around 300
mts away from the river (Plate-4.21b). A temple named Sri Anjanaiah temple having the
impression of foot of Lord Hanuman on the rock is present inside the river giving the place
a status of holiness (Plate-4.21c). During ground verification storm water drain carrying the
grey/ wastewater from the settlement was found to be joining the river (Plate-4.21d). On the
river bed human defecation was found. A single lake present in the village is found to be
encroached by the godown. The godown is under Writ Petition (WP No 38737/2013,
Survey No. 13) owned by Mr. Srilakshmikantha (Plate-4.21 e and f). The godown is rented
to Himalaya Drug Company for storage of finished goods. This may be further verified by
concerned authorities. The village has large number of godowns, commercial buildings,

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hotels; shops etc., that have come up close to the river all within 1km from the river. Few
godowns are found to be built on the river bank and have constructed drains leading into
the river for carrying grey water, floor washing etc. (Plate-4.21g). These godowns are rented
to Sabic Innovatic Plastics, Zydus–Candial Health care Ltd. (Plate-4.21h) and for MRF tyres
(Plate-4.21i). One godown is empty and is under Writ Petition (WP No. 38793/2013,
Sy.No.14) owned by Mr. C.S. Puttegowda (Plate-4.26j). Further many godowns are present
within 1km from the river.

4.5.4.12. Madhanayakanahalli Village:

The village has developed tremendously on either side of the NH 4 highway in form
of commercial buildings and gowdowns. Godowns coming under Writ Petition (WP No.
39940/2013, Sy.No. 50) owned by Mr. H Ravi, apparently appeared to be encroaching the
river bank (Plate-4.22a). This may be further verified by concerned authorities. The
godowns are rented to Bata India Ltd., Inland World Logistic, Shri Sai Enterprises, etc.
These godowns have constructed drains leading into the river to carry the grey or waste
water from their godowns (Plate-4.22b). Wastewater in the storm water drains located
adjusent to the godowns (Sri Venkata Raghavendra Enterprises, Reliance Fresh and RCPL
Logistics (P) Ltd.) are entering the river (Plate-4.22 c and d). Further the godowns situated in
this village are used by Jaipur Golden Transport Ltd., Lloyd Electric and Engineering Ltd.,
RCPL, Usha, Parle, etc. LT Karle & Co Garment stitching Unit–II is found to be present
around 700 mts from the river (Plate-4.22e).

The stream flowing through the village was found to be carrying the greywater which
was entering the river. The wastewater is forming the puddle of polluted water with the
growth of duck weeds, Ipomea and others (Plate-4.22f). In the village the boulders found
adjacent to the river near NH4 was broken and the low lying land has been filled with
broken rocks and solid waste dump (Plate-4.22g).

Huge dumping of solid waste including construction debris, bio medical waste, and
organic waste, agricultural waste (from agricultural based activities) and burning of waste was
observed all along the stretch of the river bank (Plate-4.22 [h-j]).

4.5.4.13. Adaikamaranahalli Village:

The village consists of large number of godowns. The stream flowing through the
village is subjected to solid waste dump and a number of godowns including the Himalayan
drug Company and its godown and other godowns are constructed adjacent to it. Further
small shops have also been established adjacent to the stream. The godowns are rented to
Fed Ex, Smart Retail Pvt. Ltd., Camlin, Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd., Spot on, etc.
Further small shops selling steel, automobile garage are present close to the stream. Few
godowns are present within 1km from the river while others are beyond one km from the
river.

4.5.4.14. Harokyathanahalli Village:

The stream, flowing via Dhombarahalli joins the river in Harokyathanahalli. A small
(fabric dying) shed is found adjacent to the stream and is letting the washed water into the
stream (Plate-4.23 a-c). Till Harokyathanahalli only puddle of water is found but from the

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confluence point the sewage water is found to be continuously flowing in river downstream
(Plate-4.23d). Huge construction debris and burning of solid waste were found adjacent to
the stream. Soil mining in the river bed was found during the field visit (Plate-4.23f). In the
village the storm water drain carrying the grey/ wastewater from the settlement was entering
into the lake (Plate-4.23g). A lake was found to be encroached by the houses and temple
(Plate-4.23 h and i). This may further be verified by Revenue Authorities. The godowns
present are Idea cellular Ltd warehouse, Castrol India Pvt. Ltd., Kvehne Nagel, ware house
of Godrej & Boyco, Supreme Transport Solutions (P) Ltd., etc.

4.5.4.15. Gowdahalli and Kammasandra Villages:

Layout developments are adjacent to the river in Gowdahalli (Plate-4.24 a and b) and
Kammasandra villages. The agricultural fields adjacent to the river was found to be growing
banana, coconut, maize, chilly etc. These agricultural fields were found to draw the sewage
water flowing in the river for cultivation purposes (Plate-4.24c). Eventually similar activity
was observed in Kammasandra also. Further in Kammasandra a small lake was completely
filled with granite sludge (Plate-4.24d). Layout development (Plate-4.24e), Brick kiln and
poultry were found in the village of Kammasandra.

4.5.4.16. Ravuthanahalli Village:

Apart from the layouts an unusual activity of dumping of granite sludge waste close to
the river was noticed. A lorry carrying the slurry was found to be emptying the sludge which
eventually flowed into the river (Plate-4.25 a and b). A poultry is present adjacent to the river
and stream (Plate-4.25c).

4.5.4.17. Dhombarahalli Village:

The only lake in the village has been converted to a layout (Plate-4.26 a and b). This
may be further verified by concerned authorities. Few houses are present in the layout
adjacent to the river. Few godowns are present in the village. The godowns – Nilkamal Ltd.,
Volvoline Cummins Ltd., etc. are near to the stream. Highly polluted stream from
Madavara village (Plate-4.27g) further flows through the Dhombarahalli village (Plate-4.26c).
Storm water drain carrying waste water is joining this stream. The stream further joins the
river at Harokyathanahalli. Large layout with few houses was found adjacent to the stream
(Plate-4.26d). A poultry farm is also present near the stream (Plate-4.26e).

4.5.4.18. Byyandahalli and Bettahalli Villages:

A stream flowing from the lake in the Machohalli via Vaddarahalli is flowing adjacent to
the villages Byyandahalli and Bettahalli. Algal bloom was found in the stream indicating
nutrient enrichment. The stream confluences with the river Arkavathi (Lat. 13°00ʹ36.7ʹʹN
and Long. 77° 25ʹ55.4ʹʹE), down this confluence point fishing was observed (Plate-4.27a).
Further adjacent to the river in the Bettahalli sand filtering was being carried out (Plate-
4.27b). In Bettahalli poultry was found, while brick kilns were found in Byyandahalli.

4.5.4.19. Siddhanahosahalli Village:

Glory Boys Apparel Pvt. Ltd. garment stitching unit is present (around 700 mts from
the river) (Plate-4.27d). Few other godowns are also present. Huge dumping of solid waste
adjacent to the river was found.

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4.5.4.20. Avverahalli Village:

The village falls in zone-4. The lake in the village is completely surrounded by the
development of the layouts all around which would cause hindrance to the normal
functioning of the lake and to the ecosystem (Plate-4.27h).

Some of the other issues concerning the Arkavathi river course from the villages
Hessarghatta (Plate-4.12), Dasenahalli (Plate-4.13), Ivarakandapura (Plate-4.14), Kittanahalli,
Giddannahalli (Plate-4.15), Varthuru (Plate-4.16), Kadabagere (Plate-4.17), Tharabanahalli
(Plate-4.18), Billijaji, Thorenagasandra, Thirumalapura (Plate-4.28), Hurullichikkannahalli
(Plate-4.29), Kudige Thamarasanahalli, Guddaddahalli, Honnagannahatti (Plate-4.30),
Kallenahalli (Plate-4.31a), Kurabarahalli (Plate-4.31 b-d), Mallasandra (Plate-4.31 e and f),
Sigenahalli (Plate-4.31g), Hosahallipalya (Plate-4.31h), Sondekuppa (Plate-4.31i),
Balchkuppa, De Narayanpura, Channamaranpalya, Channehalli, Gattisiddanahalli, Alur
(Plate-4.19) Kallupalya/ Muniyanapalya, Heggadadevanapura (Plate-4.20), Makali (Plate-
4.21), Madhanayakanahalli (Plate-4.22), Harokyathanahalli (Plate-4.23), Gowdahalli,
Kammasandra (Plate-4.24), Sasiveghatta, Ravuhathanahalli (Plate-4.25), Adaikamaranahalli,
Dhombarahalli (Plate-4.26), Kadaranahalli, Laxmipura, Vaddarahalli, Madavara,
Siddhanahosahalli, Byyandahalli, Bettahalli, Averahalli (Plate-4.27), Shivanapura,
Soldevanahalli, Tammenahalli, Dasanpura, Guddadahalli, Byyandahalli,
Narayanappanapalya and Nagarur are given below:

i. Dumping of solid, poultry, agricultural and biomedical waste, construction debris, etc.
which has led to chocking the passage of river water flow in the culverts and bridges,
and also disrupting the water flow in the river. There are few brick units and poultry
farms in and around the River Arkavathi.

ii. The Arkavathi bank is a veritable goldmine for real estate developers, are now dotted
with layouts, houses and commercial structures as rapid development is taking place
along the river stretch, which has damaged the rivers. Many layouts, many of them
unauthorized, have come up in the Arkavathi upper catchment area, some of them
have also encroached into the river beds, obstructing the river. Few layouts have come
up right next to the river, encroaching the river beds, i.e. the storm water drains are
built till the edge of the river, few houses have been already constructed in these layouts
and few layouts are still under development. During monsoon, when there is flow in the
river, sewage and other effluents from these developing layouts flow into the river,
further polluting the water quality and also percolating slowly into water flowing below
the ground, hence in turn polluting the groundwater as well.

iii. It is noted that intense tapping of ground water near the surface river courses are
causing local depletion of water level, reducing surface water storage and hence the flow
of the river water course is steeply declining. Stagnation of polluted water has led to
contamination of ground water. Hence the Arkavathi River has become non-perennial,
flowing only during rainy season. There are a number of tanks within the area that store
rain water but due to excess silting the storage capacity has reduced. Due to scarcity of
water in Hessarghatta as well as the nearby villages, many bore wells have been dug,

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leading to over exploitation of groundwater. Water in these open wells is unfit for
human consumption.

iv. Agriculture was one of the main occupations in these regions but over the last decade
the land use pattern has drastically changed due to conversion of agriculture lands to
layouts and commercial areas.

v. The other issues in these villages are that the lakes are almost dry with rapid soil
excavation taking place. Encroachment of few lakes was found to be for agriculture in
some cases and layout development in some other cases. There are few poultry farms
and brick factories close to the lakes, where poultry and brick waste are dumped into
the water body. Many bore wells in and around the lake have been dug up, hence the
water retention, quality and quantity of ground water is decreasing. Also solid waste,
agriculture waste and construction debris are dumped into the lake causing water
pollution.

vi. Agricultural activities were predominantly found in Kallupalya/Muniyanapalya village

adjacent to the river. A Reserve forest is located adjacent to the river. During the field
visit it was observed that the compound wall, made of stone, constructed by Forest
Department, was destroyed badly due to the heavy flow of the river water during
monsoon (Plate-4.18 i and j). A bridge constructed across the river during Sir M
Vishweshwariah period as per the villagers has markings of High Flood Level (HFL) of
water in the river. Based on the markings it was roughly calculated as 30ft of High
Flood Level (Plate-4.23b). A borewell was present adjacent to the river in the
agricultural field and one adjacent to the forest. A puddle of muddy water was present
in the river. During visit to the village of Sasiveghatta a bore well adjacent to the river
was found to have failed. As per the villagers the ground water was available only
beyond 1000ft. A borewell adjacent to the river itself did not have water. Hence some
agricultural lands have been converted into the layouts but halted waiting for further
court orders. The river stretch in this village was completely dry.

vii. Layouts: In the villages of Tarabanahalli, Alur, Heggadadevanapura,

Madhanayakanahalli, Siddhanahosahalli, Gowdahalli and Harokyathanahalli (Plate-
4.23e) some layouts are developed adjacent to the river. The developed layouts
included storm water drain, roads (metallic or non-metallic) and electric poles. The
storm water drains of such layout are directed towards and are leading into the river.
The layouts – Aishwaraiah and SLV layouts are also encroaching the stream apart from
being developed adjacent to the river in Gowdahalli (Plate-4.24a). While Sri Gajanana
Enclave-3 with few houses in Alur village is present adjacent to the stream (Plate-4.19i).
These findings may be further verified by Revenue Authorities.

viii. In few layouts, buildings had already come up while some were under construction in
the villages of Madhanayakanahalli, Tarabanahalli, and Heggadadevanapura (Plate-
4.20h), while bore-wells are present in the layout of Madhanayakanahalli village (Plate-
4.22k) near the water stagnant river. Similarly borewell and houses near the river was

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noticed in Heggadadevanapura village. These findings may be further verified by

Revenue Authorities.

ix. Layouts developed closer to the river falling within 1 km of the river were found in
Tarabanahalli, Alur, Sasiveghatta, Kuduregere, Harokyathanahalli, Gowdahalli (Plate-
4.24b), Kammasandra (Plate-4.24e), Hanumanthasagara (Plate-4.27c), Ravuthanahalli,
Kadaranahalli, Bettahalli, Kittanahalli, Shivanapura, and similarly layouts have
developed beyond one km in Laxmipura, Averahalli, Vaddarahalli, Thammenahalli
and Guddadahalli. Further building was found to be constructed adjacent to the streams
in villages of Vaddarahalli and Kadaranahalli (Plate-4.27 e and f).

x. Solid waste was found to be dumped on the river banks in the villages of Alur, Makali,
Madhanayakanahalli, Siddhanahosalli and Heggadadevanapura. Solid waste included
inorganic waste, construction debris, organic waste, agricultural waste from agricultural
based activities, paper cups, bio medical waste etc. In Makali (Plate-4.21 k and l) and
Madhanayakanahalli the solid waste was found to be burnt. Also, plastic covers, solid
waste was found to be burnt adjacent to the river in Heggadadevanapura.

xi. Godowns are found in the villages of Makali, Madhanayakanahalli, Heggadevanapura

(Plate-4.25g), Adaikamaranahalli in clusters and some in Siddhanahosahalli,
Harokyathanahalli and Dasanpura, and few are found in Madavara, Gowdahalli,
Narayanappanapalya, Kuduregere, Soladevanahalli, Lakshmipura and Nagarur villages.
These godowns could not be individually visited since there was no cooperation from
the owners, except for godowns which were involved in writ petitions, which have been
covered separately in Chapter-6. Only from the activities around the godowns and from
the name boards, observations have been recorded.

The detailed field observations in the villages of Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi River are
annexed in Annexure-4.4 and Plate-4.12 to 4.31.

4.6. Existing Status of Zone-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi Course:

Kumudvathi River originates from Shivagange hills and beyond Thymgondlu town
covering a catchment area of about 462.6 Km2 of Nelamangala taluk of Bangalore rural district
and Magadi taluk of Ramanagara district of Karnataka. In zone-3 and 4 of the catchment, there
are around 98 villages from Benegere in North to Bidanpalya and Motaganahalli in the South.
Until Kuluvanahalli village, the water flows through a series of cascading lakes of varied sizes
connecting each other and further downstream, Chikkannayyana kere near Dodderi on NH-4,
the river flows at a stretch till it converges with River Arkavathi at Chamarajasagar Reservoir in
Thippagondanahalli.

4.6.1. Field Observations in the Zones-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi River Course:

Some of the major issues and observations concerning the river are
i. The catchment has witnessed increase in population in few villages, which has resulted
in encroachment of small streams that furnish water to the river. In the upper
catchment, above Thymagondlu village, most of the small streams have been
encroached for agricultural activity and also the streams are clogged by deposition of

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silt and sand. Some of the lakes like Niduvanda and Dasenahalli kere are subjected to
seasonal agricultural encroachment (Plate-4.32 a and b). The lake bed of Hajipalya is
completely encroached for establishment of brick manufacturing unit (Plate-4.32c).

ii. The extension of Sompura Industrial area in adjacent Niduvanda village of zone-4, has
led to construction of new industries in the catchment leading to industrial
development (Plate-4.32 d and e). The storm-water drains from this developing
industrial area are directed to the Niduvanda kere (Plate-4.32f).

iii. In the river stretch of Zone-3 and 4, there are around 33 poultries and 34 brick
manufacturing units (including cement block manufacturing units) and few of them are
not in working condition.

iv. There is no definite solid waste management system in the villages of this catchment
area, hence in these settlements, solid waste is dumped in backyard of the houses,
outside villages and nearby lakes/streams, therefore solid wastes are found scattered
randomly in the catchment area (Plate-4.32 g and h). The putrescible organic waste
generated from kitchen, straws, garbage, waste earth and cow dung is piled up and
when composted, it is utilised as manure in agricultural fields. In most of the places,
the culverts carrying water to the streams under the road and railroad has been
choked up by weed growth, scattered solid waste and by deposition of waste earth and
stones etc.

v. The distinctive feature of River is that it flows through number of lakes in the
catchment. The major lakes of this sub-catchment area are Manne kere, Hirekere,
Kalalaghatakere, Sondilvadikere and Niduvandakere near Thymagondlu,
Chikkannayyanakere and T.Begurkere on NH-4, and Yelechagerekere of
Yelechagere village. As per field observation, the status of lakes situated in the river
catchment are in poor state and the sluice gate are not in working condition, hindering
the water flow in fringes of drains connecting these lakes. Majority of lakes are
subjected to soil excavation (Plate-4.32i) and bore wells have been dug in the lake bed
and on lake bund as well. Storm-water drainages were letting sewage water into the
Lakes of Benegere, Karimane, Heggunda, and Motaganahalli villages (Plate-4.32j).
Most of the storm water drains in Zone-3 and 4 were carrying the domestic wastewater
(Plate-4.32k).

vi. The entire river stretch had stagnant water in small blotches. This stagnant water was
found in Basavenahalli of magadi taluk, Doddakarenahalli, Kodihalli, Tippadabegur,
Dodderi and Chikkamaranahalli of Nelamangala taluk. The water spread in the river
stretch was approximately around 108m in Chikkamaranahalli, 805m in
Doddakarenahalli and from Lingenahalli to Basavenahalli is 663 m. The Dodda-
Begurkere of zone-1, Bidlurukere and Dodderi Lake of zone-3 was moderately filled
with water. The Lakes had muddy water where as in streams; water was green in
colour at Doddakarenahalli, Lingenahalli and Basavenahalli villages, blackish green
water behind Cadbury factory (Plate-4.32l) and putrid water in Chikkamaranahalli

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village was recorded (Plate-4.32m). During field visits by EMPRI team, a check dam
was spotted in Chikkamaranahalli village (Plate-4.32n).

vii. Water available in the lakes and stream is utilised for animal washing, animal feeding,
washing clothes in Lekkenahallikere and Chikkannayyanakere. Water is pumped to
agricultural plots in Basavenahalli (Plate-4.320), Lingenahalli and also in Yelechagere
from the Yelachagerelake villages (Plate-4.32p). Due to scarcity of water in the
catchment, groundwater abstraction is comparatively high as the villagers mostly
depend on the groundwater for their domestic purpose. The excessive use of this
water has resulted in groundwater depletion.

viii. Sand washing in the river bed was observed near Chowdasandra village where sand
loaded in a tractor was washed by pumping out the water available in the stream
(Plate-4.32q). In Balaguruvanpalya, soil excavation was noticed and this soil was
crammed in a tractor for transportation (Plate-4.32r). These activities in river bed
induces suspended solid, turbidity, instability and slumping of river banks, rise in rate
of soil erosion and damages to flora/fauna.

ix. Quarrying was predominant activity, reported in Basavenhalli, Kadukarenahalli and

Vannasandra villages near Chamarajasagar Reservoir. In Basavenhalli (Plate-4.32s)
and Kadukarenahalli (Plate-4.32t) villages, a group of people were involved in stone
cutting and few of them were loading these stones into a lorry. The hill in
Vannasandra is subjected to immense quarrying. Behind the stone crusher located at
Basavenahalli village (Plate-4.32u), quarrying was observed and the cut stones were
heaped near the crusher, due to this, the surrounding trees and plants were found to
be covered with white dust. The ugly scars and pits due to quarrying, alters natural
runoff pattern diminishing the water availability for groundwater recharge and surface
water flow, which ultimately decreases the moisture content of soil, thus shrinking the
level of groundwater table, thus exploiting the aquifer of the region.
x. The river stretch in few places has been encroached for various purposes. In
Aralasandra village, Amma Naturopathy and Yoga center has been established very
next to stream, which has also constructed a pathway on the stream (Plate 4.32v). A
layout has come up immediately next to stream bed in Kempohalli at the converging
point of two streams; one emerging from Thyamagondlu and another from
Tippadabegur Doddakere (Plate-4.32w).
xi. Industries like Kirlosker Electricals and Fosroc Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. (Plate-4.32 x
and y) etc., have been established in Zone-3 and 4. Kemwell Pvt. Ltd. (a
Pharmaceutical industry) on NH-4 and Cadbury industry on NH-48 has been
established adjacent to the stream and few pipe outlets from Kemwell industry have
been let into the stream (Plate-4.32z). The Pepsi industry located behind Kemwell Pvt.
Ltd. has been collecting the effluent in an artificially constructed basin/pond near the
stream.
xii. Quarrying and sand washing are the major environmental damaging activities which
are practiced in the villages beyond the Bangalore Mangalore Highway (NH-48) up to
Bidanpalya village in the south.

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EMPRI State of Affairs

The above points are few of the major issues witnessed along the river course. The
detailed field observations in the villages of Zone-3 and 4 of Kumudvathi River are annexed
in Annexure-4.5 and Plate-4.32.

4.7. Existing Status of Zone-1:

Zone-1 of TGR catchment area covers 550 villages apart from the villages of Zone-2, 3
and 4. There are three distinct sub-catchments for the TGR, with aerial extend of 606 sq. km
(Hesaraghatta), 376.6 sq. km (Arkavathi) and 462.6 sq. km (Kumudvathi). The following are
the field observations in Zone-1 summarised sub-catchment wise.

4.7.1. Hesaraghatta Sub Catchment Area:

The Hessarghatta tank situated in the upstream of TGR divides the catchment area
into two sub-catchments are Hesaraghatta and Arkavathi sub-catchments. Hesaraghatta sub-
catchment covers an area of 606.57 sq. km. with 197 tanks in the catchment. Kakola kere,
Doddatumkur kere, Ardeshanahalli kere, Madhure kere, Dodda Hejjajji kere, etc. are
some of the large tanks in the catchment, while Hesaraghatta tank is the largest as per the
ISRO-INRIMT report. Water from these tanks is used mainly for irrigation and also for
domestic purposes. The filling up of these tanks mainly depends on the pattern of rainfall
in the catchment. NH-207 is one of the highways that pass through the catchment.
Doddabalapur Industrial area is situated in the catchment. Annie Besant Park is next to
Doddabalapur, having a length of 2.39 kilometers. The villages that come under
Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area are given in Table-4.3.

The main stem

of the River Arkavathi
originates from Nandi
Hills, flowing past
Doddabalapur town
through a series of
cascading lakes, which
feeds the Hesaraghatta
tank and further flows
downstream as
Arkavathi River. The
series of cascading tanks
that feed Hesaraghatta
tank starting from Nandi
Figure-4.2: The main stem of the River Arkavathi originates from Nandi
hills are Hills
Doddarayappanahalli kere, Melekote kere, Gantiganahalli kere, Beedikere kere,
Kanchiganala kere, Thimmasandra kere, Shivapura kere, Khas Bhag kere, Veerapura kere,
Dodda Tumakuru kere and Kakolu kere. These cascading lakes were feeding Hessarghatta
tank years back, but now these lakes no longer overflow, as the drains that carry the
overflowing water from these lakes are narrowed/ blocked (Figure-4.2). Also the outflow of
water and retention of water has come down due to blocking of feeder channels, lack of
maintenance etc. These water bodies face some of the major issues like rapid soil

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EMPRI State of Affairs

excavation, dumping of solid waste, construction debris, plastic waste etc. slight
encroachment for agricultural activities, and hence most of the lakes are partially dry.

4.7.1a. Major Environmental Concerns:

Lakes and tanks are known to be ecological barometers of the health of the city.
The presence of a lake in any region greatly influences the life of people living in the
region. Some of the major issues observed in Zone-1 of the Hesaraghatta sub catchment
area during the field visits are quarrying, rapid soil excavation, storm water drains carrying
wastewater from households and industries to the nearby waterbodies in few villages,
dumping of solid waste, construction debris, etc. in the lakes as well as storm water drains,
encroachments for agriculture activities or raising of plantation in lakes and also bore-
wells drilled in and around the lakes.

4.7.1a.i. Quarrying:
Quarries disrupt the existing movement of surface water and groundwater; they
interrupt natural water recharge and can lead to reduced quantity and quality of water
for residents or downstream from a quarry site. Adjacent eco-systems are affected by
noise, dust, accumulation of silt in nearby waterbodies leading to pollution and
contamination. In addition, sliding of unconsolidated material near waterbodies can
introduce large quantities of sediment and rocks into the aquatic environment. As a
quarry becomes deeper, water inflows generally increase but when the quarry closes it
must be ensured that the site is fully reclaimed and it doesn’t pose a danger in the
future. Active quarrying has been observed in few villages like Obadevanahalli,
Managondanahalli, Koyira, Chikkobanahalli and Varadhanahalli (Plate-4.33). Also
quarrying in Bacchahalli, Varadhanahalli and Byrapura villages was found to be taking
place very close to the lake.

Quarries in Thimmasandra, Alurududdanahalli and Gulyanandhigundh

villages have been stopped few years back, but they are not reclaimed rather they are
left as it is, with water filled in these quarry pits posing danger to the public.

4.7.1a.ii. Soil excavation:

One of the major issues commonly observed in most of the lakes is soil
excavation. Most of the lakes are subjected to rapid and excessive soil excavation like
the lakes in madhuranahosahalli, Beerasandra, Dodda Tumakuru, Gejjagadhahalli,
Muppadighatta, Chikkavadagere, Sonnenahalli, Kannamangala, Madhure, Gulya,
Honnavara, kakola, Bhairapura, Challahalli, Buddamanahalli, Dibbur, Linganahalli,
Beerasandra, Thirumagondanahalli, Ittagalapura, etc. (Plate-4.34). It is found that
excavation activities have induced damages to the water bodies, by discharging
sediments into the water body. Soil excavation generate high levels of turbidity from
colloidal sediment particles, which reduces the amount of light reaching the lower
depths, which can inhibit growth of submerged aquatic plants and consequently affect
species which are dependent on them. Soil excavation also leads to air pollution.

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4.7.1a.iii. Encroachment:
Many lakes in the catchment are dried up as the ‘Raja Kaluves’ (the major
streams) and other drains that carry rainwater to the lakes are blocked or narrowed and
hence rendering these dried lakes vulnerable to encroachments. On the other hand, the
lakes are drying up due to reduction in rainfall. As per the discussion with villagers,
most of the lakes are dry round the entire year and hence they utilize the lake for
agricultural activities, mainly for growing seasonal crops. Few of the lakes in Koluru
Rayanahalli, Byatha, Gulya, Honnavara, Honnadevipura, Kadanur, Byrasandra,
Gejjagadhahalli, Doddagollahalli, Madhagondanahalli, Obadevanahalli, Arakere,
Kadathamale, Sadenahalli, etc. (Plate-4.35) villages are subjected to encroachment for
raising plantations like Nilgiri, coconut, etc. and also for agriculture.

4.7.1a.iv. Waste Dump:

Solid waste generated in the villages includes degradable waste and non-
degradable waste like plastic. The villagers use degradable waste for manure while most
of the lakes in the catchment area have become dumping grounds for plastic waste,
construction debris, burning waste, agricultural waste, poultry waste, etc. which are
scattered in and around the lake and they are also dumped in storm water drains, as
there is no scientific method of disposal system in the villages. These wastes if not
treated on time, produces leachate which might contaminate the groundwater, surface
waterbodies, soil, etc. Some of the villages where dumping of solid waste in the lakes
are observed in Suradenapura, Rajankunte, Ammanipalya, Ramanathapura,
Gejjagadhahalli, Doddagollahalli, Buddamanahalli, Madhure, Ramadevanahalli,
Kakola, etc. (Plate-4.36).

4.7.1a.v. Groundwater Exploitation:

Groundwater resources are being tapped in the catchment area to a great extent
for both domestic and irrigation purposes. Bore-wells are drilled in and around the
lakes and water is supplied to households through mini water schemes, which are setup
in most of the villages. Most of the bore wells drilled in this catchment, goes up to a
depth of 800 ft. or much below. This indicates that water is drawn for extensive
irrigation and for domestic purposes due to population increase (Plates-4.37). Due to
this the groundwater recharge gets accelerated because of induced recharge by
continuous pumping of groundwater and the surface storage also gets reduced at faster
rate.

4.7.1a.vi. Wastewater Discharge to the Lakes:

In few of the villages like Suradenapura, Adhiganahalli, Bashettihalli, Majara
Hosahalli, Madhure, Shanubhoganahalli, Haniyur, Adde Viswanathapura, etc. small
sewerage lines are directly connected to the lakes as settlements, layouts and apartments
have come up close to the lake boundaries. Sewage in water leads to water
contamination i.e. eutrophication and major health hazards. Also the sewage leaches
into the groundwater leading to groundwater contamination.

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4.7.1b. Pollution in Major Lakes:

4.7.1b.i. Kakola Kere:
Kakola lake is one of the large tanks after Hesaraghatta tank situated in the village
Kakola. As per the discussion with local people the lake has been dry for many years but
in the past two years the lake has been partially filled. The overflow from this lake flows
to Hesaraghatta tank but as the sluice gate is closed, water doesn’t overflow; hence the
other side of kakola lake i.e. Hesaraghatta tank is not getting water from Kakola kere.
Some of the issues threatening this lake are major soil excavation, major growth of weed
and trees in the lake. A fishing tent was constructed inside the lake where small boats
were used for fishing. Plastic waste was dumped in the lake.

4.7.1b.ii. Dodda Tumakuru Kere

Dodda Tumakuru kere is another big lake in Zone-1, which covers three villages
i.e. Dodda Tumakuru, Byrasandra and Bacchahalli. The water is muddy and slightly
greenish mainly due to excessive soil excavation in the lake. Coconut, arecanut and
growth of other plantations were observed inside the lake. Excessive weed growth was
also seen in the lake. The lake is slightly encroached by grape plantation. Agriculture
waste and construction debris were dumped in the lake. Bore-well was located inside the
lake, which shows that lake water is being drawn for agriculture purpose and also a pipe
has been installed inside the lake for drawing water. A hut was seen inside the lake, used
for fishing.

4.7.1b.iii. Ardeshanahalli kere

Ardeshanahalli kere is situated in the village Ardeshanahalli. Rapid soil excavation,
solid waste dumping, brick waste, construction debris was found to have been dumped in
the lake. There is a brick factory adjacent to the lake, hence brick waste has been
dumped inside the lake. Three bore-wells were dug inside the lake, used for drawing lake
water directly for irrigation and other purposes in the village. Growth of plantation was
also observed inside the lake.

4.7.1b.iv. Madhure Kere:

Madhure Ammanikere is one of the large lakes in the region covering six villages
i.e. Madure Amanikere, Kanasavadi, Channadevi Agrahara, Honnavara, Isthur and
Mallohalli. The lake is almost filled with water and consists of five small islands. The lake
has been subjected to rapid soil excavation, drawing of lake water into tankers, washing
clothes, bore wells near the lake and also there is a small sewage drain from the
settlements which is let into the lake, polluting the lake (Plate-4.38a). There is a Choultry
in Kanasawadi village adjacent to the outlet of the lake, this has led to dumping of solid
waste, construction debris, burning waste, cloth waste etc. into the lake. There are few
graveyards on the lake bed. Plantations have slightly encroached the lake in Honnavara,
and Isthur village and also there are few trees and weed growth inside the lake.

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4.7.1b.v. Dodda Hejjajji Kere

Dodda Hejjaji kere, one of the large lakes in Hesaraghatta sub catchment covers
Dodda Hejjaji, Chikka Hejjaji Amanikere, Doddabelavangala and Sonnenahalli villages.
The lake is facing degradation due to excessive soil excavation, dumping of agriculture
waste, burning of waste, etc. in the lake and encroachment by coconut and other
plantations in part of the lake in Doddabelavangala village.

4.7.1b.vi. Bashettihalli Kere:

Bashettihalli kere is shared between two villages i.e. Areguddadhahalli and Ba
Shettyhalli. The Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) set up by the Karnataka
Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to treat the effluents from the
Doddaballapur Apparel Park is situated at the edge of the lake (Plate-4.39). As per the
discussions with people in the treatment plant, all the pipelines from the industries
carrying industrial waste water is brought to the treatment plant and after treating, the
treated water is taken back to the industries but the plant has not been functional from
past few days. But as per the discussion with villagers and an article (Deccan Chronicle,
10th June’2015), the treatment plant is no longer operational, reportedly because the
private agency roped in to run it, found it financially unviable to keep it functional and
shut it down in 2010. Industries that claimed to have their own treatment plants did not
send their effluents to it even when it was operational, but the others that depended on it
took the easy way out and began releasing their effluents into the Bashettihalli Lake,
polluting its water and damaging the health of the villagers who used it.

As per the field visit, it was observed that a small drain containing industrial waste
from Bombay Rayon Fashions Limited (BRFL), which is situated adjacent to the lake, is
entering the lake. There’s a small pond in the edge of the lake that contains industrial
waste, which is stagnant (Plate-4.38 b-d). The lake is almost dry due to the evaporation of
waste water, and high rate of weed growth is observed due to heavy pollutant load. Soil
excavation was also observed in the lake.

4.7.1b.vii. Majara Hosahalli Kere:

Majara hosahalli kere is shared by Veerapura and Majara Hosahalli villages. A drain
carrying sewage from the village is connected to the lake, hence polluting it (Plate-4.38e).
Drain containing waste from Birla Cement factory is entering the lake (Plate-4.38f). The
lake is completely dry with heavy growth of weeds. A sewage treatment plant is being
constructed inside the lake. A small treatment plant of 12MLD capacities is under
construction (Plate-4.40). Also huge walls of cement and gravel materials are under
construction. As per the discussion with villagers, these walls are being constructed to
store waste water that is received from the villages. The contractor for the treatment plant
is Raus Construction Pvt. Ltd., and the total area is 37 Acres. There is a small patch of
coconut plantation inside the lake.

Polluted Shanubhoganahalli, Haniyur, Adhiganahalli and Suradenapura lakes are

shown in Plate-4.38 (g-j). The detailed field observations in the villages of Hesserghatta
sub-catchment area (Zone-1) is annexed in Annexure-4.6.

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4.7.1c. Doddaballapura Industrial Area:

Doddaballapura is a town and municipal council in Bangalore Rural district in the
state of Karnataka. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board [KIADB]
developed the Doddaballapura Industrial Area (Figure-4.3) which is about 40km from
Bangalore towards North on Bangalore to Hindupur state highway. This town was once
known for weaving silk. Many families in Doddaballapura depend on power looms.
Doddaballapura Industrial Area is stretched in four villages - Areguddadhahalli,
Ba Shettyhalli, Veerapura and Yellapura (Plate-4.41). There is a very big industrial area in
Bashettihalli, which is around 6km
from Doddaballapura. The
Doddaballapur apparel park is on
the outskirts of Bangalore and is
being developed by the Karnataka
Industrial Areas Development
Board (KIADB). Few industries in
the industrial area are Raymond’s
Ever Blue Apparel Ltd., Bombay
Rayon Fashions Ltd., Himatsingka
Seide Ltd., Amtek Industries etc.
This industrial area houses a large
number of industries. The site of
the upcoming, 12,000 Acre (49 km2)
BIAL IT Investment Region is the
largest IT region in India and one of
the largest infrastructure projects in
history of Karnataka. Figure-4.3: Layout Map of Doddaballapur Industrial Area

4.7.2. Arkavathi Sub-Catchment Area: Source- http://www.diaassociation.com/locateus.shtml

The Arkavathi sub-catchment area extends from south of Hesaraghatta tank to
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir which covers parts of Hesaraghatta, Dasanapura, Yelahanka,
and Yeshwanthpur hobli of Bangalore Urban district and Nelamangala hobli of Bangalore
Rural district. As per ISRO-INRIMT report, the aerial extent of the catchment area is 376.6
sq.km and there are about 137 tanks in the catchment. Some of the large tanks of the
catchment are Honnasandra, Nagarur, Huskuru, Mukturu and Bommashettihalli. Around
119 villages falls under Arkavathi sub-catchment area and are as tabulated in Table-4.4.

The North and South Eastern part of Arkavathi sub-catchment and along the National
Highway (NH4), the catchment has witnessed extensive development of industrial area,
layouts and massive expansion of the settlements due to intensive population growth. Peenya
Industrial Area is one of the Asia’s largest industrial areas is located in this catchment. The
major concerns of this region are management of solid waste, treatment of effluents from
small to large scale industries and treatment of domestic wastewater (sewage and sullage). Most
of the storm-water drains are carrying industrial and domestic wastewater to the nearby
waterbodies. And also solid-wastes have been dumped in these water bodies. The major water

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bodies in this vicinity have witnessed huge spread of invasive species of Hydrophytes i.e,
Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) due to heavy pollutant load.

4.7.2a. Major Environmental Concerns:

4.7.2a.i. Domestic and Industrial Wastewater Discharge:
The domestic wastewater contains nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium,
micronutrients and organic matter which are normally required for agricultural crop
production and when not managed properly, the pathogens such as bacteria, viruses,
protozoa and helminths can cause potential health hazards especially when it is
discharged into natural water bodies. The wastewater is highly dangerous when it loses
dissolved oxygen due to warm climatic condition to become stale or septic in nature. It
also releases hydrogen sulphide which produces offensive odour. Due availability of these
nutrients, the plant (water hyacinth) growth is increased which basically depends on
nutrient contents of waterbodies. Thus the trophic state of water bodies gets transformed
from oligotrophic/ mesotrophic stage to eutrophic (hyper eutrophic) stage. In the
Arkavathi sub-catchment, the industrial effluent and domestic sullage are discharged to
nearby village drains (Plate-4.42). Most of the lakes have witnessed the growth of aquatic
weeds as well (Plate-4.43).

Industrial wastewater contains toxic chemicals and metals depending on the raw
materials that are used in the manufacturing process and they pose great threat as these
chemicals reacts in the environment based on various factors like temperature, pH, etc.,
the wastewater when let into waterbodies, alters the basic profile of waterbodies by
inducing alkaline/ acidic contents. This activity causes highly unfavourable conditions for
the living organisms of waterbodies. In the catchment, most of the drains are receiving
coloured wastewater from surrounding industrial outlets and it is difficult to trace
particular industry which is responsible to this.

The discharge of domestic sewage/sullage and industrial wastewater into drains of

the catchment will ultimately reach to tanks and river as most of the waterbodies are
connected to each other by natural drainage system.

4.7.2a.ii. Solid Waste Disposal:

When solid waste is not treated at the time of generation, it produces leachate
which has potential to contaminate soil, water bodies and ground water aquifers. In this
catchment, lakes and drains are treated as dumping yard of waste such as garbage,
poultry, construction and demolition debris, plastic wastes generated by various purposes
which can severely pollute waterbodies. Such pollution also creates an un-aesthetic
environment. Almost all the lakes and drains are subjected to waste dump in this region
(Plate-4.44).

Ramky Landfill Site:

Survey No. 8 of Mavallipura village has been used for dumping Bangalore's
garbage for several years. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP – Bruhat
Bangalore Municipal Corporation) had outsourced the task of managing this landfill site

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to M/s Ramky Environmental Engineers, a Hyderabad based company. Huge piles of

untreated garbage were found to be dumped at the site. The seepage of the toxic
leachate water generated from this site had seriously contaminated the groundwater
aquifer of that region. Hence this dumping site is currently not being used to dump the
waste (Plate-4.44a) due to the various possible threats associated to it.

4.7.2a.iii. Soil Excavation and Quarrying:

Soil excavation induces turbidity and increases total suspended solids in the water
bodies. Most of the lakes in the Arkavathi sub-catchment are subjected to soil excavation
(Plate-4.45).

Quarrying causes environmental disturbance by the process of aggregate extraction

and processing. It changes the geomorphologic features of particular land ultimately
leading to conversion of land use pattern. When it rains, the pollutants and sediments
from quarrying site may reach to nearby water bodies in runoff. The rainwater which is
stored in quarry pits lessens the inflow to the natural drains which feeds immediate and
also surrounding water bodies of the region. Due to this soil moisture is reduced in
surrounding area and reduces the ground water recharge of the aquifer.

Quarrying was observed in Mallasandra, Hunnegere, Lakkenahalli, Mantanakurchi,

Byregowdanahalli, Guddadhahalli, Thotagere, Hadhripura and Bettahalli villages of
Zone-1 of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Plate-4.46). In Hadhripura village extensive
quarrying was observed.

4.7.2b. Pollution in Major lakes and villages:

4.7.2b.i. Madavara Kere:
The Madavara kere covers three villages- Madavara, Chikkabidarakallu and
Thirumalapura. Pipeline conveying foamed wastewater and the coloured wastewater from
surrounding is passing through the lake and is discharging this wastewater into the drain
which continues to flow ultimately to River Arkavathi (Plate-4.42 a and b). Garbage waste,
construction and demolition debris, poultry waste and the wastes from barber shop was
dumped in the lake premises (Plate-4.44 b-e). During the field visit it was observed that
the lake bund was being diverted.

4.7.2b.ii. Doddabidarakallu Kere:

This Lake covers two villages- Doddabidarakallu and Nagasandra. In
Doddabidarakallu village, there is a 20MLD sewage treatment plant located next to the
bund of Doddabidarakallu kere (Plate-4.47). The lake was entirely covered by water
hyacinth (Plate-4.43a) and only stale/septic black coloured water can be seen in the lake
(Plate-4.42f). A drain from Nagasandra village is carrying stale wastewater which is
directed to the lake. Garbage, construction and demolition waste was found to be
dumped in the lake and also in and around the drains of these villages. And also burning
of the waste was observed in the lake. The lake is surrounded by factories like Lorman
Kitchen Equipments Pvt. Ltd.

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4.7.2b.iii. Dasarahalli Kere:

The Dasarahalli kere is located in a portion of Dasarahalli and Chokkasandra
villages. The garbage waste is discarded on the bund and around the lake. The inlet drain
of lake from Chokkasandra is hauled with wastewater. The treated wastewater from the
Sewage Treatment Plant (Plate-4.48) is let into Dasarhalli kere. A drain passing from
Texport Syndicate India (P) Ltd. and Dynomic Airospace Technology industries are
carrying wastewater.

A number of small drains feed the aforementioned lakes, and they are connected
to a drain which runs almost 7.5 km to convey water to River Arkavathi. Initially this
drain carries water from Dasarahalli kere to Daddabidarakallu kere and then to Madavara
kere and from Madavara kere it finally discharges water to River Arkavathi. Thus entry of
any toxic and hazardous contaminants in any one of the aforementioned lakes or drain
connected to these cascading tanks in turn pollutes River Arkavathi. The overflow from
Madavara kere is currently blocked.

4.7.2b.iv. Kammagondanahalli Kere, Chikkabanavara Kere and Abbigere Lake

The Kammagondanahalli kere covers three villages- Kammagondanahalli,
Mydharanahalli and Shettyhalli and is entirely covered with water hyacinth.

The Chikkabanavara Kere receives the overflowing water from Kammagondanahalli

lake and also from the Abbigere lake through a drain. This lake covers four villages-
Chikkabanavara, Somashettyhalli, Guddadhahalli and Ganigarahalli. Varieties of birds
were spotted in Chikkabanavara kere. The lake is dumped with large quantities of poultry
waste, garbage, construction and demolition debris and waste from barber shop etc.
Domestic wastewater is also let into this lake.

A drain connects Abbigere lake to Chikkabanavara kere. The overflow from

Abbigere feeds Chikkabanavara kere. Abbigere lake covers two villages- Abbigere and
Singapura village. The waste from barber shop, garbage waste, construction and
demolition debris is dumped in and around this lake (Plate-4.44 f-i) and also drain
carrying stale wastewater is let into the lake.

4.7.2b.v. Bagalakunte Kere and Kachohalli Kere:

Huge amount of construction and demolition debris is dumped in the
Bagalakunte lake (Survey No. 113). Stale wastewater carried by storm water drain is let
into this lake. Garbage waste is also discarded randomly in the lake (Plate-4.44m).
The Kachohalli kere is surrounded by industries, Kachohalli settlement and
hollow block manufacturing units. The drain passing through the factories like Sai
Packing, Colour flex, Life Star Pharma Pvt. Ltd. and hallow block manufacturing unit is
carrying wastewater to the Kachohalli lake. The garbage and poultry waste is discarded in
the lake. Also these wastes are burnt in the lake premises (Plate-4.44x).

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4.7.2b.vi. Sondekoppa Kere and Nelamangala Kere

The Sondekoppa lake of this village is polluted by inlet of wastewater (Plate-4.42j)
and plastic waste, construction and demolition debris which are dumped in the lake. Lake
is surrounded by granite factories and settlement in the North West direction.

Water hyacinth is spread in the Nelamangala lake indicating that the lake is
polluted (Plate-4.43d). Lake is surrounded by settlement and Brick manufacturing units.
Garbage is dumped in and around the lake (Plate-4.44y).

4.7.2b.vii. Dasanapura Kere and Arasinakunte Kere:

Dasanapura lake is surrounded by layout, apartment and agriculture land. The
sewer outlet is found in this lake, though wastewater flow from this sewer was not
observed on the day of field visit by EMPRI team (Plate-4.42m). Garbage is dumped in
the lake.

Arasinakunte lake seems to be highly polluted and water hyacinth is spread in the
lake (Plate-4.43e). Huge quantity of waste is dumped in the lake such as garbage, plastic,
construction and demolition debris.

4.7.2c. Rejuvenation of Lakes:

The deteriorated lakes are generally rejuvenated to improve water quality and to
beautify the lake environs. During the field visits conducted by EMPRI team in the
Arkavathi sub catchment, it was observed that the lakes of Lingadeeranahalli (Figure-4.4),
Handrahalli and Karihobanahalli are under rejuvenation process and the lake of Herohalli
is also rejuvenated and is under BBMP jurisdiction. Though the lake is rejuvenated, more
quantity of solid waste was discarded in and around the lake creating an-aesthetic
environment (Figure-4.5).

The detailed field observations of villages in Arkavathi sub-catchment area are

annexed in the Annexure-4.7.

Figure-4.4: Lingadeeranahalli lake under Figure-4.5: Waste dumped in rejuvenated

rejuvenation process Herohalli lake

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4.7.2d. Peenya Industrial Area:

Peenya is one of the largest
industrial areas in Bengaluru. Peenya
industrial area comprises of Phase-1 to 4
developed by Karnataka Industrial Area
Development Board (KIADB) and Stage-
1 to 3 developed by Karnataka State Small
Industries Development Corporation
(KSSIDC). Phase-1 and Stage-1 of Peenya
Industrial Area is located in Peenya
village. Stage-2, Stage-3 and Phase-4 are
established in Nelakadharanahalli. Phase-3
was accommodated partly in
Chokkasandra, Laggere and Peenya
village. Phase-2 of Peenya industrial area
has occupied a portion of Chokkasandra,
Nelakadharanahalli and Peenya village Figure-4.6: Layout Map of Peenya Industrial
(Figure-4.6). Peenya industrial area has Area
sheltered small, medium and large scale (Source: Environmental Database for Peenya Industrial
industries which belong to red, orange and Area, Bangalore)

green categories of industries. Shivapura

kere, Karihobanahalli kere and Dasarahalli kere are the three major waterbodies of this
area and are fed by a number of streams running through Peenya Industrial Area.

As per field observations, most of the drains in this industrial area are carrying
wastewater and subjected to solid waste dumping as well (Plate-4.49). In Phase-3, clothes
were discarded opposite to Sreeshwari Textile process industry and waste was dumped
randomly in this lane. Waste was also dumped near Paper industry, Lakshmi Metals &
Alloys Pvt., Heat controls, Bremers Rubber, Shahi Export Pvt. Ltd. and Sankhila Polymers
industries. The waste dump was noticed in phase-4 as well. The two main feeder drains of
Karihobanahalli Lake, passing through Stage-2 and 3 are carrying wastewater from
surrounding area and solid wastes are dumped in and around these drains.

4.7.2c.i. Nelakadharanahalli
Nelakadharanahalli is a portion of Peenya Industrial Area and has three lakes. One
of the lakes (Survey No. 59) joints outlet of huge drain carrying wastewater from the
settlement. Solid waste is dumped in this lake.

Another lake called Shivapura kere (Survey No. 63) has highly polluted black
coloured stale wastewater in small drains inside the lake (Plate-4.49 m-o). As per field
observation, apart from small drains carrying waste water inside the lake, rest of the area
had turned to blackish grey, because of repeated discharge of wastewater which clogs the
pores of soil, preventing oxidation and causing obnoxious smell. The Milimines Agro
Chemical Industry and other industries are located around this lake.

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Karihobanahalli kere covers two villages- Nelakadharanahalli and Karihobanahalli.

This lake is under rejuvenation process.

4.7.3. Kumudvathi Sub-Catchment Area:

Kumudvathi sub-catchment area forms the western portion of the TGR Catchment
having aerial extent of 462.6sq km. The sub-catchment area covers around 154 numbers of
villages falling with in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district and Magadi taluk of
Ramanagara district. In addition to these villages few villages fall under Zone-2, 3 and 4.
National Highways such as NH-4, NH-48 and NH-207 passes through the catchment area.
As per ISRO-INRIMT report in catchment area 207 seasonal tanks are present, of which
Mannekere, Hirekere near Tyamagondalu and Chikkannayyana kere near Kulvanahalli are
very large tanks in the catchment while large tanks include Begur kere, Kalalaghatta kere,
Sondilvadi kere, Niduvanda kere, Kodihalli kere, Kenchapura kere, and Billanakote kere.
Villages of the Kumudvathi sub-catchment area are given in Table-4.5.

The environmental issues observed during the field visit are solid waste dumping in
and around the lakes, liquid waste disposal from the residential area/ industries, extraction of
ground water through bore-wells (both working and non-working), soil excavation/ sand
mining in the lake bed and quarrying in the catchment area. Further encroachment of lake
bed and check dams in the streams, and also some good practices such as Rain Water
Harvesting systems (RWH) were noted in the villages during the field visit.

4.7.3a. Major Environmental Concerns:

4.7.3a.i. Groundwater Extraction:
In most of the villages it was found that major source of water for domestic use
was the ground water. Bore wells were drilled inside the lakes or at the edge of the lake
by the Mandal as per the discussions with villagers for the purpose of providing drinking
water to the villagers (Plate-4.50a). The bore well water was supplied through Mini Water
Scheme (MWS) to the villagers (Plate-4.50 b and c). During the field visit most of the
lakes had been dried up. As per the discussion with few villagers it has been decades
since the lakes such as Nidavanda kere have been filled completely. Even though few
bore wells are drilled inside lakes, there is no water. The water level in the bore wells has
decreased and the availability of the groundwater is beyond 1000ft. and many bore wells
dug ended up as a failure as per the villagers.

In the villages such as Lakkuru, Nidavanda (also falls in Zone-3 and 4),
Biragondanahalli (also falls in Zone-4) and Halenahalli, encroachement of the lake bed
for the agricultural activity was observed. The villagers said that since there was no water
in the lake they grew crops such as ragi, maize, horse gram inside the lake. If the
government imposed any restriction on this they are willing to stop cultivation.

In few villages there was some amount of water in the lake. But the villagers
depended on MWS for their domestic needs. In village of Hemapura private tankers
were found to draw water from the lake (Plate-4.50d).

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4.7.3a.ii. Soil Excavation and Sand Mining:

Extensive soil excavation was seen in the Pemmanahalli kere and Yedehalli kere.
In the Yedehalli kere the soil was excavated and was taken to the adjacent field and
dumped there (Plate-4.50e). Sand was also being mined in the lake bed during the field
visit (Plate-4.50f). In all the villages soil excavation was observed, in addition sand mining
was also found in the lakes of Avverahalli (Plate-4.50g), Alur, Udikunte, Kenchanapura
and Machonayakanahalli villages.

4.7.3a.iii. Solid and liquid Waste:

Dumping of solid waste inside and around the lakes was observed. The solid
waste included clothes, plastic, decomposable waste, agricultural waste (Plate-4.50h),
garbage, biomedical waste (Plate-4.50i), bottles, construction debris, ash, broken brick
waste etc and burning of waste was also observed.

Huge amount of solid waste dumped in and around the Sompura lake was
observed (Plate-4.50j). As per the discussion with villagers dumped solid waste was
generated due to the fare conducted adjacent to the Sompura lake every week (Plate-
4.50k). Further there was discharge of waste water (Plate-4.50l) into the lake from the
adjacent building (choultry) which was also dumping all the solid waste generated adjacent
to the lake. Solid waste disposal unit of Nelmangala Town Municipal council is
established in Kangondanahalli (Plate-4.50m).

In the villages of Maragondanahalli, Bommanahalli Kangondanahalli and

Byadarahalli waste water was being discharged into the lakes. The waste water is entering
the lake (Plate-4.50n) directly or through storm water drains which end up near the lakes
(Plate-4.50o).

4.7.3a.iv. Quarrying:
Quarrying was observed in the villages of Lakkenahalli, Marikuppe, Koramangala,
Billanakote and Hosahalli (Plate-4.50p), Mahimapura (Plate-4.50q), Narayanaraopalya
(Plate-4.50r), Thyagadahalli, Kodagibommanahalli and Machonayakanahalli. In the
village of Machonayakanahalli (Plate-4.50s) quarry was observed near the lake edge itself.

While in villages of Agalakuppi, Avverahalli, Kambala, Narayanapura,

Arebommanahalli, Mallapura, Vadhakunte, Lakkappanahalli, Kanugondanahalli,
Obanayakanahalli, Dasanpura, Kachanahalli villages during the field visit no activity in the
quarry place was found. In Laxmanapura village abandoned quarry pit was found. The
quarry pit is very deep and large without any warning signs or boards and hence is posing
danger to the wanderers near to it (Plate-4.50t). Similarly, the quarry pit found in the
village of Kanugondanahalli is also posing danger to the safety of local people (Plate-
4.50u).

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4.7.3b. Industrial Areas:

Karnataka Industrial Area
Development Board (KIADB) a
wholly owned infrastructure agency
of Karnataka Government has
formed the industrial area namely
Sompura Industrial Area and
Dabbaspet Industrial Area in
Nelamangala taluk, Bangalore
Rural district (Figure-4.7). The
layouts are being allotted to
industries ever since 1995. Further
KIADB is expanding these
industrial areas under different
stages and developing new phases Figure-4.7: Combined layout map of Dabaspet 1 -3 st rd

such as Avverahalli 5Th phase. The st nd th

(Sompura 1 and 2 Stage) (4 phase
combined layout is of 3870.425 th
Avverahalli Industrial Area) & 5 Phase of
Acres. The industrial area includes Sompura and Thyamagondalu
villages such as Sompura,
Pemmanahalli, Thimmanayakanahalli, Nidavanda, Bharatipura, Lakshmanapura,
Biragondanahalli, Hosahalli, Yedehalli, Chandanahosahalli, Honnenahalli, Avverahalli and
Makanakuppe (Figure-4.8). Industries of all categories – Red, Orange and Green are
established in this industrial area. The detailed field observations in the villages of
Kumudvathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1) is annexed in Annexure-4.8.

Figure-4.8: Combined Industrial Area Layout map in Google Image

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EMPRI State of Affairs

Industries of red and orange (large, medium and small) categories apart from the
above mentioned villages are also established in the villages of Aladahalli, Visheshwarapura,
Budihaal, T.Begur, Kachanahalli, Bommanahalli, Mylanahalli, Bavikere, Gangadaranapalya,
Mallapura, Tonachinakuppe, Kempalinganahalli, Devaganahalli, Basavanahalli,
Veeranjinipura, Hanumanthapura, Geddalahalli, Minnapura and Yelachegere.

The lakes coming within the industrial area, Nelamangala were visited. The streams or
drainage flow path was observed in the industrial area. Few streams were observed to be
enclosed by the compound of industries (Plate-4.50v). Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage
and Disposal Facility have been established adjacent to the stream/ drain with the outlets
opening into this stream (Plate-4.50w). Rapid extensive soil excavation was observed in the
Pemmanahalli kere. Solid waste was found dumped inside the stream near the culvert in
Pemmanahalli village (Plate-4.50x).

4.7.3c. Other Observations:

 Check dams were found in the streams of the villages of Varadhanayakanahalli,
Pemmanahalli (Nelmangala Taluk) and Narayanaraopalya (Plate-4.50y).
 Structures such as buildings (offices, institutions, etc), godowns adjacent to the lakes
might be encroaching the lake bed in the villages of Honnenahalli, Kammasandra
(Plate-4.51a), Billanakote (Plate-4.51b) and Byadarahalli. This may be further verified
by the conserned Authorities.
 Layout development was observed near lakes in villages of Byadarahalli (Plate-4.51c),
KSSIDC layout in Narasimhapalya, Veerananjipura and Byranayakanahalli
 Industries were found near by the lakes in villages of Minnapura, Tippadabegur,
Budhihaal (Plate-4.51d), Bommanahalli and Sompura.
 Good practice of Rain water harvesting was observed in a new commercial building
(Lat.13014ʹ05.0ʹʹ N; Long.77014ʹ28.5ʹʹE) of village of Lakkuru (Plate-4.51e) and in a
farm (Lat.13016ʹ51.3ʹʹN; Long.77014ʹ03.4ʹʹE) in the village of Halenahalli (Plate-4.51f).
Near by the Bommanahalli village lake (Sy.No. 61), the rain water harvesting project
was implemented by the Union Brewers Limited (Plate-4.51g).

4.7.4. General Concerns:

4.7.4a. Waterbodies and its drain:
Waterbodies (lake, kere, katte, pond, tank and kunte), which are the feeder tanks for the
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers are most threatened in the zone-1. The problems and
issues observed in zone-1 includes encroachment on waterbodies as well as on drains, soil
excavation, sand mining, solid waste dumping, sewage influx, etc. Further due to the
nutrition loads in the waterbodies, aquatic weeds, algal bloom, etc. are observed in the
waterbodies.

4.7.4b. Pollution of the River Course by Industries:

Four industrial areas are developed by KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Area Development
Board) in the villages of Doddaballapur, Peenya, Dobaspet and Sompura of zone-1. The
cluster of industries in the industrial area has established the CETP (Common Effluent
Treatment Plant), which are monitored by the KSPCB. But there may be industrial units

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EMPRI State of Affairs

operating without necessary consent. Sewage is found to be entering into Stream of

Arkavathi River from the Peenya Industrial Area. As per the discussions with the local
people, industrial effluents are discharged into the river course during night time and also
into storm water drains during rainfall. Some local people have also informed that effluents
are injected into the dry bore wells by the industries. However such information needs to be
verified by KSPCB.

4.7.4c. Settlements and water demand and supply situation:

Due to natural growth, all the old settlements have expanded. But the rapid urbanisation
has led to booming of layouts and apartments. As few of the layouts and apartments are
unplanned, the wastewaters generated from these superstructures are reaching the river
course through the connecting streams. In existing settlements, the absence of UGD in
some of the habitations, has forced the community to use the storm water drain for
discharge of sewage waste. In 2007, 110 villages were added to the BBMP area, but as these
areas were not under the jurisdiction of BWSSB, the sewage generated by these villages are
being released to the nearby waterbodies and to the river. Further, in few village settlements,
sanitary pits are used to dispose the sanitary waste, which also reach the nearby waterbody
through the rainfall runoff. Open defecation near the settlement area, which resulted in
water contamination through rain, can be reduced by implementation of Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan guidelines. Another source of pollution is solid wastes since there is no proper
management of solid wastes in TGR catchment area villages.

4.8. Conclusion:
Urbanization/development of Bangalore city has put a lot of pressure on water resources of
TGR catchment in the following manner:
i. Granite quarrying, going on in the catchments of tanks and streams, is causing silting
up and pollution of water bodies.
ii. Sand mining and sand filtering are harming the natural valley system in the area.
iii. Villages are dumping solid waste to the catchments of the river. Solid waste and
sewage water from Bangalore city and townships around the city is contaminating
the water.
iv. Use of chemicals/pesticides in commercial crops is harming the water quality.
v. Ground water is overexploited for both industrial and agricultural activities; hence
the ground water level has gone down beyond 800 ft in some areas.
vi. Land prices have gone up around the catchment due to the growth of Bangalore
city, which has resulted in real estate developers/cultivators encroaching tanks,
streams and grazing lands.
Due to unplanned growth of human habitations and lack of proper waste disposal, the
environment in the entire catchment area is getting degraded rapidly, more so the waterbodies
such as lakes, streams, etc. The waste generated by industries is highly toxic and hazardous
having serious implications for the local people unless suitable remedial measures are
undertaken.
Though the observations have been recorded during field verification further its
encroachments etc. can be confirmed once again by the concerned authorities through detailed
survey.

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Table-4.1. Documented flora in the TGR premises

Sl. No Name of plant Common name Family
Trees
1 Acacia sp. Acacia tree Fabaceae
2 Atrocarpus heterophylla Jack fruit tree Moraceae
3 Azadirachta indica Neem tree Meliaceae
4 Cassia sp. Cassia tree Fabaceae
5 Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus tree Myrataceae
6 Eugenia jambolana Jambul tree Myrtaceae
7 Grevillea robusta Silver oak tree Proteaceae
8 Peltophorum inerme Yellow Poinciana Fabaceae
9 Pongamia pinnata Pongamia tree Fabaceae
10 Prosopis juliflora Algaroba Fabaceae
11 Punica granatum Pomegranate Lythraceae
12 Tamarandus indica Tamarind tree Fabaceae
13 Tectona grandis Teak Lamiaceae
Shrubs
14 Agave americana Century plant Agavaceae
15 Calotropis gignatea Crown flower Asclepidaceae
16 Crotalaria juncea Sunhemp Fabaceae
17 Dodonaea viscosa Hop bush Sapindaceae
18 Eupatorium odoratum Catweed Asteraceae
19 Ipomoea fistulosa Ganesh kaddi Convolvulaceae
20 Lantana camara Lantana Verbenaceae
21 Tecoma stans Yellow bell plant Bignoniaceae
Herbs
22 Achyranthes aspera Prickly Chaff flower Amaranthaceae
23 Alternanthera sessilis Sessile Joy weed Amaranthaceae
24 Argemone mexicana Mexican Prickly Poppy Papaveraceae
25 Croton sparsiflorus Banatulasi Euphorbiaceae
26 Dolichos lablab (Agricultural) Lablab bean Fabaceae
27 Eichhornia crassipes Water hyacinth Pontederiaceae
28 Eleusine coracana(Agricultural) Finger millet Poaceae
29 Grasses Grass Poaceae
30 Lemna sp. Lesser Duck weed Araceae
31 Mimosa pudica Touch Me Not plant Fabaceae
32 Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium Asteraceae
33 Tribulus terrestris Puncture Wine Zygophyllaceae

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Table-4.2. List of villages falling in the zone-2 as per 2003 notification

Sl. No District Taluk Hobli Villages

01 Banasvadi
02 Nagasandra
03 Narasimhapalya

Bengaluru Rural
04 Kanavanahalli

Nelamangala

Nelamangala
05 Goravanahalli
06 Hosahalli
07 Avalkuppe
08 Kotanahalli
09 Soladevanahalli
10 Bidanpalya
11 Chowdasandra
12 Bengaluru Dasanpura Mallasandra
13 North Sondekoppa
14 Jogerahalli
15 Gangenahalli
16 Nagenahalli
Bengaluru Urban

17 Devamachohalli Narayanapura
Bengaluru South

18 Marenahalli
Tavarekere

19 Devamachohalli
20 Ganakallu
21 Puradapalya
22 Cholanayakanahalli
23 Kempagondanahalli
24 Gangappanahalli
25 Tavakadahallli
26 Kutlu
27 Kalluru
Magadi

28 Shanbhoganahalli
Ramanagara

29 Varadenahalli
Magadi

30 Bachenahatti
31 Mummenahalli
Solur

32 Gollahalli
33 Motaganahalli

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Table-4.3. List of villages falling in the Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1) as per 2003
notification

S.No. Village Name S.No. Village Name

1 Chennapura 46 Kasaba Kundhana
2 Chikkarayappanahalli 47 Sulakunte
3 Kotturu 48 Pandithapura
4 Madakuhosahalli 49 Doddachimanahalli
5 Gulyanandhigundhi 50 Raghunathapura
6 Karahalli 51 Shivapura
7 Heggadihalli 52 Pindakura Thimmanahalli
8 Melekote 53 Thindlu
9 Kurubarahalli 54 Kamenahalli
10 Chougandanahalli 55 Kasavanahalli
11 Ramanathapura 56 Basavanahalli
12 Masthimmanahalli 57 Sadhenahalli
13 Kachahalli 58 Sriramanahalli
14 Hireguddadhahalli 59 Byrapura
15 Beedikere 60 Budamenahalli
16 Chikkobanahalli 61 Ittagalapura
17 Nagadenahalli 62 Madhappanahalli
18 Rajaghatta 63 Linganahalli
19 Alurududdanahalli 64 Kadathanamale
20 Venkatapura 65 Nellukunte
21 Lingadheeragollahalli 66 Hosahudya
22 Kolipura 67 Gowdahalli
23 Dyavarahalli 68 Sonnenahalli
24 Obadevanahalli 69 Kamakshipura
25 Govindapura 70 Kukkanahalli
26 Muthsandra 71 Kannamangala
27 Machagondanahalli 72 Kenjigadhahalli
28 Doddarayappanahalli 73 Marasandra
29 Thapashipura 74 Chikkavaddagere
30 Thapashipura 75 Halenahalli
31 Sonnamaranahalli 76 Purushanahalli
32 Thylagere 77 Isthuru
33 Misaganahalli 78 Gulya
34 Dandadasakodagenahalli 79 Muppadighatta
35 Beedikere Agrahara 80 Chennadevi Agrahara
36 Marahalli 81 Kadanuru
37 Kabbanahalli 82 Tharabanahalli
38 Dinnenahalli 83 Kasagatta
39 Yadhlahalli 84 Katthihosahalli
40 Kuruvagere 85 Kamana Agrahara
41 Managondanahalli 86 Doddabelavangala
42 Doddagollahalli 87 Bheemaravuthanahalli
43 Konagatta 88 Shankarasanahalli
44 Kanchiganala 89 Madeshwara
45 Adinarayana Hosahalli 90 Madure

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91 Karepura 140 S.M.Gollahalli

92 Chikkanahalli 141 Kesthuru
93 Galibilikote 142 Kodigehalli
94 Mandibyadarahalli 143 Dargajogihalli
95 Narasayyana Agrahara 144 Majara Hosahalli
96 Kuntanahalli 145 Dargapura
97 Dyavarahalli 146 Areguddadhahalli
98 Aradeshanahalli 147 Veerabhadrana Palya
99 Varadhanahalli 148 Palanijogihalli
100 Chikkannanahosahalli 149 Sonnappanahalli
101 Maragondanahalli 150 Vaddarahalli
102 Adde Viswanathapura 151 Koluru
103 Kakolu 152 Hanabe
104 Shanubhoganahalli 153 Bedarajakkasandra
105 Rajanukunte 154 Kamaluru
106 Honnenehalli 155 Byrapura
107 Mathkuru 156 Chilenahalli
108 Kakkenahalli 157 Karenahalli
109 Masandra Amanikere 158 Hadonahalli
110 Bacchahalli 159 Tubagere
111 Haniyuru 160 Mayasandra
112 Byatha 161 Koyira
113 Junnasandra 162 Ardeshanahalli
114 Shastripalya 163 Kabbanahalli
115 Uddhinachikkanahall 164 Udhanahalli
116 Nagenahalli 165 Jogandahalli
117 Puttenahalli 166 Linganahalli
118 Doddavaddagere 167 Nandigunda
119 Nallenahalli 168 Aruvanahalli
120 Shimpadipura 169 Kavalahalli
121 Honnadevipura 170 Mutthagadhahalli
122 Kagepura 171 Karanala
123 Mallohalli 172 Gantiganahalli
124 Challahalli 173 Beerasandra
125 Madhagondanahalli 174 Byradevanahalli
126 Chikka Hejjaji 175 Dasagondanahalli
127 Agrahara 176 Chapparadhahalli
128 Venkateshapura 177 Binnamangala
129 Thubakunte 178 Chinnakempanahalli
130 Chikkabelavangala 179 Sunnaghatta
131 Akkathammanahalli 180 Bacchahalli
132 Konenahalli 181 Gollahalli
133 Bhuchanahalli 182 Thammashettyhalli
134 Bhaktarahalli 183 Siddhenaikanahalli
135 Mallanayakanahalli 184 Thimmasandra
136 Basavanapura 185 Nagasandra
137 Shravanuru 186 Kakkenahalli
138 Huskuru 187 Alahalli
139 Bokipura 188 Veerapura

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189 Yellapura 232 Srinivasapura

190 Mutthuru 233 Chikkatumakuru
191 Gangadharapura 234 Thippapura
192 Hasamagatta 235 Ba Shettyhalli
193 Thogarigatta 236 Khas Bhag
194 Thirumagondanahalli 237 Rojipura
195 Anthrahalli 238 Mallatthahalli
196 Somashettyhalli 239 Medahalli
197 Maralenahalli 240 Thapasihalli
198 Talagawara 241 Neralagatta
199 Kadabyadarahalli 242 Vanigarahalli
200 Galipuje 243 Shiravara
201 Kantanakunte 244 Thippuru
202 Lakshmidevipura 245 Gundasandra
203 Sothenahalli 246 Nellukunte
204 Jalige 247 Subrayanagenahalli
205 Juttenahalli 248 Naraganahalli
206 Bettanahalli 249 Jakkasandra
207 Suradenapura 250 Aralu Mallige
208 Tharahunase 251 Shyakaladevipura
209 Arakere 252 Karimsonnenahalli
210 Sheethakempanahalli 253 Gejjagadhahalli
211 Chokkanahalli 254 Dodda Hejjaji
212 Dhibburu 255 Mutthugadahalli
213 Shinganayakanahalli 256 Mugenahalli
214 Koluru Rayanahalli 257 Kolagere
215 Dodda Tumakuru 258 Kolladu
216 Kuntanahalli 259 Gollahalli
217 Byrasandra 260 Chikkakalenahalli
218 Channasandra 261 Lingapura
219 Shiresandra 262 Rampura
220 Kodihalli 263 Naranahalli
221 Kallodu 264 Bommanahalli
222 Thimmasandra 265 Kugonahalli
223 Ramadevanahalli 266 Hadhripura
224 Kanasawadi 267 Kalludevanahalli
225 Honnavara 268 Ekasipura
226 Bhadrapura 269 Menasi
227 Gandragulipura 270 BaShettyhalli
228 Aambalagere 271 Madhuranahosahalli
229 Karenahalli 272 Thigale Bhagaythu
230 Hesaraghatta grass farm 273 Gurutimmanahalli
231 Hesaraghatta grass farm

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Table-4.4. List of villages falling in the Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1) as per 2003
notification
Sl.No Village Name Sl.No Village Name
1 Kondekoppa 43 Agraharapalya
2 Irigenahalli 44 Hyadalu
3 Gollanapalya 45 Byrashettyhalli
4 Hunnegere 46 Bolamaranahalli
5 Mantanakurchi 47 Arjunabettahalli
6 Goranabele 48 Gollarahalli
7 Kempalinganahalli 49 Gopalapura (Sayappanahalli)
8 Lakkenahalli 50 Shamabhattarapalya
9 Kengenahalli 51 Kukkalahalli
10 Hullegowdanahalli 52 Thotagere
11 Venkatapura 53 Guddadhahalli
12 Byregowdanahalli 54 Linganahalli
13 Kodappanahalli 55 Mutthukadhahalli
14 Vaddarapalya 56 Shivakote
15 Shivanapura 57 Mylappanahalli
16 Gajagadahalli 58 Krishnarajapura
17 Dasanapura 59 Krishnasagara
18 Arasinakunte 60 Avalahalli
19 Mallapura 61 Jarakabandekaval/Ramagondanahalli
20 Mallarabanasavadi 62 J.I.Lingarajapura
21 Jakkasandra 63 Mavallipura
22 Kasaba Nelamangala 64 Lingarajasagara
23 Koolipura 65 Kondashettihalli
24 Vajarahalli 66 Kasaghattapura
25 Narasipalya 67 Byalakere
26 Nagaruru 68 Shyamarajapura
27 Pillalli 69 J.I.Medi Agrahara
28 Kodipalya 70 Kalathammanahalli
29 Sheshagiriraopalya 71 Veerasagara
30 Mariyanapalya 72 Kempapura
31 Vadarahalli 73 Ganigarahalli
32 Mutthahalli 74 Somashettyhalli
33 Hucchanapalya 75 K.G.Gune Agrahara
34 Ramapalya 76 K.G.Vaderahalli
35 Betthanagere 77 Doddabettahalli
36 Saidamipalya 78 Chikkabettahalli
37 Krishnarajapura 79 S.I.Singapura
38 Hadhripura 80 K.G.Lakshmipura
39 Srinivasapura 81 Ganigarahalli
40 Bommashettihalli 82 Chikkabanavara
41 Huskuru 83 Guddadhahalli (Guledhahalli)
42 Honnasandra 84 Abbigere

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85 K.G.Ramachandrapura 105 Chokkasandra

86 Jarakabandekaval 106 J.I.Doddabidarakallu
87 J.I.Kammagondanahalli 107 Kodagi Thirumalapura
88 J.I.Shettyhalli 108 K.G.Srikantapura
89 Myadharahalli 109 Gangondanahalli
90 Hosahalli Gollarapalya 110 Karihobanahalli
91 Chikkasandra 111 K.G.Nelakadharanahalli
92 Shidedhahalli 112 Laggere
93 Thotadhaguddadahalli 113 K.G.Hegganahalli
94 Bagalakunte 114 Srigandhakavalu
95 J.I.Mallasandra 115 Herohalli
96 K.G.Srikantapura (Anchepalya) 116 K.G.Handrahalli
97 Madavara 117 Lingadeeranahalli
98 Chikkabidarakallu 118 Gangondanahalli
99 Peenya Plantation 119 Bylakonenahalli
100 Peenya 120 Machohalli
101 Dasarahalli (Peenya) 121 Kachohalli
102 Nagasandra 122 Myakala Channenahalli
103 Madhapatna 123 Doddamaranahalli
104 Ajjanapalya

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Table-4.5. List of villages falling in the Kumudvathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1) as per 2003
notification

S.No. Village Name S.No. Village Name

1 Halenahalli 46 Kasaragatta
2 Bettadahosahalli 47 Naryanapura
3 Madhenahalli 48 Dasanpura
4 Pemmanahalli 49 Mallapura
5 Chandanahosahalli 50 Bhairasandra
6 Kengalkempohalli 51 Shantapura
7 Avverahalli 52 Honnarayanahalli
8 Malekattiganuru 53 Palanahalli
9 Shivagange 54 Bhairapura
10 Gantehosahalli 55 Goruru
11 Kodigebommanahalli 56 Lakkenahalli
12 Mylanahalli 57 Solur
13 Kallupalya 58 Lingenahalli
14 Rangenahalli 59 Hosahalli
15 Kempapura 60 Uddanahalli
16 Kankenahalli 61 Garageshwara
17 Rangenebetta 62 Kottaganahalli
18 Chikkanahalli 63 Bantarakuppe
19 Ramenahalli 64 Balagere
20 Chikkasolur 65 Gulapura
21 Koramangala 66 Kammasandra
22 Gudemaranahalli 67 Byranaikanahalli
23 Byalakere 68 Thyagadahalli
24 Tirumalapura 69 Krishnarajapalya
25 Bommanahalli 70 Mylanahalli
26 Krishnarajapura 71 Kachanahalli
27 Tadasighatta 72 Byranahalli
28 Kenchanapura 73 Bommanahalli
29 Lakkappanahalli 74 Manchenahalli
30 Bardhi 75 Obanayakanahalli
31 Minnapura 76 Visheshwarapura
32 Moolenagathihalli/Hosuru 77 Bennegere
33 Yeramanchanahalli 78 Imachenahalli
34 Narayanaraopalya 79 Agalakuppa
35 Budihal 80 Hosahalli
36 Bolamaranahalli 81 Yedehalli
37 Kempalinganahalli 82 Kerekottiganuru
38 Viraraghuvanapalya 83 Machenahalli
39 Bugadihalli 84 Kambalu
40 Channohalli 85 Guruvanahalli
41 Lakkuru 86 Mooganahalli
42 Timmanayakanahalli 87 Shriganahalli
43 Srinivaspura 88 Udukunte
44 Gundenahalli 89 Banavadi
45 Gottikere 90 Kuppemala

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91 Channohalli 123 Geddalahalli

92 Engere 124 Basavapatna
93 Gangenapura 125 Maragondanahalli
94 Kannasandra 126 Arebommanahalli
95 Turbara Palya 127 Aluru
96 Kudaluru 128 Hemapura
97 Marikuppe 129 Narasapura
98 Somadevaranahalli 130 Billasandra
99 Naganahalli 131 Muppenhalli
100 Torechanahalli 132 Tattekere
101 Bharatipura 133 Vaddarahalli
102 Kodigehalli 134 Parvathapalya
103 Vadhakunte 135 Kalyanapura
104 Isuvanahalli 136 Biravara
105 Hasurahalli 137 Hakkinalu
106 Bettahalli 138 Byadarahalli
107 Chikkanahalli 139 Kodihalli
108 Marohalli 140 Malluru
109 Ahobalapalya 141 Hulikunte
110 Machonaikanahalli 142 Mavinakommenahalli
111 Veeranjipura 143 Nimbenahalli
112 Hanchipura 144 Guddegowdanachannohalli
113 Ghandragulupura 145 Jakkanahalli
114 Gangadaranapalya 146 Mandigere
115 Narasipura 147 Varadanayakanahalli
116 Nijagal Kempohalli 148 Ananthapura
117 Sompura 149 Narasimhapalya
118 Billanakote 150 Devaganahalli
119 Honnenahalli 151 Kangondanahalli
120 Aladahalli 152 Bavikere
121 Baragenahalli 153 Byadarahalli
122 Sidganahalli 154 Veerapura

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Plate-4.1: Flora observed in the TGR premises

(a & b): Eichhornia crassipes in different locations of reservoir (c) Eichhornia with Lemma
sp.

(d) Eupatorium odoratum (e) Acacia sp. (f) Tribulus terrestris

(g) Pongamia pinnata (h) Doddanea viscosa (i) Grivellia robusta

(j) Grasses (k) Tecoma stans (l) Dolichos lablab

(m) Azadirachta indica (n) Lantana camara (o)Cassia sp.

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(p) Mimosa pudica (q) Argemone mexicana (r)Ipomoea fistulosa

(s)Parthenium hysterophorus (t) Alternanthera sessiles (u) Agave americana

Plantations by BWSSB with the help of Karnataka Forest Department

(v) Grevillea robusta plantation (w) Acacia plantation (x) Eucalyptus plantation

(y) Dodonaea viscosa

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Plate4.2: Fauna observed in TGR premises

(a) Black kite (b) Heron (c) Brahminy kite

(d) Darter (e) Grey Heron (f) Large egret

(g) Stork (h) Black drongo (i) Little egret

(j) Bue eared Kingfisher (k) Painted stork

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Plate-4.3: Inflow of sewage and muddy water in TGR

(a & b) Waste water entering into TGR from Jogerahalli (b) Muddy water with weeds at
Varadenahalli

(c) Slurry water entering in different locations of TGR at (d) Water with oil spills at
Mummenahalli & Avalkuppe Goravanahalli

(e) Algal growth at

Gangappanahalli

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Plate-4.4: Free access by people, grazing animals and encroachment (seasonal) in TGR

(a) Free access by people at (b) Grazing animals (c) Encroachment for
Goravanahalli Tavakadahalli seasonal agriculture at
Goravanahalli
Sand mining and soil excavation observed during the ground truth verification

(d) Avalkuppe (e) Soladevanahalli (f) Narasimhapalya

(g) Goravanahalli (h) Naganahalli (i) Kanuvanahalli

(j) Tavakadahalli

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Plate-4.5: Brick kilns, dumping of wastes and other solid wastes at different locations of TGR

(a) Soil excavation and brick kiln (b) Ash dumped in reservoir (c) Lorry (HMVs) used to carry
at Jogerahalli area at Jogerahalli bricks at Marenahalli

(d) Plastic bottles thrown by local (e) Tin wastes at Goravanahalli (f) Insecticide tin in reservoir
people at Kanuvanahalli area at Gangappanahalli

(g) Rubber tubes (waste) at

Naganahalli

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Plate-4.6: Flora and Fauna of Hesaraghatta Reservoir premises

(a) Eupatorium odoratum (b) Lantana camara (c) Alternanthera sessilis

(d) Calotropis gigantea (e) Prosopis juliflora with (f) Ipomoea fistulosa
Grass

(g) Intermediate Egret (h) Black drongo (i) Wooly necked stork

(j) Heron (k) Red wattled lapwing (l) Coot & ducks

(m) Snake (n) Insects (o) Cat fish

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Plate-4.7: Solid wastes and various pollutants observed in Hesaraghatta reservoir premises

(a) Paper wastes (b) Glass wastes (c) Paper wastes

(c) Construction of temple on tank (d) Construction of temple on tank (e) Construction debris is
bund (11 Dec. 2014) bund (02 Jan. 2015) dumped on the bund

(f) Religious offerings- wastes dumped and animal sacrifice Temple construction debris

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Plate-4.8: Soil excavation at Hesaraghatta Reservoir

(a) North- east region (b) South West region 1

(c) South West region 2 (d) South West region 3

(e) Water with algal growth at Southern part

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Plate-4.9: Observations in Zone-2

(a) Soil excavation at (b) Sand mining at Goravanahalli (c) Stone quarrying at
Gangenahalli village village Bidanpalya village
Agriculture activities observed during the study

(d) Teak and Coconut (e) Banana plantation (f) Harvesting Finger millet at
plantations at Gangenahalli at Goravanahalli village Ganakallu village
village

(g) Growing Jowar at

Cholanayakanahalli village

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Plate 4.10: Wastewater entry and wastes dumped in the stream

(a) Polluted water entry with foam and debris at (b) Polluted water entry at Jogerahalli village
Nagasandra village

(c) Dried up Arkavati stream burnt wastes dumped (d) Wastes dump at Nagasandra village
at Cholanayakanahalli village

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Plate-4.11: Layouts in Zone-2

Metipalya

(a) Layout development (b) Dumping soil in channel for (c) Layout development
developing layout

(d) Centre City layout (e) SLV Developers (f) Saptagiri layout

(g) Shrisha residential layout at (h) Lakshmivenkateshwara layout (i) SLV Layout at
Soladevanahalli village (Soladevanahalli- Tandya) Soladevanahalli village

(j) RS Murthy layout in (k) Jinamba Enclave in Nagasandra (l) Layout near to
Soladevanahalli village village Kanavanahalli village

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(m) Jinamba Enclave-3 in (n) Layout near garment factory in (o) Saibaba layout Gankallu
Kanavanahalli village Ganakallu village village

(p) Layout development in

Jogerahalli village

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Plate-4.12: Hesaraghatta Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-1)

a: Solid waste dumped in the stream from the b: Solid waste dumped in the stream from the
sluice gate side of the Hesaraghatta tank sluice gate side of the Hesaraghatta Tank

e: Dry river stretch f: Check dam in the dry river

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g: Dry Arkavathi River next to the Dhaba h: Sewage from the settlements to the stream
near the sluice gate side of the tank

i: Public toilet constructed next to the stream

l: A drain containing waste from the dhaba is

let in the stream from syphon side of the tank

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n: Annaporneswara layout next to the river

m: Hesaraghatta Residency Resort next to
River

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r: Cement washing near the Kempegowda s: Kempegowda Layout next to the river
layout next to the river Arkavathi

t: Storm water drain from Kempegowda u: Poultry waste in the culvert

layout letting out into the river

w: Quarry waste next to one of the nala

v: Hollow block factory

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Plate-4.13: Dasenahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-4)

a: Encroachment of Hesaraghatta tank bed by CPDO b: Layout development

c: Institutes next to the Hesaraghatta Tank and the d: Poultry farm

river

e: Poultry Unit f: CPDO Institute

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Plate-4.14: Ivarakandapura Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Outlet from Ivarakandapura lake is dry b: Ivarakandapura lake is dry and fenced

c: Indian Institute of Horticulture Research d: Nursery encroaching the edge of

Ivarakandapura lake

e: Nursery encroaching edge of f: Solid waste dumped in Ivarakandapura lake

Ivarakandapura lake outlet

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EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Layout development h: Poultry opposite to the river

i: Poultry waste in the outlet

j: Soil excavation in the lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 104

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.15: Giddenahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: Active quarry within 200 m from the river b: Active quarry

c: Active quarry d: Active quarry

e: Quarry waste dumped next to the river f: Quarry waste dumped next to the river

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 105

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Granite factory within 50-100m from the h: Lakshmi Venkateshwara granites

river factory next to the river

i: Lakshmi Venkateshwara granite factory j: Foam water flowing in the river

next to river

k: Fencing the plantation on the river bed l: Wastewater flowing in the river bed

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 106

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.16: Varthur Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: Layout development next to river b: Layout development

Arkavathi

c: Layout development near the river d: Layout development near the river

e: Clearing the area next to the river bed for f: Poultry farm close to the river
layout formation

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 107

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Fencing the Plantation on the river bed h: Soil exaction on the river bed

j: Waste water flowing in the river, growth of

i: Waste water flowing in the river water hyacinth

k: Quarry waste and stone dumped near the river

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 108

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.17: Kadabagere Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Cement Industry b: Power Plus industry

c: Nutri Farms and feeds d: Brick factory

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 109

EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Layout development f: Granite factory

g: Granite factory h: Sand mining

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 110

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.18: Tharabanahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: storm water drain carrying waste water from households into the stream

b: Sri giri convention hall next to the river c: Solid waste dump in the river

d: Construction debris in the river

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 111

EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Poultry waste in culvert f: Poultry waste next to the river

g :Brick factory h: Layout development

i: Kallupalya Reserve Forest compound

damaged due to heavy flow of water in river j: Bridge having HFL marking

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 112

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.19: Alur Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Solid waste dump inside the river b: Sewage water entering the river

c: Nilgiri plants in the river bed d: Layout adjacent to the river

e: Layout adjacent to the lake (Sy No 132) f: Layout adjacent to the lake (Sy. No. 117)

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 113

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Solid waste dumped in to the drain near to Pan Parag India Ltd.

h: Sand filtering unit adjacent to the stream

i: Sri Gajanana Enclave-3 adjacent to the stream

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 114

 EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.20: Heggadadevanapura Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Lake encroached by layout – Google image

b: Lake Sy. No. 59 encroached by layout
2014

c: Lake encroached by godowns – Google d: Lake Sy. No. 52 encroached by the godown
image 2014

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 115

EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Waste water from storm water drain f: Puddle of stagnant water

entering the river

g: Godowns h: Layout-Sri Gajanana Enclave-2 adjacent

to the river

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 116

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.21: Makali Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: Goldenseams Textile Pvt. Ltd. b: Himalaya Drug Company

d: Waste water entering the river through

c: Sri Bhimanjanaiah temple storm water drain

e: Lake (Sy. No. 13) encroached by godown f: Lake encroached by godown –Google
image 2014

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EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Godowns with outlets into the river h: Godowns on the river bank

i: Godowns on the river bank j: Godowns on the river bank

k: Slaughter waste l: Solid waste dump

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 118

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.22: Madhanayakanahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone–3)

a: Gowdowns on the river bank

b: Godowns have constructed outlets from their godowns into the river

c: Storm water drain with waste water d: Waste water from the storm water drain
adjacent to godowns entering the river

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EMPRI State of Affairs

e: LT Karle & Co Unit –II (building is

situated around 700 m from the river)

f: The grey or waste water is entering the river and forming pool of stagnant water inside river

g: The boulders at the river bank are broken and the low lying area filled using the broken
boulders, soil and solid waste adjacent to the river

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h: Burning of solid waste & agricultural waste from the agriculture based activities

i: Biomedical waste j: Construction debris

k: Borewell inside the layout and adjacent

to the river

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 121

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.23: Harokyathanahalli Village of Arkavathy River Course (Zone–3 & 4)

a: A shed (fabric dying) located adjacent to the stream and is letting out the waste water outside
which is entering the stream

b: Waste water from shed is entering the c: Stream carrying the waste water is joining
stream the river

d: Coloured Waste water flowing in the e: Jai Maruthi Enclave-Layout adjacent to

river the river and the stream

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 122

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: The waste water is let into the lake via

f: Sand mining in the river bed
storm water drains

h: Lake encroachment – Google map 2014 i: Lake (Sy. No. 108) encroached by the
residential buildings

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EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.24: Gowdahalli and Kammasandra villages of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: Layout adjacent to the river b: Development of layout

c: Drawing of waste water from the river

d: Lake filled with granite sludge in e: Layout near the river in

Kammasandra village Kammasandra village

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EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.25: Ravuthanahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3)

a: Lorry dumping the granite sludge

b: Granite Sludge entering the river

c: Poultry farm set up adjacent to the stream and the river

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EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.26: Dhombarahalli Village of Arkavathy River Course (Zone -3 & 4)

a: Lake encroachment, 2014 Google image b: Lake encroached by the layout

c: Stream carrying waste water d: Layout and dry stream near

e: Poultry farm

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EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.27. Villages of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Fishing in the river in Byyandahalli village b: Sand filtering adjacent to the river in
Bettahalli village

c: Vidyasri Badavane-Layout close to the d: Glory Boys Apparel Pvt. Ltd. In

river in Hanumanthasagara village Siddhanahosahalli village

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EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Building adjacent to the stream in f: Building adjacent to the stream in

Vaddarahalli village Kadaranahalli village

g: Stream with waste water flowing adjacent to the BIEC in Madavara village

h: Layouts adjacent to the lake in Avverahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 128

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.28: Thirumalapura Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Medical waste in the stream b: Stream running next to the settlement

d: Sewage water entering the river through

c: Pipelines in the stream stream

e: Sewage water from settlements entering stream f: Bore well next to the stream

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 129

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Layout development h : Layout Development

i: Layout Development j: Quarry waste next to stream

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 130

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.29: Hurlichikkanahalli Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone–3 & 4)

a: Solid waste in the culvert b: Layout development

c: Layout development

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 131

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.30: Honnaganahatti Village of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Quarry stopped at present b: RMX Cement factory

c: Hollow blocks d: Layout development

e: Granite Factory

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 132

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.31: Villages of Arkavathi River Course (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Encroachment of the stream by plantation in b: Layout development in Kurubarahalli

Kallenahalli village village

d: Club development in Kurubarahalli village

c: Layout development in Kurubarahalli Village

f: Quarry stopped at present in

e: Soil excavation in Mallasandra Village Mallasandra Village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 133

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: RMX Cement industry in Sigenahalli Village

h: Layout development in Hosahallipalya village

i: Encroachment of stream by a house in

Sondekoppa Village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 134

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.32: Kumudvathi River Course Villages (Zone-3 & 4)

a: Agricultural encroachment in Niduvanda b: Complete Lake encroachment in

Kere Dasenahalli village

d: View of industries under construction

c: Brick manufacturing unit established in
from Niduvanda Kere
the lake bed of Hajipalya village

e: Industrial view from Niduvanda Kere f: Stormwater drains from Industrial area
directed to Niduvanda Kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 135

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Solid waste dumped near lake in Mudlinganahalli village

h: Solid waste dumped road side in i: Soil excavation in T.Begur Chikkakere

Niduvanda village

j: Stormwater drain outlet connected to lake in Motaganahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 136

EMPRI State of Affairs

k: Wastewater flow in the storm water drain l: Blackish green water behind Cadbury
of Thymgondlu village industry in Sitaramabhattapalya

m: Kumudvathi River in Chikkamaranahalli n: Check dam in Chikkamaranahalli

village stream

o: Water extraction from stream in p: Water pumping from Yelachagere

Basavenahalli village kere for agriculture plots

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 137

EMPRI State of Affairs

q: Sand washing in stream bed of r: Soil excavation in stream bed of

Chowdasandra Village Balaguruvanpalya village

s: Quarry in Basevanahalli village t: Stone cutting in Kadukarenahalli village

v: Stream encroachment by Amma

u: Stone crusher of Basavenahalli village Naturopathy and yoga center in Aralasandra
village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 138

EMPRI State of Affairs

x: Kirlosker Electricals industry in

w: Layout next to Dry River Kumudvathi in Govenahalli village
Tore-Kempahalli village

y: Fosroc Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd. in z: Pipe outlets into stream on NH-4 from
Kulvanahalli village Kemwell Pvt. Ltd. industry

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 139

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.33: Quarrying in Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Quarry in progress in Chikkobanahalli

village b: Quarry pit not reclaimed in Koyira village

c: Quarry in progress in Managondanahalli d: Quarry in progress in Koyira village

village

e: Quarry currently stopped in

f: Bacchahalli lake next to quarry site
Varadhanahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 140

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.34: Soil excavation in lakes of Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Soil excavation in Kannamangala lake b: Soil excavation in Madhure lake

c: Soil excavation in Honnavara lake d: Soil excavation inside Gulya lake

e : Construction debris dumped in f: Soil excavation and fishing in

Sonnenahalli kere Chikkavadagere lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 141

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Soil excavation in Muppadighatta lake h: Soil excavation in Gejjagadhahalli lake

i: Tractor for excavating soil and MSW in j: MSW and soil excavation inside Dodda
side Gejjagadhahalli lake Tumakuru lake

k: Soil excavation in Beerasandra lake l: Soil excavation by tractors in

Madhuranahosahalli lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 142

EMPRI State of Affairs

n: Soil excavation and the lake is completely

m: Soil excavation in Kakola lake
dry in Bhairapura

o: Soil excavation and fishing in

p: Rapid soil excavation in Challahalli lake
Buddamanahalli kere

q: Dibbur lake is almost dry and soil r: Rapid soil excavation in Linganahalli kere
excavation

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 143

EMPRI State of Affairs

s: soil excavation in Ammanikere t: Soil excavation in Beerasandra lake

u: Soil excavation in Thirumagondanahalli lake v: brick work inside Thirumagondanahalli lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 144

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.35: Encroachment on lakes for agriculture in Hesaraghatta sub-catchment (Zone-1)

a: Encroachment by grape plantation in b: Sri Lakshmi Breading Poultry Farm on

Koluru Rayanahalli kere the Byatha lake bed

c: Slight encroachment by Nilgiri plantation d: Ragi separation and fencing of the Gulya
and soil excavation in Honnavara lake lake

e: Honnadevipura lake is completely dry f: Saplings planted inside Kadanur lake

with slight encroachment by areca
plantation
Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 145
EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Nigiri and grape plantation has slightly h: Encroachment by Nilgiri plantation in

encroached Byrasandra lake Gejjagadhahalli lake

i: Encroachment of areca plantation inside j: Nilgiri plantation inside Doddagollahalli

Madhagondanahalli lake lake

k: Compound constructed in
Obadevanahalli lake l: Cat fish raring in Madhagondanahalli lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 146

EMPRI State of Affairs

m: encroachment by agriculture in arakere n: Apartment built on the Kadathamale lake

lake bed

o: Poultry on Sadenahalli lake bed

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 147

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.36: Wastes Dumped in Lakes of Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Solid and burning waste dumped in the b: Fishing tent and plastic waste in the Kakola
outlet of Madhure lake kere

d: Solid waste dumped in culvert in

c: Ramadevanahalli lake is completely dry Madhure village

e: Construction debris dumped in

Buddamanahalli kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 148

EMPRI State of Affairs

f: Solid and burning waste in culvert of g: Agriculture and burning waste in

Doddagollahalli village Gejjagadhahalli lake

h: Solid waste and construction debris in i: Garbage dump in ammanipalya lake

Ramanathapura lake

j: Solid waste dumped in Rajankunte lake k: garbage dump in Suradenapura lake

from nearby houses

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 149

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.37: Groundwater exploitation in lakes of Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: MSW and inspection man hole in b: Bore well drilled inside Dibbur lake
Koluru Rayanahalli kere

d: Bore well drilled inside Kukkanahalli lake

c: Bore well drilled on the lake bed

f: Drawing Madhure lake water into tankers

e: MSW and bore well on Madhure lake
bed

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 150

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: A pipe has been installed inside the

h: MSW and bore well inside Aruvanahalli
Dodda Tumakuru
lake
lake for drawing water

i: MSW and bore well inside Masandra j: Underground pipe in Suradenapura lake
Ammani lake used for agricultural purposes

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 151

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.38: Wastewater discharged to the lakes of Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

b: A small pond in the edge of the

a: Drain carrying sewage into Madhure Bashettihalli lake that contains industrial
lake waste

c: A pipe connecting to the storm water

drain from BRFL, carrying to Bashettihalli
lake

d: A small drain containing industrial waste from BRFL entering the dry Bashettihalli
lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 152

EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Drain containing sewage from the village is entering Majara Hosahalli lake

f: Drain containing waste from Birla

Cement factory is entering Majara g: Small puddle in Shanubhoganahalli lake
Hosahalli lake is filled with sewage from close by houses

h: Solid waste dumped and waste from

village entering Haniyur lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 153

EMPRI State of Affairs

i: Vehicle and cattle washing in j: sewage inlet into Suradenapura lake from
Adhiganahalli lake houses next to the lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 154

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.39: Central Effluent Treatment Plant next to Bashettihalli kere in Hesaraghatta sub-
catchment (Zone-1)

Sewage treatment plant and (BRFL) next to

Bashettihalli kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 155

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.40: STP Construction in Majara Hosahalli lake in of Hesaraghatta sub-catchment (Zone-1)

a: Construction of sewage treatment plant

inside Majara hosahalli lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 156

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.41: Doddaballapura Industrial Area in Hesaraghatta Sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Doddaballapura Industrial area

c: Bombay Rayon Fashions Ltd (BRFL)

b: Doddaballapura Industrial area Areguddadhahalli village

d: Birla Super Bulk Terminal in Ba e: Sri Vasavi granite in Bacchahalli village

Shettyhalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 157

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.42: Wastewater discharged into water course of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Thirumalapura wastewater carried in a

concrete pipe by pass beneath Madavara kere b: Effluent let into drain of
and discharge wastewater into drain further Thirumalapura village
connected to river Arkavathi

c: Wastewater drain in Singapura village d: Drain carrying wastewater in

Dasarahalli village

e: Sullage in Hunnegere village f: Polluted Doddabidarakallu Kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 158

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Nagasandra drain h: Koolipura drain

i: Drain carrying stale wastewater in j: Stale wastewater flow to Sondekoppa

Handarahalli village Lake

k: Manhole and inspection chamber near l: Sewage flowing near Bagalakunte Lake
Bagalakunte Lake

m: Sewer outlet found in Dasanapura

Lake
Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 159
EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.43: Aquatic weeds in lakes of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Water Hyacinth spread in b: Eichhornia crassipes spread in

Doddabidarakallu kere Arasinakunte lake

c: Water hyacinth spread in d: Water hyacinth in Nelamangala kere

Kammagondanahalli Lake

e: Water hyacinth in Arasinakunte lake f: Aquatic weed and Solid waste dump in
Nelakadhrenahalli Kere (sy.no. 59)

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 160

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.44: Solid waste disposal in lakes of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Ramky Dumping Site in Mavallipura

b: Construction and demolition waste in
village
Madavara Lake

c: Barber shop waste in Madavara Lake d: Poultry waste in Madavara Lake

e: Waste dumped in Madavara Lake f: Construction and demolition waste in

Abbigere Lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 161

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Garbage Waste dump in the Abbigere

h: Barber shop waste in Abbigere Lake
Lake

j: Burning of waste in Byalakere Lake

i: Waste dumped in the Abbigere Lake

k: waste floating in Gangaondanahalli lake l: Organic waste and cow dung piled up in
Bylakonenahalli kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 162

EMPRI State of Affairs

m: waste dump near Bagalakunte Lake n: Construction and Demolition waste in

Byalakere Lake

o: Construction and Demolition waste p: Waste discarded in Dasarahalli kere

dumped in Arasinakunte Lake

q: Construction & Demolition waste in r: Burning waste in Lakshmipura Lake

Bagalakunte Lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 163

EMPRI State of Affairs

s: Waste dump in Mallasandra Lake t: Waste dump in Lakshmipura Lake

u: Waste floating in Nagaruru-Pillahalli v: Waste dump in Shettyhalli kere

Lake

w: Waste dump in Vaddarahalli village x: Burning waste and poultry waste dump
in Kachohalli Lake

y: waste dump in Nelamangala village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 164

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.45: Soil excavation in lakes of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Soil excavation in Byalakere Lake b: Soil excavation in Hunnegere lake

c: Soil excavation in Kengenahalli Lake d: Soil excavation and Construction and

demolition waste dump in Sondekoppa Lake

e: Soil excavation in Koolipura Lake f: Mallapura Lake

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 165

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.46: Quarrying in Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Quarrying in Byregowdanahalli village b: Quarrying in Mallasandra village

c: Quarrying in Hadhripura village d: Quarrying in Hadhripura village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 166

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.47: STP in Nagasandra village of Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Doddabidarakallu kere

b: STP of Nagasandra village c: Fine bar screen chamber of STP in

Nagasandra village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 167

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.48: STP of Dasarahalli village in Arkavathi Sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Dasarahalli kere b: STP in Dasarahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 168

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plate-4.49: Peenya Industrial Area in Arkavathi sub-catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Drain carrying wastewater and waste b: Waste dump in phase-3

dump in Stage 2

c: Waste dump next to drain in Stage-2 d: Waste dumped in Phase-4

e: Clothes discarded opposite to Sree f: Waste dumped in Phase-3

Eshwari Textiles

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 169

EMPRI State of Affairs

g: Volvo industry located in Phase-1 h: Waste dump in Stage-2

i: Waste dump in Phase-3 j: Phase-3 drain

k: Phase-2 drain l: Stage-2 drain

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 170

EMPRI State of Affairs

m: Stagnant wastewater in Shivapura kere n: Black coloured wastewater in Shivapura

kere

o: Shivapura kere

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 171

EMPRI State of Affairs

Plates-4.50: Environmental Concerns in the Kumudvathi sub-Catchment area (Zone-1)

a: Borewell inside the lake (sy. No. 46) of b: Mini water supply (MWS) in Naganahalli
Machonayakanahalli village village

; 410

c: Mini water supply (MWS) in Kottaganahalli d: Drawing of water from the lake by
village tankers in Hemapura village

e: Excavation of soil from the Yedehallikere and dumping in the opposite field in Yedehalli
village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 172

EMPRI State of Affairs

f: Sand mining in the Yedehalli kere in g: Sand mined in Avverahalli kere in

Yedehalli village Avverahalli village

h: Agricultural waste in the lake of i: Burning of biomedical waste near the lake
Narasipura village in Geddalahalli village

j: Solid waste dumped in and around the Sompurakere in Sompura village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 173

EMPRI State of Affairs

k: Adjacent to the Sompura kere in Sompura village

l: Waste water entering the Sompurakere in

Sompura village

m: Solid waste disposal unit is established by Nelmangala Town Municipal Council in

Kangondanahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 174

EMPRI State of Affairs

n: Wastewater from the settlement in entering o: Waste water through storm water is
the lake in Bommanahalli village entering lake in Margondanahalli village

p: Quarry in Billanakote village q: Quarry in Mahimapura village

r: Preparation for quarry in Narayanaraopalya s: Quarry at the edge of the lake (sy. No. 46)
village in Machonayakanahalli village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 175

EMPRI State of Affairs

t: Abandoned quarry in Laxmanapura village u: Abandoned quarry in Kanugondanahalli

Wall

v: Stream within the compound and adjacent to s: Attached to stream is Hazardous Waste
the industries in Sompura and Dabbaspet Treatment storage and Disposal facility in
Industrial area in Yedehalli village Pemmanahalli village

x: Solid waste dumping inside the stream within y: Check dam inside the stream in
the Industrial Area in Pemmanahalli village Narayanaraopalya village

Comprehensive Assessment of TGR Catchment Area: Volume-I 176

 EMPRI State of Affairs

Plates-4.51: Observation in the Kumudvathi sub-Catchment area (Zone-1)

a: SM College of Engineering adjacent to the lake in Kammasandra village

b: Godown adjacent to the Billanakote kere c: Layout and compound adjacent to the lake
in Billanakote village in Byadarahalli village

d: Industries close to the lake (Sy. No. 153)

in Budhihaal village

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EMPRI State of Affairs

e: Rain water harvesting in a commercial f: Rain water harvesting in the farm in

building in Lakkuru village Halenahalli village

g: Rain Water Harvesting project near the Bommanahalli village lake (Sy. No. 61) by UBL

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CHAPTER-5: Change in Landuse/ Landcoverfor the Period

2003-2014
5.1. Introduction:
The entire geographical area drained by a river and its drainage network system is known as
river catchment area. The catchment areas vary in shape and size. Catchment area of river
includes many sub-catchment areas which are otherwise also known as watersheds. The
characteristics of any river (physical, chemical and biological) are determined by the nature of
the catchment and human activities happening in
that area. Our stream and rivers have been
changed dramatically because of rapid and
unplanned urbanization. Catchment area has also
been greatly modified for several human
purposes like agricultural activity, urban
development, introduction of exotic plants etc.
Vegetation and wetlands act like sponges to slow
down and absorb water and when these are
replaced with impervious surfaces (buildings,
roads, pavement, parking areas etc.), the
infiltration rate decreases and ground water
recharge also decreases which ultimately lead to
depletion in ground water table and increase in
runoff. So whatever happens even in the small
drainages also affects the main river. Both
positive and negative impacts attribute to the
main river. Understanding the river system,
assessment and analysis of the current situation
and its comparison with the past situation is the
Source: http://www.waterprotection.ca/images/watershedb.jpg
main concern of the present study.

In this chapter, attempt has been made to address the Terms of Reference (ToR) 2, 3 and
4 given by Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka for identifying the changes in landuse/ landcover
and understanding the present situation of the TGR catchment area.

 The 2nd Terms of Reference for the study requires a comprehensive study of the
present status of TGR catchment area and to provide the details of superstructures and
infrastructure that have come up post notification no. FEE 215 ENV 2000 dated
18/11/2003 issued by the Government of Karnataka (the ‘2003 Notification’), clearly
depicting the changes in landuse/ landcover pattern in the entire area and with
particular focus on conservation Zone-2, 3 and 4.
 The 3rd Terms of Reference aims at identification and providing survey numbers in
which each of the superstructures and any other infrastructure had come up, including
details of the permissions given by concerned authorities.

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 The 4th Terms of Reference aims at identification of superstructures and the purpose
for which they are presently utilized.

It is submitted here that complete identification of all superstructures within the various
zones is a gigantic task that requires total station survey/ DGPS survey. Hence an attempt has
been made to provide the required information using remote sensing as well as field
verification. In the previous chapter, observations have been summarized zone wise for all the
four zones. Also GPS readings have been provided for each of the recorded observation. In
this chapter, the analysis using remote sensing and GIS with regards to the change in landuse/
landcover has been provided.

5.2. Study Area:

The TG Halli catchment area is segregated into four zones i.e. Zone-1, 2, 3 and 4
(Figure-5.1). The entire Zone-1 is known as TG Halli Catchment area, the Zone-2 covers the
TGR reservoir with 2 km buffer around the reservoir. Zone-3 is the area covered within the
distance of 1 km buffer on both sides of the main rivers, Arkavathi river up to Hesaraghatta
tank and Kumudvathi river and Zone-4, consists of the area covered within 1 to 2 km on both
sides of the main rivers.

5.3. Methodology:
As per the Hon’ble High Court order dated on 02-02-2015, the remote sensing and
GIS analysis has been carried out by Karnataka State Remote sensing Application Centre
(KSRSAC) which is the nodal agency of the State Government for remote sensing and GIS
work. The change detection analysis for landuse and landcover (LU/LC) has been carried out
by KSRSAC using LISS (Linear Imaging Self Scanner) IV satellite imageries of the month of
December for both the years 2003 and 2014. LISS IV imageries have a resolution of 5.8
meters.

The materials used for the present study are

a. LISS IV data for the years 2003 (IRS Resourcesat-1) and 2014 (IRS Resourcesat-2),
ortho-corrected and geo-referenced
b. ArcGIS platform
c. Survey of India topographic maps
Datum used: WGS84
Projection: UTM

The methodology that has been followed for the present analysis is as follows
The landuse/ landcover type classes were delineated by using on-screen visual
interpretation technique on the basis of image elements such as colour, tone, texture, pattern,
association, shape and size. The Survey of India topomaps were used for locational reference.
The classification is done for both 2003 and 2014. The entire area is classified into the
following categories of landuse and landcover classes (Table-5.1) that have been identified using
LISS IV imageries.

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Figure-5.1. TGR catchment area

i. Agricultural land
These are the lands primarily used for farming and for production of food, fibre and
other commercial and horticultural crops. It includes land under crops (irrigated and un-
irrigated, fallow, plantations, etc.).

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In TGR catchment the agriculture lands are further classified into crop land (which
includes fallow lands), Horticultural plantations (includes garden crop, vegetables and
orchards), Agricultural plantation (includes Eucalyptus/Acacia, etc.).

 Aquaculture/ Pisciculture: These are the areas where fish are bred and reared for
commercial purpose.

ii. Built-up land:

In the catchment area the built-up category includes mostly urban/rural
settlements/Mining/Quarrying/Industry/Roads.

iii. Forest:
Scrub forests are the areas where trees and thorny bushes/scrubs are noticed.
 Forest plantation: These are the areas of tree species for forestry raised and managed
especially in the notified forest areas.

Table-5.1: Landuse classification used in the present study

SI. No Level-1 Level-2 Level-3
Crop land Crop land
Horticulture Plantation/
1 Agricultural land Plantation
Agriculture Plantation
Aquaculture/ Pisciculture Aquaculture / Pisciculture
Built up
Built up(Urban)
Layout
Built up(Rural) Village /Hamlet
2 Built-up
Industrial/ Godowns/ Sheds
Mining /Industrial
Mining /Quarry
Transportation Road
Forest
3 Forest Forest Forest plantation/
Eucalyptus
Scrub land(Land with or
Scrub land
without scrub)
4 Wastelands
Gullied /Ravinous land Gullied/ Ravinous land
Barren rocky Barren rocky
Reservoir / Tanks / Pond Reservoir / Tanks / Pond
5 Water bodies
River/Stream/Drain River/Stream/Drain

iv. Wasteland:
These are described as degraded lands which can be brought under vegetative cover
with reasonable effort and which is currently under-utilized and land which is deteriorating for
lack of appropriate water and soil management on account of natural causes. These lands are
again categorized into Scrub land (Land with or without scrub), gullied land and barren rocky.
 Scrubland (Land with or without scrub): These are lands which are generally prone
to deterioration due to erosion. Such lands generally occupy topographically high
locations, excluding hilly/mountain regions. Scrub lands are associated with

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moderate slope in plains and foot hills and generally surrounded by agricultural
lands.
 Barren rocky: These are rock exposures of varying lithology often barren and devoid
of soil and vegetation cover.

v. Water bodies:
This category comprises area with surface water, either impounded in the form of
ponds, tanks, reservoir or flowing as river/streams etc.

5.4. Limitations of the Present Study:

The limitation of using LISS IV is that it is not possible to identify individual
superstructures as LISS IV images of Resourcesat have a spatial resolution of 5.8m. The
structure identified generally as built-up may be a shed or industrial building or residential
building or a godown. Accurate identification of these structures has to be carried out by field
survey. Hence the present study provides the details about the total area under built-up in the
Zones-1, 2, 3 and 4, but is not able to provide the details of individual superstructure. However
the changes are indicative of the developments that have happened in the period between the
year 2003 and 2014.

5.5. Results:
The remote sensing and GIS analysis carried out by KSRSAC, gives the following
results for various zones of the TGR catchment area and the change in landuse/ landcover of
the area under study.

5.5.1. Zone-1 of TGR Catchment Area:

The area occupied by different units of landcover in the TGR Catchment (Zone-1) is
given in Table-5.2; Figure-5.2a and 5.2b. The result indicates that in the year 2003 (year of
notification) agriculture occupied 77.82% area of the catchment and it has reduced to 70.44%
in the year 2014. Correspondingly, there is an increase of Built-up area (used in the report to
refer housing/ industry/ mining/ layout/ roads etc.) from 9.24% in the year 2003 to 16.26% in
the year 2014 (Figure-5.3). The area under other land cover units viz. forest, wastelands and
water bodies has not changed significantly.

5.5.2. Zone-2 of TGR Catchment:

The area occupied by different units of landcover in the Zone-2 is given in Table-5.3
and presented in Figure-5.4a and 5.4b. The area under agriculture and wastelands has
decreased marginally whereas the area under built-up class has increased significantly from
171.67 ha (2.93%) in 2003 to 239.95 ha (4.10%) in 2014 (Figure-5.5). Area under forest and
Water bodies did not change significantly in this period.

5.5.3. Zone-3 of TGR Catchment:

The area occupied by different landcover classes in the Zone-3 is given in Table-5.4
and Figure-5.6a and 5.6b. The area under agriculture has come down from 10113.02 ha
(81.62%) in the year 2003 to 8993.12 ha (72.58%) in the year 2014 due to increase of
activities in the sector Built-up. The Built-up area increased drastically from 962.12 ha

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(7.76%) in the year 2003 to 2039.73 ha (16.46%) in the year 2014 (Figure-5.7). The area
under forest, wastelands and water bodies has not changed significantly.

Table-5.2. Landuse/ Landcover classes of Zone-1

Year 2003 2014
% of % of
Sl.
Level-1 Level-2 Level-3 Area in Ha Total Area in Ha Total
No
Area Area
Aquaculture/ Aquaculture/
2.36 0.00 18.55 0.01
Pisciculture Pisciculture
1
Agricult Crop land Crop land 75000.68 50.99 62086.18 42.21
ural land Horticulture
9196.06 6.25 11711.73 7.96
Plantation
Plantation Plantation/
30259.17 20.57 29781.98 20.25
Eucalyptus
Sub total 114458.28 77.82 103598.45 70.44
Built up Built up 3293.88 2.24 6896.59 4.69
2 (Urban) Layout 1851.89 1.26 6654.79 4.52
Built-up
Built up(Rural) Village /Hamlet 5190.83 3.53 5268.23 3.58
Mining Industrial/
1588.18 1.08 3066.91 2.09
/Industrial Godowns/ Sheds
Mining /Quarry 897.32 0.61 1105.97 0.75
Transportation Road 766.12 0.52 916.29 0.62
Sub total 13588.21 9.24 23908.77 16.26
3 Forest Forest Forest 1218.54 0.83 1256.50 0.85
Forest plantation 1327.90 0.90 1196.53 0.81
Sub total 2546.44 1.73 2453.03 1.67
Barren rocky Barren rocky 1897.58 1.29 1734.18 1.18
Gullied Gullied/ Ravinous
4 26.40 0.02 26.68 0.02
Wastela /Ravinous land land
nds Scrub land (Land
with or without 7543.48 5.13 8088.64 5.50
Scrub land scrub)
Sub total 9467.46 6.44 9849.50 6.70
Reservoir / Reservoir / Tanks/
6837.86 4.65 7088.91 4.82
5 Water Tanks / Pond Pond
bodies River/Stream/ River/ Stream/
185.99 0.13 185.59 0.13
Drain Drain
Sub total 7023.85 4.78 7274.50 4.95
Total area: 147084.25 Ha

5.5.4. Zone-4 of TGR catchment:

Area under different landcover units is given in Table-5.5 and Figure-5.8a and 5.8b.
The area under agriculture has decreased significantly from 9491.21 ha (82.88%) in the year
2003 to 8145.49 ha (71.13%) in the year 2014. This kind of negative impact on productive
landuse has occurred due to increasing activities in the built-up sector and some lands going
to the class wastelands. Built-up area increased two and half times in the period, that is,
934.81 ha (8.16%) in the year 2003 and 2226.56 ha (19.44%) in the year 2014. The
wastelands increased from 661.84 ha (5.78%) in the year 2003 to 723.05 ha (6.31%) in the
year 2014 (Figure-5.9).

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Figure-5.2a.Landuse/landcover map of TGR catchment area (2003)

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Figure-5.2b.Landuse/landcover map of TGR catchment area (2014)

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2003 Area in Ha 2014 area in Ha

80000.00

60000.00

40000.00
Ha.

20000.00

0.00

Scrub land(Land with or…

Barren rocky
Crop land

Road
Built up

Forest

Forest plantation
Village /Hamlet
Layout

Gulleid /Ravinous land

Mining /Quarry

Reservoir / Tanks / Pond

Horticulture Plantation

River/Stream/Drain
Aquculture / Pisciculture

Plantation / Eucalyptus

Industrial / Gowdowns / Sheds

Landuse/ Landcover Type

Figure-5.3. Graph showing LU/LC change in the entire catchment area

5.5.5. Village wise Information:

One of the Terms of Reference included in the study is to identify and denote the
survey numbers in which the superstructures and other infrastructure have been put up. The
KSRSAC has undertaken the change in landuse and landcover study for the years 2003 and
2014 and the digitalized village boundaries were superimposed on the landuse/ landcover
maps of the Zones-2, 3 & 4. Following this process, village wise data which covers 200 villages
in these zones under different landuse/ landcover classes has been extracted. The landuse/
landcover data of all the 200 villages are compiled as village wise tables and given in
Annexure-5.1. This was also corroborated with field observations.

5.5.5a. Villages where the Landuse has Changed Substantially between 2003 and 2014:
An attempt has also been made to identify critical villages undergoing significant
landuse changes in recent years. The village wise statistics indicate that increase in built up
area is seen in 23 villages, which have under gone changes in landuse, particularly in
development of layouts, roads, construction of storage structure/ godowns, mining/quarry
etc. Among these 23 villages, 15 villages have significant landuse/landcover changes (Table-
5.6 and Figure-5.10). The following table indicates the change in landuse/ landcover in the
villages and also the survey numbers where developments have happened to a greater
extent.

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Table 5.3: Landuse/Landcover classification for the year 2003 and 2014 of Zone-2
2003 2014
% of
Sl. Area in % of Total Area in
Level-1 Level-2 Level-3 Total
No Ha Area Ha
Area
Crop land Crop land 2888.11 49.32 2775.45 47.40
1 Agricultu Horticulture
174.88 2.99 286.79 4.90
ral land Plantation
Plantation Plantation /
175.48 3.00 156.42 2.67
Eucalyptus
Sub total 3238.48 55.31 3218.66 54.97
Built
3.39 0.06 17.21 0.29
up(Urban) Layout
2
Built
104.68 1.79 136.88 2.34
Built-up up(Rural) Village /Hamlet
Mining Industrial /
22.50 0.38 44.22 0.76
/Industrial Gowdowns / Sheds
Mining /Quarry 41.11 0.70 41.64 0.71
Sub total 171.67 2.93 239.95 4.10
Forest 186.45 3.18 241.41 4.12
3
Forest Forest Forest plantation 58.64 1.00 4.61 0.08
Sub total 245.09 4.19 246.02 4.20
Barren rocky Barren rocky 177.44 3.03 350.03 5.98
4 Wastela Scrub land(Land
nds with or without 1347.78 23.02 1131.01 19.31
Scrub land scrub)
Sub total 1525.22 26.05 1481.04 25.29
Reservoir / Reservoir / Tanks /
633.44 10.82 628.24 10.73
5 Water Tanks / Pond Pond
bodies River/Stream/
41.74 0.71 41.74 0.71
Drain River/Stream/Drain
Sub total 675.18 11.53 669.98 11.44
Total area of Zone-2: 5855.64 Ha

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Figure-5.4a.Landuse/landcover map of zone-2 of TGR catchment area (2003)

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Figure-5.4b.Landuse/landcover map of zone-2 of TGR catchment (2014)

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2003 Area in Ha 2014 area in Ha

3000.00

2500.00

2000.00
Ha.

1500.00

1000.00

500.00

0.00

Scrub land(Land with or…

Forest plantation

Barren rocky
Crop land

Forest
Layout

Village /Hamlet

Mining /Quarry
Horticulture Plantation

Reservoir / Tanks / Pond

River/Stream/Drain
Plantation / Eucalyptus

Industrial / Gowdowns / Sheds

Landuse/ Landcover Type

Figure-5.5: Graph showing LU/LC type zone-2

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Table-5.4: Landuse/Landcover classification for 2003 and 2014 of Zone-3

Year 2003 2014
% of % of
Sl. Area in
Leve-1 Level-2 Level-3 Area in Ha Total Total
No Ha
Area Area
Aquaculture / Aquaculture /
0.00 0.00 0.64 0.01
Pisciculture Pisciculture
1
Agricultu Crop land Crop land 6884.162 55.56 5382.11 43.44
ral land Horticulture
1438.693 11.61 1639.67 13.23
Plantation
Plantation Plantation /
1790.167 14.45 1970.70 15.90
Eucalyptus
Sub total 10113.023 81.62 8993.12 72.58

Built up(Urban) Built up 95.721 0.77 221.83 1.79

2 Layout 109.791 0.89 817.67 6.60
Built up(Rural) Village /Hamlet 448.727 3.62 555.90 4.49
Built-up
Industrial /
Mining Gowdowns / 127.789 1.03 232.34 1.88
/Industrial Sheds
Mining /Quarry 126.797 1.02 150.64 1.22
Transportation Road 53.292 0.43 61.34 0.50
Sub total 962.117 7.76 2039.73 16.46
3 Forest Forest Forest plantation 53.526 0.43 51.93 0.42
Sub total 53.526 0.43 51.93 0.42
Barren rocky Barren rocky 66.816 0.54 71.13 0.57
4 Wastela Scrub land(Land
nds with or without 675.734 5.45 716.33 5.78
Scrub land scrub)
Sub total 742.550 5.99 787.46 6.36
Reservoir / Reservoir /
385.328 3.11 384.71 3.10
5 Water Tanks / Pond Tanks / Pond
bodies River/Stream/Dr River/Stream/Dr
134.502 1.09 134.09 1.08
ain ain
Sub total 519.83 4.20 518.80 4.19
Total area of Zone-3: 12391.05 Ha

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Figure-5.6a. Landuse/landcover map of Zone-3 of TGR catchment area (2003)

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Figure-5.6b.Landuse/landcover map of Zone-3 of TGR catchment area (2014)

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 Ha.
EMPRI

2000.00
4000.00
6000.00
8000.00

0.00
Aquculture / Pisciculture

Crop land

Horticulture Plantation

Plantation / Eucalyptus

Built up

Layout

Village /Hamlet
2003 Area in Ha

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Mining /Quarry
Landuse/ Landcover Type Road

Forest plantation
2014 area in Ha

Barren rocky
Figure-5.7. Graph showing LU/LC type Zone-3

Scrub land(Land with or…

Reservoir / Tanks / Pond

River/Stream/Drain
Landuse/ Landcover

195
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Table-5.5.Landuse/Landcover classification for the year 2003 and 2014 of Zone-4

2003 2014
% of % of
Sl. Area in Area in
Level-1 Level-2 Level-3 Total Total
No Ha Ha
Area Area
Aquaculture / Aquaculture /
0.00 0.00
Pisciculture Pisciculture 0.86 0.01
1
Agricultur Crop land Crop land 6605.97 57.69 4901.43 42.80
al land Horticulture
10.87
Plantation 1244.38 1468.87 12.83
Plantation Plantation /
14.33
Eucalyptus 1640.86 1774.33 15.49
Subtotal 9491.21 82.88 8145.49 71.13
Built Built up 88.47 0.77 180.48 1.58
2 up(Urban) Layout 227.91 1.99 1082.91 9.46
Built up(Rural) Village /Hamlet 335.89 2.93 428.25 3.74
Built-up
Industrial /
Mining Gowdowns / 0.84
/Industrial Sheds 95.90 313.77 2.74
Mining /Quarry 138.05 1.21 165.48 1.45
Transportation Road 48.60 0.42 55.67 0.49
Subtotal 934.81 8.16 2226.56 19.44
3 Forest Forest Forest 11.69 0.10 6.54 0.06
Forest plantation 18.23 0.16 27.50 0.24
Subtotal 29.92 0.26 34.04 0.30
Barren rocky Barren rocky 150.54 1.31 165.16 1.44
4 Scrub land (Land
Wastelands with or without 4.46
Scrub land scrub) 511.30 557.89 4.87
Subtotal 661.84 5.78 723.05 6.31
Reservoir / Reservoir / Tanks
2.87
5 Water Tanks / Pond / Pond 328.19 316.82 2.77
bodies River/Stream/ River/Stream/Drai
0.05
Drain n 5.43 5.43 0.05
Subtotal 333.62 2.91 322.24 2.81
Total area of Zone-4: 11451.40 Ha

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Figure-5.8a.Landuse/ landcover map of Zone-4 of TGR catchment area (2003)

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Figure-5.8b.Landuse/ landcover map of Zone-4 of TGR catchment area (2014)

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2003 Area in Ha 2014 area in Ha

7000.00
6000.00
5000.00
Ha.

4000.00
3000.00
2000.00
1000.00
0.00

Scrub land (Land with or…

Barren rocky
Crop land

Built up

Road

Forest

Forest plantation
Layout

Village /Hamlet

Mining /Quarry
Horticulture Plantation

Reservoir / Tanks / Pond

River/Stream/Drain
Aquculture / Pisciculture

Plantation / Eculyptus

Landuse/ Landcover Type

Figure-5.9: Graph showing LU/LC type Zone-4

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Table-5.6. Village wise changes in more intensely affected villages in built up area indicating
survey numbers where the development is more prominent

Built up area
SI. Difference
Villages (Ha) Survey No.
No. (Ha)
2003 2014
171,166,165,152,136,173,172,
1 Kadabagere 49.17 178.68 129.51 131,26,35,36,53, 54,
49,79,80,97,90
51,53,62,63,64,75,72,71,66,45,
J.I.Heggadadevanapura 111.30
2 26.76 84.54 67,4, 80,11,8
3 Huralichikkanahalli 22.76 94.17 71.41 117,118,68,57,52,73,71
16,15,42,43,41,5,145,23,51,50,
Bylkonehalli
4 2.96 71.50 68.54 16
6,12,26,67,30,70,29,71,73,23,
Madhanayakanahalli 145.74
5 93.45 52.29 22,34
71,72,78,88,94,106,112,130,
Dasanapura 40.90 83.59
6 42.69 139,100, 101,95
26,52,51,49,48,29,40,47,45,44,
K.G.Kurubarahalli 44.41 35,38, 37,23,43,42,39,40,61,9,
7 3.44 40.97 10,63
8 Dombarahalli 27.59 67.01 39.42 24,25,15,27,2,8,6
27,28,30,34,23,108,102,105,79,
Madhavara 63.41
9 30.17 33.24 80,74,81,83, 123,76
10 Makali 44.27 69.70 25.43 13,11,14,10,6,3,4,5
11 Tharabanahalli 19.19 44.18 24.99 54,56,55,32,2,3,58,59,15
12 Adikemaranahalli 47.59 66.51 18.92 4,6,5,8,14,15,16,3,30,27,16,37
13 Bilijaji 6.26 23.96 17.70 29,33,28,19,11,3,12,36,15
14 Honniganahatti 5.09 15.91 10.82 36,3,4,5,16,8,67,6,5
26,55,45,54,29,35,33,32,49,48,
Naganahalli 15.91
15 5.17 10.74 2,24,43
16 Shiddanahosahalli 35.42 42.95 7.53 32,5,29,16,33,19,4,6, 10
167,15,178,182,97,98,76,75,68,
Tavarekere 7.67 13.53 5.86 67,63,65,59,52,48,41,44,53,20,
17 184,108,123, 45
18 K.G.Hanumanthasagara 4.79 9.20 4.41 13,12,18
19 Channenahalli 3.19 6.84 3.66 51,41
20 Dasenahalli 10.96 13.08 2.12 4,5,36,10
150,121,116,199,186,180,177,
21 J.I.Ivarakondapura 33.74 35.59 1.85 176,74,73,68,2,1,23,22,20,13,2,
6, 7
22 Gejjagadahalli 21.92 23.29 1.37 -
23 Madhagirihalli 0.59 1.57 0.98 25,21,28,20,24,26

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2003 area in Ha 2014 area in Ha

180

160

140

120
Ha.

100

80

60

40

20

Gejjagadahalli
Kadabagere

Bilijaji
Tharabanahalli

Dasenahalli
Bylkonehalli

Channenahalli
Dasanapura

Madhavara
Dombarahalli

Honniganahatti

K.G.Hanumanthasagara
J.I.Heggadadevanapura
Huralichikkanahalli

Madhanayakanahalli

Adikemaranahalli

J.I.Ivarakondapura
Shiddanahosahalli
K.G.Kurubarahalli

Makali

Tavarekere
Naganahalli

Madhagirihalli
Name of Villages

Figure-5.10: Graph showing village wise increase in built up area from 2003 to 2014

The above graph is showing the village wise increase in built up area from 2003 to
2014. It is observed and analysed that Kadabagere village is showing maximum development
followed by J.I. Heggadadevanapura and Huralichikkanhalli. Further detailed information
about the type of built up area (built up, layout, industrial area, mining/quarry, and
village/hamlet) for all the 23 villages (tables and maps) are given in Annexure-5.2 and
Annexure-5.3 (Village maps are given in A3 size).

It is submitted that on the basis of remote sensing analysis with LISS IV imagery of
resolution 5.8 m, it is only possible to indicate the survey numbers wherein more area has
come under built-up or layout. However it is not possible to provide the exact nature of such
superstructures and the purpose for which it is being currently used. However a detailed survey
of the superstructures that are under litigation in various writ petitions has been carried out and
covered in chapter 6. From the field observations of writ petitions, it is clear that most of the
superstructures are being used for the residential purpose/ godown for storage/ commercial
purpose or in few uses for industries.

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To give a visual understanding of the developments, Google imageries of 2004 and

2014 were also used to identify major changes in landuse particularly increased activities in
developing layouts, formation of new godowns, expansion of settlements etc. The maps are
indicative and should be used only for visualization. Fifteen villages which have significant
changes were selected from Arkavathi river stretch and four from Kumudvathi river stretch.
Delineation of all the superstructures and changes in the area are done using Google map of
2004 and 2014 (detailed maps are attached as Annexure-5.4 for Arkavathi river stretch villages
and Annexure-5.5 for Kumudvathi river stretch villages). From the analysis it is inferred that the
maximum development has taken place in these areas in the form of new godowns, layout
formation, expansion of road and expansion of settlements. Maximum development in
superstructures and infrastructures are observed in the vicinity of NH-4, NH-48 (Figure-5.11).
As compared to Kumudvathi river stretch, Arkavathi river surrounding is much more disturbed
due to development of superstructures, layouts, etc. As it is near to Bangalore city and the
Peenya Industrial area, more development has occurred along Arkavathi river area.

5.5.6. Encroachment of Tanks

The effect of urbanization has also taken a toll on the tanks in the TGR area.
Developmental activities have caused conversion of water bodies to godowns, industries and
layout formation. Some of these encroachments were observed during field visits and also
compared with available satellite imageries. The details of the identified encroachments have
been enclosed as Annexure-5.6. These encroachments should be verified by revenue
Authorities and Tank Development Authority by conducting detailed survey.

5.5.7. Drainages affected in TGR catchment

An effort has also been made to identify the changes in drainage pattern in the last 11
years (2000 and 2011) from the available data. Change in drainage pattern analysis was done by
using available data of 2000 and 2011 from KSRSAC and 2009 from Nelamangala Planning
Authority (NPA). It is inferred that, around 80 primary drainages have disappeared, dried up
and encroached due to several developmental activities and also for agricultural purposes. The
drainages present in Bangalore North taluk are mostly affected. The change analysis is done
purely based on the available data that needs to be further verified in field. The same is
enclosed as Annexure-5.7.

5.5.8. Main roads and Rail network:

The map (Figure-5.11) shows the rail and main roads passing through the TGR
catchment area. There are two main rails passing through the area. NH4 is also passing through
Zone-1, Zone-3 and Zone-4. NH48 is passing through Zones-1, 3 and 4. NH207 is passing
through Zones-1, 3 and 4. Apart from this many State Highways (SH) are passing through the
area. Only few main SH are shown in the map (Figure-5.11).

5.5.9. Waterspread area of Thippagondanahalli and Hesaraghatta

The waterspread area is delineated by using visual interpretation technique and LISS-
IV imageries of 2003 and 2014. The waterspread area covered in 2003 was 166.47 ha and in
2014 it is 183.89 ha (Figure-5.12 and 5.13). There is a slight difference of i.e.17.42 ha change in
the waterspread area. The waterspread area is increased slightly in 2014 as compared to 2003.

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The waterspread area for Hesaraghatta was 13.83 ha in 2003 and it is 66.14 ha in 2014
(Figure-5.14 and5.15). From the above observation it is inferred that the waterspread area for
Hesaraghatta has increased significantly i.e. 52.37 ha.

The waterspread area calculation for TG Halli reservoir and Hesaraghatta given by
KSRSAC is only one season data which needs to be confirmed if all the other season data are
taken into consideration.

Figure-5.11. Rail and Main Road network of TGR catchment area

5.10. Conclusions:
The following are the general conclusions for the Remote Sensing analysis:

1. Some of the villages particularly in Zone-3 and Zone-4 have undergone remarkable
developmental activities in the form of buildings, layouts, godowns etc.
2. Conversion of agricultural area to built-up (settlements/layouts/roads/quarries/storage
structures etc.) is significant in zones 1, 3 and 4.
3. Remarkable urbanization has happened, particularly in zone-3 of Arkavathi river stretch
in the form of layouts, godowns, houses, commercial buildings, industries etc.

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4. A large number of godowns have come up in the area under the Gramin Bhandar
Yojana Scheme, particularly in the villages surrounding NH-4 of Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi river stretch and NH-48 of Kumudvathi river stretch.

Satellite imagery 2014

Figure-5.12. TGR waterspread area in 2014

Satellite imagery 2003

Figure-5.13: TGR waterspread area in 2003

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Satellite imagery 2014

Figure-5.14. Hesaraghatta Reservoir waterspread area in 2014

Satellite imagery 2003

Figure-5.15. Hesaraghatta Reservoir waterspread area in 2003

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Chapter-6: Water Yield and Availability

6.1. Introduction:
A river is a natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a
lake, a sea, or another river. In some rare cases a river could flow into the ground and dry up
completely at the end of its course, without reaching another waterbody. A river begins at a
source (or more often several sources) and ends at a mouth, following a path called a course.
The water in a river is usually confined to a channel, made up of a stream bed between banks.
Throughout the course of the river, the total volume of water transported downstream will
often be a combination of the free water flow together with a substantial volume flowing
through sub-surface rocks and gravels that underlie the river and its floodplain (hyporheic
zone). Two major river systems in India are grouped according to the origin such as Himalayan
and Peninsular rivers. The Peninsular rivers are draining its water into the Bay of Bengal and
Arabian Sea. Peninsular rivers in India have relatively steep gradients and thus rarely rise to
floods of the type, despite considerable variations in flow from the dry to wet seasons. The
lower courses of these rivers are marked by rapids and gorges, because of their steep gradients,
rocky underlying terrain, and variable flow regimes, the peninsular rivers are not navigable. The
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers drain into Cauvery river, which drain in to the Bay of Bengal.

Further based on the permanence of water flow, the rivers are classified as permanent
river and intermittent river. Intermittent river (ephemeral river) flows occasionally and can be
dry for several years at a time. These rivers are found in regions with limited or highly variable
rainfall, or can occur because of geologic conditions such as a highly permeable river bed.
Kumudvathi river is one of the ephemeral rivers, which flows during the monsoon season.
Water supply to the irrigation area and to the residential houses depends primarily on the
availability of the water at its source. Availability may vary a lot over the years, or even between
one year and another. Supply depends on the capacity of the facility installed to withdraw the
water from the water source. Thus it is important to know how much water can be tapped from
a water source over the course of a season or a year. The flow of river fluctuates over time,
some rivers fluctuate greatly over relatively short periods of time; these are mainly small local
rivers which respond quickly to rainfall in their catchment area. Large rivers show little
fluctuation or vary only over a long period of time, mainly rivers with a large catchment area,
where the rains are spread over a greater area and for a longer period of time. River flows vary
considerably, not only within a given year, but also from one year to the next. In a year with
little rain during the rainy season, the river flow will be small; sometimes the river flow will
cease altogether during the dry season. The river flow will be far more in years with heavy
rainfall during the wet season.

Water availability in reservoir depends on the river discharge (depends on rainfall),

height of the dam and the location area of the reservoir. A dam built in a valley will block the
river or stream and water can then be stored behind it, which is also called as on-stream
storage. Water is also stored off-stream by diverting the flow into a natural depression or dead
river branch alongside the river, or by constructing a storage reservoir. Availability of
groundwater is less irregular than that of small rivers. Aquifers at shallow depths are likely to be

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very thin with a limited storage capacity for groundwater. So the water pumping during the
rainy season is easier, after the aquifer has been replenished. The aquifers dry up after a few
months. The total water availability from shallow groundwater is determined by the number of
wells and the capacity of these wells, or by the capacity of the pumps installed, whichever is
smaller. To ensure a stable supply of groundwater, the rate of use should not exceed the rate of
recharge.

6.2. Methodology:
In this study, the water yield in TGR was estimated based on the secondary data
collected from the BWSSB and the yield is correlated with the rainfall data procured from the
Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Groundwater level data for
the TGR catchment area were collected from the DMG groundwater monitoring cell. Water
spread area in the TGR during the month of December’2014 is mapped with the help of GPS
tracking system. Since the information about Arkavathi and Kumudvathi could not be obtained
from any Government Agency, it is not possible to provide data on the yield or availability of
water in these two rivers separately. For the purpose, Central Water Commission, State Water
Resources Department, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited were contacted. For visualization of
the stretches in which water is presently available, the present water availability has been
mapped and super-imposed on imagery.

6.3. TGR Water Yield:

Water yield by TGR is highly
dependent on the water availability and water
flow in the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers.
Since the flow and availability of river water
has been steadily declining, the inflow to TGR
has also reduced as per BWSSB data.
Presently, the TGR is still receiving some
inflow mainly from Arkavathi river (sewage
water) and from Kumudvathi during monsoon
season (Figure-6.1). TGR received the
maximum inflow as 23059.89 MCFT in 1964
(Figure-6.2). The last 30 years (1984-2014)
TGR inflow data showed that 1368.71 MCFT Figure-6.1: Water spread area in TGR in
December’2014
was on an average flowing to the TGR,
whereas 4655.08 MCFT of maximum water was recorded as inflow during the year 1988 and
9.91 MCFT during the year 2012 as minimum water inflow to TGR (BWSSB data).

Meanwhile the rainfall data in the TGR catchment area showed that there was heavy
rainfall (1287.73 mm) during the year 1975. Previous 30 years (1984-2014) rainfall data showed
that the average of 848.5mm rainfall was documented in the TGR catchment area, with the
maximum of 1218.32 mm and minimum of 504.33 mm rainfall during the year 1991 and 1985
respectively. The correlation between the TGR catchment area rainfall and the inflow water in
TGR showed that the water inflow to TGR was reduced even though there was no major
change in the rainfall received in TGR catchment area. Thus the correlation between the

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rainfall and the water inflow revealed that the rainfall runoff generated in the TGR catchment
area was not reaching the TGR, which may be due to the change of land use pattern,
encroachment on the 2nd and 3rd order drains, diversion of drains by the unplanned
developments, etc. As the sluice gate of TGR has failed to stop the flow of water to
Manchanbele Dam, the water storage capacity of TGR was less even during the monsoon
season also.

TGR Inflow TGR Catchment Rainfall

25000 1400.00
1200.00
20000
Inflow (MCFT)

1000.00

Rainfall (mm)
15000 800.00

10000 600.00
400.00
5000
200.00
0 0.00
1949
1937
1940
1943
1946

1952
1955
1958
1961
1964
1967
1970
1973
1976
1979
1982
1985
1988
1991
1994
1997
2000
2003
2006
2009
2012
Year
Figure-6.2: Water inflow in TGR and Rainfall in the TGR catchment area (Source: BWSSB)

6.4. Availability of water in rivers of TGR catchment area:

The flow and the availability of water for Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers have not
been maintained by the concerned Authorities. Further, the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited
(CNNL) and Central Water Commission have also informed that there was no data on the
availability of water in the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers. But based on the ground
verification by the EMPRI team, the present water availability in Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers have been recorded. However there is no exact record or estimation of the river flow.

6.4.1. Arkavathi River:

Irrigation is a major use of water in the Arkavathi sub-basin; particularly in rural
areas. Agriculture remains the main stay of rural livelihoods in the Arkavathi sub-basin.
Presently, the lands under the agriculture and plantations are dependent on groundwater as
the primary source in most areas. Some areas of Doddaballapur taluk have a large number
of minor irrigation tanks. There were no studies on peri-urban agriculture in Arkavathi sub-
basin, so the water ‘scarcity’ in this sub-basin was not estimated. In the northern Arkavathi
sub-basin, many irrigation tanks have dried up and the groundwater table has dropped
below 500 ft. in places. People reported a shift towards urban land uses and plantation crops
– driven partly by water scarcity and partly by industrialisation, urbanisation, poor labour
availability, etc. In the southern portion of the sub-basin (Downstream of TGR), water is
more plentiful but much of it is of poor quality, as it comes from the polluted
Vrishabhavathy river. The land under agriculture is decreasing; cropping patterns are
intensifying and shifting from cereals to cash crops through the drip irrigation.

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Arkavathi river
was the first river
identified as the large
water source for the
Bangalore City, which Dry River
flows to Hesaraghatta
reservoir. After the
Hesaraghatta reservoir,
the Arkavathi river
flows for about 33km in
the southwest direction
to the TGR located in
the downstream of
Hesaraghatta reservoir.
During recent times,
there has been no
outflow downstream Figure-6.3: Dry Arkavathi River shown within circle
from the Hesaraghatta
reservoir. Mostly the flow of Arkavathi river from downstream of Hesaraghatta reservoir is
high only in monsoon season due to rainfall runoff and during summer, the river is mostly
dry, but there is inflow of polluted water i.e. sewage from village settlements and layouts,
greywater from warehouses and effluents from industries. Arkavathi river course is dry and
stagnant in few places and receives flow of sewage in most places (Figure-6.3). In the
following paragraphs, the condition of the Arkavathi river is explained in detail.

6.4.1a. Dry Stretches of the River:

Only excess rainfall flows from the Hesaraghatta reservoir sub-catchment area to
the TGR, but due to uneven distribution of rainfall in the catchment, the flow of water
has reduced drastically over the years. Arkavathi river is dry in the 5.6 km stretch,
downstream of Hesaraghatta reservoir until the Tarabanahalli village and further down
of South, about 2.65km until Alur village. Further down, about 2.12km till
Heggadevanapura village, the river is dry with dense growth of weeds. About 10.37 km
river stretch is dry in 2015 summer season. The conversion of agricultural lands for
unplanned layouts has put impediments to the flow of rainfall runoff by diverting the
drain or encroachment.

6.4.1b. Stagnant Stretches of the River:

Blotches of stagnant muddy water in the river course of Tarabanahalli and
Heggadevanapura villages are documented. The inflows of sewage to river from
Madanayakanahalli village godowns have increased the growth of water hyacinth and
duck weed in the stagnant water. Fishing in one of the stream confluencing with the
Arkavathi river in Byandahalli (Figure-6.4) and Kittanahalli villages are documented
during the ground verification.

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6.4.1c. Sewage flow in the River:

Sewage joins the Arkavathi river
from the village settlements. As the
catchment area is the mixture of urban,
sub-urban and peri-urban region, the
untreated sewerage is diverted to the
Arkavathi river. Under Ground Drainage
(UGD) manhole of Alur village that was
broken to clear the blocks of UGD has
resulted in the flow of sewage into
Arkavathi river. Makli and Figure-6.4: Fishing in stream of Arkavathi
Madanayakanahalli village settlements River off Byandahalli village
sewage are directly let into the river.
Additionally, greywater from Madanayakanahalli village godowns such as wastewater
generated from bathrooms and floor washing, etc. are entering the 2.6 km river stretch.
Wastewater from slaughter houses and dying units, and sewage from the Madavara,
Jinnamabanagar and Siddanahosahalli villages flow to the Arkavathi river through the 2nd
order stream in Siddanahosahalli village. In Bettahalli village, the 2nd order stream flow
to Arkavathi river is carrying the wastewater generated through the cloth washing and
also algae. Granite and quarry slurry from Gattisiddanahalli village directly flow to the
Arkavathi river. Untreated sewage flow starting from Alur village is further joined by
sewage inflow from the subsequent villages such as Makli, Madanayakanahalli,
Siddanahosahalli, Bettahalli, Gattisiddanahalli and completes its 19.3 km travel by
entering the TGR at Kanuvanahalli village.

Streams and rivers provide habitat for aquatic organisms, and if they dry up or
get polluted, this habitat gets adversely affected. From that perspective, the biodiversity
in the Arkavathi river has declined sharply.
The diluted sewage in TGR is leaked
through the sluice gate and flows to the
Manchanabele dam, where the water is
used by Magadi town people. Sewage water
in the Arkavathi river is pumped for the
irrigation purposes in Gowdahalli (Figure-
6.5) and Kammasandra villages of Zone-3
and 4 for growing of banana, maize,
coconut, chilli plants etc. Figure-6.5: Sewage of Arkavathi River was
pumped for irrigation purpose in
There was no flow of water in the Arkavathi Gowdahalli village
river course in the Zone-1 from the foothills of
Nandi hills (Chikkarayappanahalli village) to Hesaraghatta reservoir located in the
Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area. As the Arkavathi river course in the Zone-1 is linked with
the major waterbodies, these waterbodies are not able to overflow for last 10 years to
generate the flow in the Arkavathi river, which resulted in the dry river bed. Water is
available only in the few major waterbodies located in the Arkavathi river course are

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tabulated in the Table-6.1. Further the water stored in the major waterbodies was also
muddy and polluted due to open defecation and dumping of solid wastes.

Table-6.1: Major waterbodies located in the Arkavathi river course of Hesaraghatta sub-
catchment area
GPS Location
Location Observations
Latitude Longitude
Chikkarayappanahalli kere 13°22ʹ53.1ʹʹ 77°38ʹ48.4ʹʹ Muddy water with fishing activity
located at foothill of Nandi hills
Doddarayappana kere 13°22ʹ11.2ʹʹ 77°38ʹ21.4ʹʹ Less water located in
Doddarayappanahalli village
Malekote kere 13°21ʹ21.7ʹʹ 77°37ʹ29.1ʹʹ Water distributed in patches with
weeds
Karehalli kere 13°19ʹ04.2ʹʹ 77°41ʹ41.4ʹʹ Less muddy water
Doddaballapura kere 13°18ʹ06.7ʹʹ 77°32ʹ37.3ʹʹ Water availability is less
Doddatumakur kere 13°13ʹ35.2ʹʹ 77°31ʹ43.2ʹʹ Patches of muddy water
Haniyuru kere 13°12ʹ56.2ʹʹ 77°30ʹ56.5ʹʹ Less water distributed in patches
Madhure kere 13°12ʹ26.0ʹʹ 77°26ʹ27.3ʹʹ Muddy Water available
Kakolu kere 13°11ʹ27.9ʹʹ 77°30ʹ18.7ʹʹ Less water available

6.4.1.1. Hesaraghatta Reservoir:

The total area of Hesaraghatta reservoir is about 744
ha (1912 acres) and the water spread area in August 2009 was
about 400 ha (980 acres) as per BWSSB data. Presently, the
water availability in Hesaraghatta reservoir is relatively better
with the 10.6Kms of shore length as per the GPS tracking
(Figure-6.6), but the water is not used for any purpose. Due to
the Hesaraghatta reservoir, the groundwater availability is
good and the Hesaraghatta village people use the groundwater
through bore-wells near the reservoir for their domestic
purposes.

6.4.2. Kumudhavathi River:

It was observed that some stretches of Kumudvathi river
has stagnant water (Figure-6.7). This has been recorded in the
villages of Basavenahalli, Magadi taluk and Doddakarenahalli,
Figure-6.6: Hesaraghatta Kodihalli, Tippadabegur, Dodderi and Chikkamaranahalli of
Reservoir water spread area Nelamangala taluk. Approximately, 108m river stretch in
during December’2014 Chikkamaranahalli, 805m river stretch in Doddakarenahalli
and 663m river stretch from Lingenahalli to Basavenahalli villages. Along the river stretch,
Doddabegur Kere of Zone-1, Bidluru Kere and Chikkannane Kere near Dodderi village of
zone-3 are moderately filled with water. Kumudvathi river was having only stagnant water for
approximately 1.58Km river stretch out of 48Km. During the field verification, water
scarcity was seen in the Kumudvathi surrounding villages and parts of Doddaballapur taluk
were observed.

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6.5. Groundwater Scenario:

Different public agencies supply water to different
settlements in the Arkavathi sub-catchment area. BWSSB is the
biggest supplier, but it is also the least dependent on local sources.
The four big Class-II towns located in the Arkavathi sub-basin
have water supply systems managed by the town municipality
and/or the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board
(KUWS&DB) depending on a range of sources for bulk water.
Kanakapura town draws its bulk water from BWSSB’s Cauvery
pipeline and operates only the distribution system. Ramanagara,
Doddaballapur and Nelamangala are the other three towns that
treat and distribute their own water, sourced mostly from
municipal bore-wells.

The municipal bore-wells have to depend on the

availability of electricity in order to pump water to overhead Figure-6.7: Water
storage tanks, chlorinate and delivere to users. Additionally, availability in
Ramanagara gets a portion of its supply by treating and using the Kumudvathi River
backwash water from Torekadanahalli treatment plant, which treats Cauvery water for
Bengaluru supply. Finally, a small quantity of water is exported out of the Arkavathi sub-basin
by supplying from Manchanabele reservoir (further downstream of the Arkavathi river) to
Magadi town (lies just outside the western boundary of the sub-basin). Further, the commercial
and industrial water users in the Arkavathi sub-basin area are completely dependent on
groundwater either by their own bore-wells or purchased from private groundwater supplier.
There is no formal and systematic monitoring of ground water extraction in the sub-basin areas,
so the density of wells and electricity consumption for pumping has increased over the year
(Lele et al., 2013). Further, the groundwater exploitation is occurring at unsustainable rates
(DMG, 2011). The village community of Doddatumkuru village off Doddaballapur road
(Zone-1) found that the groundwater levels were decreasing, so they voluntarily terminate the
private water connections and instead set up common pipes in the village centre.

Groundwater level data collected from the DMG has been segregated under the
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi sub-catchment area. Adikemaranahalli, Chikkabanavara,
Sondekoppa, Thaverekere, Thotagere, Nelamangala and Rajankunte are the seven villages
considered for the Arkavathi sub-catchment groundwater level study (Figure-6.8).
Adikemaranahalli village is located in the Zone-3 and 4 of the Arkavathi river course and all
other six villages are located in the Zone-1. The results showed that the depth of groundwater
level is increasing year-by-year. As per the data, all the villages have average fluctuation in
groundwater level from 21m to 49m, only Sondekoppa village has less fluctuation as 13.08m as
on 2014.

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Adikemaranahalli Chikkabanavara Sondekoppa Thaverekere

Thotagere Nelamangala Rajankunte

60
Groundwater Level (m)

50
40
30
20
10
0
1994

1999
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993

1995
1996
1997
1998

2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Year

Figure-6.8: Groundwater level fluctuations in Arkavathi River Course (Source: DMG)

Thyamagondlu, Mahadevapura, Marenahalli and Thonachanakuppe are the four

villages considered for the Kumudvathi sub-catchment groundwater level fluctuation study
(Figure-6.9). Within the villages, only Thyamagondlu village is located in zone-3, whereas other
three villages are located in the zone-4 of the Kumudvathi river course. The results showed that
there was no data after 1995 for Thonachanakuppe village, Marenahalli village have data only
from the year 2000. As the Thyamagondlu and Mahadevapura villages are located near the
Kumudvathi river, the water level fluctuation were 9 and 12m respectively.

Thyamagondlu Mahadevapura Marenahalli Thonachanakuppe

45.00
40.00
Groundwater Level (m)

35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00

Year

Figure-6.9: Groundwater level fluctuations in Kumudvathi River Course (Source: DMG)

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6.6. Reasons for the Water Depletion:

Water yield and availability in the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers is found to be
depleting year-by-year for the following reasons, such as
1. Encroachment of waterbodies and their streams
2. The blockage of drains due to the land use pattern change, particularly the
encroachment of 2nd and 3rd order drains of rivers. Encroachments due to extension of
settlements and the emerging industries in the river catchment zone have resulted in
increased anthropogenic activities which have caused decline in surface water as well as
ground water in the region.
3. Traditional water intensive agriculture practice followed by the TGR catchment area
village farmers.
4. Over-exploitation of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purpose.
5. Lack of maintenance of the tanks system has resulted in lack of water availability in the
tanks.
6. Extensive sand mining and soil excavation in the river bed.
7. Eucalyptus cultivation was actively promoted among farmers by the state government
under its farm forestry programme in the 1980s (Shiva et al., 1981). This might have
affected the groundwater level.

The water depletion and pollution of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers pose greater
challenge to the Authorities. Both these issues have large social and health impacts on the
people residing in the TGR catchment area as well as to the supply and potable water to
Bangalore city and Magadi town. The water quality deterioration in the TGR catchment area is
elaborately discussed in the following chapter.

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Chapter-7: Water Quality Deterioration and Reasons for Pollution

7.1. Introduction:
As the demand for water increases in line with human population pressure and
economic development activities, river ecosystems will continue to deteriorate unless they are
managed in a sustainable way. The problem related to water quantity (occurrence of extremely
low flows) is governed by both natural events (drought) and human-induced factors (large
upstream freshwater withdrawals). High levels of water withdrawal or loss from upstream river
sections or tributaries can considerably affect the water quality of downstream river reaches. In
turn, reduced flows can cause accelerated sedimentation and increases Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS) concentrations in downstream reaches of the river (Qader, 1998; Mokhlesur et al.,
2000).

Water quality can be defined by a range of variables which limit water use. Although
many uses have some common requirements for certain variables, each use will have its own
demands and influences on water quality. Quantity and quality demands of different users will
not always be compatible, and the activities of one user may restrict the activities of another,
either by demanding water of a quality outside the range required by the other user or by
lowering quality during use of the water. Water quality is affected by a wide range of natural
and human influences. The most important of the natural influences are geological,
hydrological and climatic. Their influence is generally greatest when available water quantities
are low and maximum use must be made of the limited resource. The natural ecosystem is in
harmony with natural water quality, any significant changes to water quality will usually be
disruptive to the ecosystem. The effects of human activities on water quality are widespread and
varied in the degree to which they disrupt the ecosystem and/or restrict water use. Faecal
pollution may occur where there are no community facilities for waste disposal, collection and
treatment facilities are inadequate or improperly operated, or when on-site sanitation facilities
drain directly into aquifers. The effects of faecal pollution vary. Eutrophication results not only
from point sources, such as wastewater discharges with high nutrient loads, but also from
diffuse sources such as run-off from livestock feedlots or agricultural land fertilised with organic
and inorganic fertilisers.

The quality of water may be described in terms of the concentration and state
(dissolved or particulate) of some or all of the organic and inorganic materials present in the
water, together with certain physical characteristics of the water. It is determined by in situ
measurements and by examination of water samples on site or in the laboratory. The results of
analyses performed on a single water sample are only valid for the particular location and time
at which that sample was taken. One purpose of the monitoring programme is to gather
sufficient data by means of regular or intensive sampling and analysis to assess spatial and/or
temporal variations in water quality.

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Water quality deterioration in reservoirs usually comes from excessive nutrient inputs,
eutrophication, acidification, heavy metal contamination, organic pollution and obnoxious
fishing practices. The effects of these “imports” into the reservoir do not only affect the socio-
economic functions of the reservoir negatively, but also bring loss of structural biodiversity of
the reservoir. The use of the physico-chemical properties of water to assess water quality gives a
good impression of the status, productivity and sustainability of water body. The changes in
physical characteristics like temperature, transparency and chemical elements of water such as
dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate provide valuable
information on the quality of the water, the source(s) of the variations and their impacts on the
functions and biodiversity of the reservoir. Kimmel and Groeger (1984) found that the water
quality will change as per the longitudinal zonation in the reservoir due to the dilution of
chemicals in vast water stored near the dam (Figure-7.1). Water quality is determined by the
physical and chemical limnology of a reservoir (Sidnei et al., 1992) and includes all physical,
chemical and biological factors of water that influence the beneficial use of the water. Water
quality is important in drinking water supply, irrigation, fish production, recreation and other
purposes to which the water must have been impounded.

Figure-7.1. Longitudinal Zonation of water quality conditions in Reservoirs

Though the spiritual reverence for rivers remains intact, the physical well-being of the
rivers show that community in general have failed in keeping the reverence for rivers. Rapid
growth in industrialization to support the country‟s growing population and economy has
polluted the rivers like never before. Earlier studies showed that the domestic and industrial
sewage and agricultural wastes have polluted almost all of Indian rivers by turning them into
sewage carrying drains. This poses a serious health problem as millions of people continue to
depend on the polluted water from the rivers. Water-borne diseases are a common cause of

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illness in India today. The bad effects of river pollution are not limited to human population
only. Pollution of river has affected animal, fish, and bird population, sometimes threatening
their very existence. Polluted water seriously affects the reproductive ability of animal and fish
species in rivers thus making them extinct in future.

River pollution is increasing day by day. There are several sources of water pollution,
which work together to reduce overall river water quality. Industries discharge their liquid
wastes into rivers. Agriculture practice that uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides also
contribute to river pollution as rainwater drains these chemicals into the rivers. Domestic
wastes thrown into rivers add to pollution levels. As population grows, the size of towns and
cities also grows and the amount of domestic wastes thrown into river also increases. In most of
the towns and cities, the municipal drains carry the wastes to rivers. Pollution of water has
emerged as one of the most significant environmental problems of the recent times. Not only
there is an increasing concern for rapidly deteriorating supply of water but the quantity of
utilizable water is also fast diminishing. The causes of such a situation may be many, but gross
pollution of water has its origin mainly in urbanization, industrialization, agriculture and
increase in human population observed in past one and a half century.

For any water body to function adequately in satisfying the desired use, it must have
corresponding degree of purity. Drinking water should be of highest purity. The concept of
management of the quality of water is as important as its quantity. To set the standard for the
desired quality of a water body, it is essential to identify the uses of water in that water body.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed a concept of designated best use.
According to this, out of the several uses of water of a particular body, the use which demands
highest quality is termed its designated best use. Five designated best uses categories have been
identified depending on various uses of water based on the tolerance limit of IS: 2296-1992
(Table-8.1) as follow

i. Class-A: Drinking water source without conventional treatment but after disinfection
ii. Class-B: Outdoor bathing
iii. Class-C: Drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection
iv. Class-D: Fish culture and wild life propagation
v. Class-E: Irrigation, Industrial cooling or controlled waste disposal
vi. Below Class-E: Not meeting any of the A, B, C, D & E criteria

7.2. Methodology:
Water quality data of TGR, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers for the past years were
collected from the BWSSB and KSPCB, and the groundwater quality data were collected from
the DMG. To identify the present water quality of the TGR, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers,
Twenty five sampling points were selected based on the water availability and samples were
collected in the 1st week of April‟2015. The water samples from Arkavathi river were collected
only in the stretch between the Hesaraghatta reservoir and TGR located in Zone-3 (Figure-7.2).
Water sampling locations along with the GPS co-ordinates are tabulated in Table-7.2. Water
samples for quality analysis were collected from the inlet and outlet points of Hesaraghatta
reservoir; three inlet and outlet points of TGR and Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers. At least

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1km distance has been maintained between the sampling points to study the exact quality of
drained water in Arkavathi river.

River Course
TGR

Sewage water sampling point

Turbid water sampling point

Figure-7.2: Sampling Location in the Reservoirs and River Course

Further, the groundwater sample from the 19 villages located in the Arkavathi river
course from Hesaraghatta village to Dombarahalli village are analysed for the pH, EC and TDS
with the handheld Testers (Aquasol Digital-Rakiro Biotech, Mumbai). The groundwater
samples were collected from the bore-wells, Mini Water Supply Tanks and public taps
maintained by Gram Panchayat, which provide the water for village communities. The sample
collection points are illustrated in the Figure-7.3.

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7.2.1. Water sample collection:

Samples collected Water samples were
from taps supplied by
Gram Panchayat collected in the early morning to
analyse 41 parameters comprising of
Samples collected
from bore-wells 22 physico-chemical parameters, two
Samples collected
bacteriological test, eight heavy
from Mini water supply metals and nine pesticide residues.
tanks
For physico-chemical parameters,
the water samples were collected in
cleaned 1L narrow mouth polythene
cans, which were rinsed out 2-3 times
with the water to be sampled before
collecting water samples. The water
samples were also collected in pre-
sterilized bottles for bacteriological
(coliform) analysis and wrapped with
the aluminium foil to avoid sunlight.
Water samples from the
Hesaraghatta reservoir, TGR,
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi Rivers
Figure-7.3: Groundwater sampling location villages were collected in the cans manually
in the Arkavathi river course
by plunging bottle‟s neck downward
below the surface, bottle mouth being directed against the current. Apart from the physico-
chemical parameters and coliform analysis, the 2L water samples from all the sampling
locations were collected in 2.5L narrow mouth tinted brown amber bottles to analyse the
presence of nine organochlorine pesticides. To avoid contamination during the collection of
freshwater samples for coliform analysis, the pre-sterilized bottle was unwrapped only at the
time of sample collection. To avoid the contact of hand, the bottle was closed with pre-
sterilized lid after the water sample was collected. The collected water samples for coliform
analysis were stored in closed icebox and transported to water quality analysis laboratory within
three hours.

All the collected water samples were properly labelled and accompanied with complete
descriptive data. Care was taken to obtain a sample that truly represents the existing conditions
and was handled in such a way that it does not get contaminated before it reaches the
laboratory. The parameters for the water quality analysis have been selected by following the
uniform protocol on water quality monitoring order (MoEF Notification, 2005) based on the
recommendation by Water Quality Assessment Authority (WQAA).

Temperature (Atmosphere and water), pH and EC of the water were analysed in the
field itself during the collection of water samples with the help of mercury thermometer, pH
and EC pen respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the water samples were analysed with the
help of hand-held DO meter in the field itself. The collected water samples were analysed in
the Government approved laboratories such as Department of Mines and Geology (DMG)
water testing laboratory for the analysis of physico-chemical and biological parameters in

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freshwater (23 parameters for seven fresh water samples), KSPCB central water laboratory
(eight heavy metals for 25 water samples) for the analysis of heavy metals in the water samples
and Sneha test laboratory (23 parameters for 18 sewage water samples collected from Arkavathi
river), an MoEF approved lab for analysis of physico-chemical and biological parameters
collected from Arkavathi river. Pesticides were analysed in Shiva Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd.
(nine organochlorine pesticides for 25 water samples), which is the KSPCB empanelled „A‟
Grade lab. The methods used for the analysis of all parameters in the laboratories are tabulated
in the Table-7.3.

The reason for the pollution of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers were documented
by the visual encounter method and ground verification. During the inspection of rivers,
interaction with the local community was also done to document the pollution sources and also
to confirm the ground verification of river pollution.

7.3. Water Quality of Arkavathi River based on Secondary Data:

There was a huge gap and no uniformity of parameter analysis observed in the
Arkavathi river water quality secondary data for the years 2010 to 2014 collected from the
KSPCB. Arkavathi river samples were collected from the two stations i.e. one from the Varthur
Metipalya village Bridge (VB), Thaverekere hobli and another one was TGR inlet. The
compiled water quality data of the Arkavathi river is tabulated in the Table-7.4, which also
shows that there was non-uniformity between the water quality data. As there was flow of
sewage in the Arkavathi river, the total coliform and the heavy metal such as iron and lead have
exceeded the BIS limit. Further the iron content was high in the TGR inlet rather than the
Varthur village bridge, which also revealed that the sewage influx is happening to the Arkavathi
river between the Varthur village bridge and the TGR inlet.

7.3.1. Present Scenario:

To know the status of water quality in Hesaraghatta reservoir, the samples were
collected from the inlet and the outlet. Based on the water availability, 17 water samples are
collected from the Arkavathi river course until the TGR from the Hesaraghatta reservoir.
Arkavathi river water inflow at point into reservoir falls in class-E and outlet from Hesaraghatta
reservoir falls in the class-D (Table-7.5) due to the high iron concentration (1.3mg/l). Class-E
becomes class-D water in the Hesaraghatta reservoir because of the settlement of particles in
the water by gravity. The iron concentration (1.3mg/l) has exceeded the limit of BIS: 10500-
2012, which is 0.3mg/l. The comparative water quality results of inlet and outflow water of
Hesaraghatta reservoir shows that the Electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, total
hardness, calcium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, potassium concentrations are in the increasing
trend. But, the coliform counts are found drastically decreased in the Hesaraghatta reservoir
outlet water may be due to settling of nutrient particles and there is no outflow of water.

The Arkavathi river water (Hesaraghatta to TGR) reaching the TGR becomes class-E,
which can be used for irrigation or industrial cooling or controlled waste disposal. But except
the Alur village river course, the water quality is below class-E (Table-7.7). The water is
classified particularly based upon the pH and electric conductivity values, which is above 8.5
and 2250 µmhos/cm. Water quality results showed that the odour of the water is pungent and

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the dissolved oxygen in water is below 1mg/l, whereas the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand)
and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) are above 30 and 7.5mg/l respectively. BOD is a
measure of the quantity of dissolved oxygen necessary for the decomposition of organic matter
by microorganisms such as bacteria, whereas the COD is used not only to measure the amount
of biologically active substances such as bacteria but also biologically inactive organic matter in
water. It is the oxygen equivalent of the total organic matter in a water sample that is susceptible
to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidant such as dichromate. Presence of coliform and pH
above the 8.5 has confirmed that the water is raw sewage from the settlement.

In Kadaranahalli village, the river water turbidity is drastically increased from 72 to

340NTU and drastically decreased to below 9, when it reaches the TGR. But TDS (Total
Dissolved Solids) in the water is constantly maintained between 1500 and 1650mg/l throughout
the Arkavathi river course. There was no Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the water until
Giddenahalli village, but when the water reaches the TGR, DO is 1.06mg/l.

The heavy metals are not removed by the conventional water treatment method, which
was in TGR by BWSSB for the supply of potable water to Bangalore city. The impacts of
heavy metal concentration on the health of users are high. Heavy metal analysis result showed
that the Manganese is high in Alur, Heggadadevanapura, Makali and Madanayakanahalli
villages river course and reach maximum to 10mg/l in Kadaranahalli village river course. Nickel
concentration is 0.047mg/l in Kadaranahalli village river course, whereas the BIS limit is only
0.02mg/l. As per the BIS: 10500-2012, the heavy metals such as iron concentration is 1.38 to
4.87mg/l in the villages of Alur, Heggadadevanapura, Makali and Madanayakanahalli and it is
reduced to 0.88 in Harokyathanahalli and 0.4 in Gangenahalli villages river course. The heavy
metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium are Below Detectable Limit (BDL) and copper
and zinc metals are below the limit of BIS: 10500-2012 standard. The nine organochlorine
pesticides in the Hesaraghatta reservoir and in Arkavathi river course water is BDL, which
indirectly proves that the agriculture practise is less in the banks of Arkavathi river.

The high concentration of Turbidity (340NTU), Nickel (0.047mg/l) and Manganese

(10mg/l) in the Kadaranahalli village river course show that industrial effluents are existing
between the villages of Harokyathanahalli and Kadaranahalli. Further, the heavy metals such as
iron and manganese concentration have exceeded the limit of BIS: 10500-2012 in the river
course of Alur, Heggadadevanapura, Makali and Madanayakanahalli villages, which are the
villages highly packed with the godowns and also in the ribbon of NH-4.

7.4. Water Quality of Kumudvathi River based on the Secondary Data:

The water quality data collected from the KSPCB for the year 2013 and 2014 in the
month of July (Figure-7.4) had revealed that the heavy metal iron content has drastically
increased to 10.78mg/l during the year 2014. The iron content was not analysed for the year
2013. The reason may be that the iron-enriched river sediment was disturbed by the mining
activities. Further, Class-C water quality in 2013 has become Class-D during the year 2014.

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8.4.1. Present Scenario:

Kumudvathi river water
quality falls in class-D in
Basavanahalli village due to the
presence of 0.77mg/l of iron
concentration. At other two
stations, the water quality is class-
C (Table-7.5), which is
considered as drinking water
source with conventional
treatments followed by
disinfection as per the IS:2296-
1992 tolerance limits for inland
surface waters. The comparative Figure-7.4. Water quality of Kumudvathi River
(Source-KSPCB)
water quality results between the
sampling villages shows that the colour is 10 Hazen units in Basavenahalli village, but it
drastically falls to 1 Hazen units. Calcium, magnesium and sulphate concentrations are in the
increasing trend. The drastic increase of colour (10 Hazen units) and marginally exceeded
(BIS: 10500-2012) manganese concentration as 0.34mg/l in Basavanahalli village may be due to
the operation of stone crusher in this village. Heavy metal analysis result showed that the lead,
chromium, nickel and cadmium are Below Detectable Limit (BDL) and copper and zinc
metals are below the limit of BIS: 10500-2012 standard. The nine organochlorine pesticides in
the river course water is BDL, which indirectly show that the agriculture practise is less in the
banks of Kumudvathi river also.

7.5. Water Quality of TGR based on the Secondary Data:

Water quality data for the physico-chemical parameters collected from the BWSSB
between the years 2000 and 2014 for TGR water showed that the colour of the water, oil
content and calcium hardness have exceeded the BIS: 10500-2012 limit during the year 2004,
2010-2014 and 2014 respectively. Light brown colour of the water may be due to the high
turbidity caused by the high rainfall runoff. Calcium hardness has increased due to the brick
kilns, surrounding TGR which was evident through the study conducted by Rizwana Khan and
Harish Vyas (2008) that shows the impact of brick industries on Kshipra river, Ujjain. There
was a data gap and no uniformity of water quality parameter analysis (Figure-7.5), but the data
represents clearly that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electric conductivity of TGR
water were in increasing trend in 2014.

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Figure-7.5: TGR water quality between the year 2000 and 2014 (Source-BWSSB)

Biological parameters for the TGR water between the years of 2008 and 2014 showed
that the faecal coliform was very high in the year 2013 with the presence of Escherichia coli
(Figure-7.6). Inflow of sewerage through the Arkavathi river is one of the main source for the
presence of E. coli and faecal coliform in the TGR water. While the chlorophyll has shown
decreasing trend during the year 2010-2011, the chlorophyll-a has shown increasing trend
during the year 2013-2014, and vice-versa for chlorophyll-b.

Heavy metal analysis results

of TGR water between the year
2002 and 2011 revealed that the
cadmium (2002-2011), iron (2006-
2010), chromium during 2004,
Lead and selenium during the year
2008 had exceeded the limit
prescribed by the BIS: 10500-2012
for the drinking water. The iron
content in the water was very high
during the year 2006 and 2008
(Figure-7.7), probably due to inflow
Figure-7.6. Biological parameters of TGR
of industrial effluents.
(Source-BWSSB)

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Figure-7.7: Heavy metal results of TGR between the year 2002 and 2011 (Source-BWSSB)

7.5.1. Present Scenario:

Water samples were collected from the three inlets such as Arkavathi river, rainfall
runoff inlet in Gangappanahalli village and Kumudvathi river, and an outlet from the TGR.
Water quality results showed that the inlet water from the Arkavathi river and Gangappanahalli
village inlet to TGR fall in the class-E and class-C (Table-7.5) respectively. As the concentration
of water pollutants are diluted in the TGR, the outlet water from the TGR belonged to the
class-D. There could be gross differences in the test results of some samples at different
laboratories such as BWSSB, KSPCB, DMG and also other private laboratories. Heavy metal
analysis result showed that the lead, chromium, nickel and cadmium are Below Detectable
Limit (BDL) and copper and zinc metals are below the limit of BIS: 10500-2012 standard. The
nine organochlorine pesticides in the river course water is BDL, which indirectly shows that the
agriculture practise is less
in the TGR catchment
area.

7.6. Groundwater
Scenario:
Groundwater
quality data was collected
from the DMG, who is the
Nodal monitoring Agency
for the State. Within the
TGR catchment area,
water quality data was
available only for one well,
which is located in the
Zone-4 of the Kumudvathi
river course (downstream) Figure-7.8. Groundwater quality of Kumudvathi sub-catchment
of Marenahalli village, area (Source-DMG)

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Bangalore Rural district. Water quality data had the gaps between the years as there was no
data for the year 2000, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The water quality between the year 1995 and
2014 revealed that the total hardness during the year 2003 and nitrate during the year 1997-
2001 and 2003-2005 had exceeded the BIS portable quality limit. Excess of nitrate in the
groundwater may be due to the percolation of sewage in to groundwater channel, but the
Kumudvathi river was free from the sewerage. The line chart (Figure-7.8) illustrated that all the
parameters were increasing year by year. The chart also revealed that all the parameters
become high after a period of 5-6 years (1998, 2003 and 2009). Concentration level of nitrate,
chromium, aluminium and faecal coliform in the groundwater of Bangalore North, Bangalore
South, Doddaballapur, Nelamangala and Ramanagara exceeded the BIS limit as per the study
(Lele, 2013).

7.6.1. Present Scenario:

EC, TDS and pH are analysed in the groundwater from the Hesaraghatta village to
downstream of Dombarahalli village. Groundwater quality of Arkavathi river course has
revealed that the TDS of 16 villages groundwater are above (500mg/l) the requirement limit of
BIS: 10500-2012. EC and TDS are negatively correlated with the pH has showed that the
groundwater may be polluted through the wastewater flow in the Arkavathi river in
Soladevanahalli, Heggadadevanapura and from Makali to Siddanahosahalli villages (Figure-
7.9).

Figure-7.9: Groundwater quality in Arkavathi river course villages

7.7. Arkavathi River Pollution:

Arkavathi river is highly polluted due to unplanned urbanization and rapid
development in the Arkavathy sub-catchment area. Further, the pollution points of the
Arkavathi river course in zone-3 are tracked during the study to trace the pollution sources.
Arkavathi river is polluted by the connecting streams from the seven villages (Table-7.6 and
Figure-7.10), which are deliberately discussed below

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Sewage generated by the village

settlements from the Alur (Plate-7.1a),
Heggadevanapura (Plate-7.1 b and c),
Makali (Plate-7.1 d and e),
Madhanayakanahalli (Plate-7.1f) and
Harokyathanahalli villages (Plate-7.1g) are
Polluted river stretch entering into the Arkavathi river through the
2nd order drains. Further the wastewaters
generated from the godowns located in the
Makali (Plate-7.1h) and
Madhanayakanahalli villages (Plate-7.1i) are
also let into the Arkavathi river. River is
highly polluted by the slurry from the
granite factories in Kadabagere village (Plate-
7.1j) and due to the illegal extensive
quarrying activities in the Giddenahalli
Figure-7.10: Polluted Arkavathi river stretch village (Plate-7.1 k and l). Further the 2nd
order stream connected to the river in
Harokyathanahalli village (Plate-7.1 m and n) brought enormous solid wastes and sewage from
the BBMP area (located out of TGR catchment area) and from the settlements of Madavara
(Plate-7.1 o-q) and Dommarahalli villages (Plate-7.1 r and s). This stream also carry the dye
waste from the illegal operation of the garment dyeing units located in the Thirumalapura
village (Plate-7.1t) of Zone-1 behind the Madavara lake.
7.8. Reasons for Pollution of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Courses:
Two types of pollutants are documented for the Arkavathi river i.e. point and non-point
source of pollution.
7.7.1. Point Source Pollution:
1. Sewerage drainages of residential units such as houses, unplanned layouts are
connected directly to the nallah of Arkavathi river.
2. As there was no UGD system in most of the surrounding villages, the surface flow
sewage reaches the Arkavathi river through the storm water drain.
3. Wastewaters from godowns are let into the Arkavathi river.
4. Dumping of solid wastes such as the domestic garbage on the banks of Arkavathi river.
5. Letting out of industrial wastes such as granite slurry and garment dye and also effluent
from unregulated small scale industries, particularly the dyeing and electroplating
industry.
6. Illegal stone quarry and stone crushing units in the catchment area (Zone-3 & 4) have
also polluted the Arkavathi river through the rainfall runoff.
7. Sand washing in the bank of Arkavathi river has increased the siltation and TDS level in
the water quality.

7.7.2. Non-Point Source Pollution:

1. Sewage/ wastewater/ sullage water from the village settlement/ layouts/ apartments in
nearby Arkavathi river are discharged in to the river. Further, the untreated sewage

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water from the BBMP area also flows to the Arkavathi river through the nallah.
Phosphorus from household waste water and sewage is another powerful pollutant. It
comes from detergents and stays in rivers for a long time where it takes up valuable
oxygen. Only few sewage systems are equipped to remove phosphates.
2. In most of the TGR catchment area villages, household sewage is let into the nearby
vacant/ waste land, but due to the unsaturation level of groundwater, the sewage water
may be reaching the Arkavathi river through the sub-surface percolation.
3. As there was no proper solid waste management in the entire catchment area; solid
waste, plastic bags and flower garlands are disposed into rivers.
4. There is no proper disposal of slaughter and poultry wastes in the nearby villages.
These are dumped in the nallah of Arkavathi river and washed to river during rainy
season.
5. Rapid sand mining in the waterbodies also add the TDS in water, which get transported
to the river during rainy season. Further, the waterbodies are not maintained properly,
and hence the aquatic weeds, Eichhornia sp. grown in the waterbody join the Arkavathi
river during the heavy rainfall.
6. People defecating in open and near rivers contribute to river pollution

7.8. Consequence of Pollution:

The main factors influencing human-induced pollution in the watershed zone include:

1. Non-point source nutrient inputs originating from soil erosion in the catchment
contribute to algal outbreaks and growth of aquatic weeds, which causes fish death
through the reduced oxygen levels.
2. Agro-chemical pollution such as pesticides, metal-complexed inorganic fertilizers,
volatile organic substances (VOS), poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can persist in
lake sediments for a long time. The bio-accumulation and bio-magnification will
enhance the pollution as poison to the man-kind.
3. Sewage pollution caused by untreated direct discharge of domestic waste water from
surrounding households exacerbates BOD, reduction of DO, and increase in bacterial
contamination.
4. Loss of wetlands and littoral habitats across the entire stretch of the Arkavathi basin
from Hesaraghatta to TGR region.
5. Weed infestations (Water Hyacinth, Amaranthus family, Ipomoea sp.), which affects
lake‟s water quality, interfering in navigation and water flows.

Once a trend in pollution sets in, it will generally accelerate the cause for greater water
quality deterioration; which also seen in the Arkavathi river course. When there was water in
the river, the concentration of pollution is diluted, but when the water availability in the river
gets reduced, then the reverse occurs. Hence the pollution concentration increased due to
pollutants (sewage) flow in the river course. So there is a need to stop the inflow of sewage and
other contaminants in the river course through the initiation of river revival process, which are
discussed in the conclusion and recommendation chapter.

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Table-7.1. Class of water based on the tolerance limit of water quality parameter as per IS: 2296-1992
Maximum Tolerance limits
S.No. Parameters Unit
Class-A Class-B Class-C Class-D Class-E
1 pH --- 6.5 to 8.5 6.5 to 8.5 6.0 to 9.0 6.5 to 8.5 6.0 to 8.5
2 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 ---
3 BOD5 below mg/l 2.0 3.0 3.0 --- ---
4 Total Coliform MPN/100ml 50 500 5000 --- ---
5 Colour Hazen units 10 300 300 --- ---
6 Odour --- Unobjectionable --- --- --- ---
7 Taste --- Tasteless --- --- --- ---
8 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 500 --- 1500 2100
9 Electrical Conductivity μS --- --- --- --- 2250
10 Free Carbon-dioxide (as mg/l --- --- --- 6.0 ---
C02)
11 Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 200 --- --- --- ---
12 Calcium Hardness (as mg/l 200 --- --- --- ---
CaCO3)
13 Magnesium Hardness (as mg/l 200 --- --- --- ---
CaCO3)
14 Copper (as Cu) mg/l 1.5 --- 1.5 --- ---
15 Iron (as Fe) mg/l 0.3 --- 0.5 --- ---
16 Manganese (as Mn), mg/l 0.5 --- --- --- ---
17 Chlorides (as Cl) mg/l 250 --- 600 --- 600
18 Sulphate (as SO4) mg/l 400 --- 400 --- 1000
19 Nitrates (as NO2) mg/l 20 --- 50 --- ---
20 Free Ammonia (as N) mg/l --- --- --- 1.2 ---
21 Fluorides (as F) mg/l 1.5 1.5 1.5 --- ---
22 Sodium % --- --- --- --- --- 60
23 Sodium Adsorption Ratio --- --- --- --- --- 26
24 Phenolic compounds (as mg/l 0.002 0.005 0.005 --- ---
C6H5OH)

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Maximum Tolerance limits

S.No. Parameters Unit
Class-A Class-B Class-C Class-D Class-E
25 Mercury (as Hg) mg/l 0.001 --- --- --- ---
26 Cadmium (as Cd) mg/l 0.01 --- 0.01 --- ---
27 Selenium (as Se) mg/l 0.01 --- 0.05 --- ---
28 Arsenic (as As) mg/l 0.05 0.2 0.2 --- ---
29 Cyanides (as CN), mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05 --- ---
30 Lead (as Pb) mg/l 0.1 --- 0.1 --- ---
31 Zinc (as Zn) mg/l 15 --- 15 --- ---
32 Chromium (asCr6+ ) mg/l 0.05 --- 0.05 --- ---
33 Anionic detergents (as mg/l 0.2 1.0 1.0 --- ---
MBAS)
34 Mineral oil mg/l 0.01 --- --- --- ---
35 Oils and Grease mg/l --- 0.1 0.1 ---
36 Barium (as Ba) mg/l 1.0 --- --- --- ---
37 Boron mg/l --- --- --- --- 2.0
38 Silver (as Ag) mg/l 0.05 --- --- --- ---
39 Pesticides --- Absent --- Absent --- ---
40 α emitters µc/ml 10-9 10-8 10-9 10-9 10-9
41 β emitters µc/ml 10-8 --- 10-8 10-8 10-8

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Table-7.2. Details of water sample collection locations

GPS location
Area Sampling Location Sampling Point Description
Lat. (N) Long. (E)
Hesaraghatta Inlet 13°08ʹ30.8ʹʹ 77°29ʹ23.9ʹʹ Near the rusted pipeline were water is turbid and fishing is there
Reservoir Outlet 13°08ʹ54.2ʹʹ 77°29ʹ05.1ʹʹ Near the surrounding of soil excavation, where water is turbid
Alur 13°05ʹ02.5ʹʹ 77°28ʹ06.2ʹʹ Sewage inflow to river from settlement area and weeds are present
Heggadadevanapura 13°04ʹ06.5ʹʹ 77°27ʹ29.2ʹʹ Sewage inflow to river and weeds (Ipomoea fistulosa) surrounded area with
beside temple
Makali 13°04ʹ14.3ʹʹ 77°27ʹ27.5ʹʹ Sewage inflow from village settlement with odour and weeds are present
Madanayakanahalli 13°03ʹ52.6ʹʹ 77°27ʹ21.3ʹʹ Sewage inflow and weeds Typha and Colacassia are present. The place also
have the solid wastes such as poultry wastes, dumped waste clothes
Harokyathanahalli 13°03ʹ02.6ʹʹ 77°27ʹ03.3ʹʹ Sewage inflow with foam and dyes. Weeds such as Alternanthera, Typha,
Eichhornia are present
Arkavathi River Course

Kadaranahalli 13°02ʹ33.6ʹʹ 77°26ʹ45.0ʹʹ Sewage inflow to river from settlement area and weeds (Eichhornia) are present
Gaudahalli 13°02ʹ21.4ʹʹ 77°26ʹ21.9ʹʹ Sewage inflow with weeds on sides of stream and also grazing animals are noted
Kammasandra 13°02ʹ03.8ʹʹ 77°25ʹ58.9ʹʹ Sewage inflow with weeds Eichhornia are present
Ravothanahalli 13°01ʹ37.0ʹʹ 77°25ʹ44.8ʹʹ Sewage inflow with foam and common defecation along the stream. Religious
activity wastes also present
Bettahalli 13°00ʹ36.7ʹʹ 77°25ʹ55.4ʹʹ Sewage inflow with weed Eichhronia
Kittanahalli 13°00ʹ21.4ʹʹ 77°25ʹ47.4ʹʹ Sewage inflow with ashes in the places of Alternaria, Colacassia weeds
Gattisiddanahalli 12°59ʹ44.5ʹʹ 77°25ʹ02.7ʹʹ Sewage inflow with weeds are present
Giddenahalli 12°59ʹ28.2ʹʹ 77°24ʹ44.8ʹʹ Sewage inflow with weeds such as Alternanthera sp., Ipomoea fistulosa
Varthur 12°59ʹ20.0ʹʹ 77°24ʹ08.9ʹʹ Location is nearer to the Tavarekere and Sondekoppa villages main road.
Sewage inflow with solid wastes and poultry wastes
Gangenahalli 12°59ʹ25.1ʹʹ 77°23ʹ28.5ʹʹ Sewage inflow with foam and Eichhornia weed
Nagasandra 12°59ʹ37.4ʹʹ 77°22ʹ38.5ʹʹ Nearer to stream agricultural activity with sewage inflow
Jogerahalli 12°59ʹ27.6ʹʹ 77°22ʹ12.1ʹʹ Sewage inflow, encroached land with horticultural crops, agricultural wastes
beside the river

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GPS location
Area Sampling Location Sampling Point Description
Lat. (N) Long. (E)
Kumudhavathi Basavenahalli 13°02ʹ45.8ʹʹ 77°19ʹ48.0ʹʹ Turbid stagnant water as patches in the surrounding area of agricultural activity
River Course and the presence of grazing animals.
Doddakarenahalli 13°03ʹ44.0ʹʹ 77°19ʹ56.8ʹʹ Turbid stagnant water in the presence of solid wastes, medical wastes (Cotton,
injection bottles, syringes and its packing materials) and also near to Cadbury
factory
Kodihalli 13°11ʹ45.6ʹʹ 77°18ʹ26.3ʹʹ Turbid stagnant water as patches with huge quantity of religious wastes
TGR Arkavathi river Inlet 12°58ʹ55.2ʹʹ 77°21ʹ24.6ʹʹ Sewage inflow
(Varthur)
Inlet (Kutlu) 12°57ʹ41.4ʹʹ 77°21ʹ11.0ʹʹ Inflow of muddy water, where water is from the leaking Cauvery pipeline with
the weeds
Outlet 12°58ʹ09.3ʹʹ 77°20ʹ07.0ʹʹ Major area of this water spread area is covered with Eichhornia and water
(Gangappanahalli) flowing is appeared to be light brown in colour

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Table-7.3. Methodology adopted for analysis of water samples

S.No. Parameters Unit Protocol
Physico-chemical
1 Water Temperature Degree C IS:3025
2 Colour Pt-Co IS:3025 (P- 4)
3 Odour ----- IS:3025 (P- 5)
4 Turbidity NTU IS:3025 (P-10)
5 pH value ----- IS:3025 (P-11)
6 Electrical Conductivity µmhos/cm IS:3025 (P-14)
7 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L IS:3025 (P-16)
8 Calcium (as Ca) mg/L IS:3025 (P-40)
9 Magnesium (as Mg) mg/L IS:3025 (P-46)
10 Bicarbonates (as CaCO3) mg/L IS:3025 (P-23)
11 Carbonates (as CaCO3) mg/L IS:3025 (P-23)
12 Chloride (as Cl) mg/L IS:3025 (P-32)
13 Sulphate (as SO4) mg/L IS:3025 (P-24)
14 Nitrate (as NO3) mg/L IS:3025 (P-34)
15 Nitrite (as NO2) mg/L APHA
16 Ammonical Nitrogen mg/L IS:3025 (P-34)
17 Sodium (as Na) mg/L IS:3025 (P-45)
18 Potassium( as K) mg/L IS:3025 (P-45)
19 Total Phosphorus (as P) mg/L IS: 3025 (P-31)
20 Dissolved Oxygen mg/L IS:3025 (P-38)
21 COD mg/L IS:3025 (P-58)
22 BOD for 3 days @ 27c mg/L IS:3025(P-44)
Bacteriological Analysis
23 Total Coliform MPN/100ml
APHA
24 Faecal Coliform MPN/100ml
Heavy Metals
24 Copper mg/L
25 Lead mg/L
26 Zinc mg/L
27 Nickel mg/L
AAS
28 Total Chromium mg/L
29 Cadmium mg/L
30 Iron mg/L
31 Manganese mg/L
Organochlorine Pesticides
32 α-HCH µg/l
33 β-HCH µg/l
34 Gamma HCH µg/l
35 Delta HCH µg/l
36 Aldrin µg/l USEPA 508
37 o,p-DDT µg/l
38 p,p-DDT µg/l
39 Endosulfan-I µg/l
40 Endosulfan-II µg/l

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Table-7.4. Water quality data of Arkavathi river between years of 2010 and 2014 (Source-
KSPCB)

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Parameters VB VB TGR VB TGR VB TGR VB TGR
Inlet Inlet Inlet Inlet
Physico-Chemical parameters
pH 8.0 7.4 7.7 7.5 8.2 7.3 7.1 7.2 7.1
Elect. Conductivity 710 2090 ND 2480 ND 2080 2510 1491 1476
(mmhos/cm)
TDS (mg/l) ND ND 1320 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Total Hardness as ND ND ND ND ND 708 ND ND ND
CaCO3 (mg/l)
DO (mg/l) 11 1.84 ND 2.78 6.86 5 5.2 5.1 5
BOD (mg/l)
3 1 4 3 7 8 4 4 4 10
COD (mg/l) ND ND 31 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Nitrates (mg/l) ND 18.8 30.06 22.39 20.17 9.95 ND ND ND
Kjeldhal Nitrogen (mg/l) ND ND 28 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Ammonical Nitrogen ND ND 17 0.29 0.36 ND ND ND ND
(mg/l)
Sulphates (mg/l) ND ND 32 48 142 137 ND ND ND
Phosphate (mg/l) ND ND 0.07 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Fluoride (mg/l) ND ND 0.41 0.52 0.47 0.36 ND ND ND
Chloride (mg/l) ND ND 380 ND ND ND ND ND ND
Biological Parameters
Total Coliform/ 100ml 21 7600 11600 ND ND >1200 ND 990 690
Heavy Metals
Lead (mg/l) ND ND 0.53 ND 0.017 ND ND ND ND
Zinc (mg/l) ND ND 0.05 0.101 0.216 ND ND ND ND
Iron (mg/l) ND ND 1.38 0.036 0.406 ND ND ND ND
Class IS:2296-1982 A D D D C D D D D
Note: ND- No Data

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Table-7.5. Water quality data of Hesaraghatta reservoir, TGR and Kumudvathi river for the year-2015
Sampling Station
Hesaraghatta
TGR Kumudvathi River
Parameters Unit Reservoir
Arkavathi GPH
Inlet Outlet Outlet Basavenahalli Doddakarenahalli Kodihalli
Inlet Inlet
Physico-chemical Parameters
Colour Hazen units 5.0 5.0 4 1.0 1.0 10 1.0 1.0
Odour --- Nil Nil Slight Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Odour
WT °C 27.3 26.8 34 28.1 29.1 32.8 28.2 30.6
pH 6.0-8.5 8.27 7.9 8.52 7.67 7.91 8.01 7.72 7.68
EC µmhos/cm 145 265 962 530 1085 625 355 695
Turbidity NTU 0.1 1.0 10.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
TDS mg/l 90 150 580 295 615 345 195 390
DO mg/l 4.67 3.13 1.8 4.04 4.21 4.15 4.14 4.13
BOD mg/l 0 0 31.15 0 0 0 0 0
COD mg/l 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0
Calcium (Ca) mg/l 10 14 43.12 40 59 30 30 62
Magnesium (Mg) mg/l 8.0 7.0 28.51 24 31 11 9.0 23
Total Hardness mg/l 104
48 91 228 201 290 141 257
(CaCo3)
Chloride (Cl) mg/l 17 22 178.42 45 230 48 36 42
Sulphate (So4) mg/l 10.5 25 10.34 15.2 52.8 6.9 1.0 74.6
Nitrate (No3) mg/l 0.84 2.54 6.48 0.38 0.76 1.02 0.36 0.62
Sodium mg/l 3.0 3.0 110 30 113 83 26 40
Potassium (K) mg/l 8.8 10.6 9 2.36 14.54 9.34 6.71 8.35
Phosphate (P) mg/l 0.09 0.07 0.048 0.11 0.12 0.09 0.13 0.08
Bacteriological Analysis
Faecal Coliform MPN/100ml 1600 110 2 300 0 >1600 300 >1600
Total Coliform MPN/100ml 1600 170 4 500 50 >1600 500 >1600

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Sampling Station
Hesaraghatta
TGR Kumudvathi River
Parameters Unit Reservoir
Arkavathi GPH
Inlet Outlet Outlet Basavenahalli Doddakarenahalli Kodihalli
Inlet Inlet
Heavy Metals
Copper mg/l 0.027 0.021 0.002 BDL 0.035 0.016 0.001 0.024
Lead mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Zinc mg/l 0.026 0.005 0.063 0.027 0.084 0.013 0.026 0.022
Nickel mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Total Chromium mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Cadmium mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Iron mg/l 1.303 1.308 0.495 0.684 0.087 0.770 0.392 0.097
Manganese mg/l 0.052 0.090 0.068 0.166 0.034 0.341 0.184 0.030
Organochlorine Pesticides
α-HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
β-HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Gamma HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Delta HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Aldrin µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
o,p-DDT µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
p,p-DDT µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Endosulfan-I µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Endosulfan-II µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
IS 2296:1992 Class E D E D D D C C

Note: GPH- Gangappanahalli village

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Table-7.6. Pollution points of Arkavathi river in Zone-3

Sl. GPS Location of Streams

Village Issues
No. Lat. (E) Long. (N)
Sewage influx to the river from a
1 Alur 13°05'10.45" 77°28'06.88"
Alur village UGD manhole
Sewage from this village is influx
2 Heggadevanapura 13°04'14.42" 77°27'27.79" into river through the storm water
drain
a 13°03'56.01" 77°27'23.40" Sewage from the settlements
b 13°03'54.96" 77°27'22.32" influx into river through three
4 c Makli 13°03'53.27" 77°27'21.23" small drains
Godown wastewater flow to river
d 13°03'44.52" 77°27'13.76"
through the drain
Village wastewater flow to river
a 13°04'06.33" 77°27'28.71"
through the drain
Reliance fresh godown
b 13°03'49.42" 77°27'19.11"
3 Madhanayakanahalli wastewater flow to river
c 13°03'45.84" 77°27'15.51" Godowns wastewater flow to
river through the underground
d 13°03'45.03" 77°27'14.73"
drain
Settlements wastewater flow to
a 13°03'32.30" 77°27'04.38" river through the drains (adjacent
to Himalayan drugs company)
Growth of water hyacinth with the
b 13°03'12.44" 77°27'04.72" foul smell, but the source
couldn‟t be traced
Harokyathanahalli
5 Slaughter waste, sewage and
effluent (dye) are influx into river
from the Madavara,
c 13°03'03.81" 77°27'04.16" Dommarahalli and
Harokyathanahalli villages
through the Madavara (Jindal)
lake stream
Water from lake stream flow to
6 Bettahalli 13°00'37.65" 77°25'56.21"
the river
Water in the river is polluted by
7 Giddenahalli 12°59'27.52" 77°24'44.40" the surrounding granite factories
and quarrying

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Table-7.7. Water quality data of Arkavathi river for the year-2015

Sampling Stations in Arkavathi River
Parameters Unit
AL HP MI MH HH KH GH KS RH BH KT GD GN VR GA NS JH
Physico-chemical Parameters
Colour Hazen units 3.5 4 5.5 3 4.5 4.5 4 4.5 5 5 5 5.5 5 5 4.5 3.5 3.5
Odour --- Pungent Pungent Pungent Pungent Pungent Pungent Pungent Pungent Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight
WT °C 30.5 30.4 28.3 24.2 25.5 24.7 26.1 28.8 28.6 28 27.7 27.5 26.2 26.3 25.1 27.8 27.9
pH 6.0-8.5 8.36 8.52 8.43 8.65 8.58 8.96 8.63 8.59 8.59 8.62 8.69 8.73 8.72 8.62 8.62 8.54 8.59
EC µmhos/cm 1465 2015 2015 2620 2710 2730 2530 2740 2740 2450 2430 2650 2580 2310 2530 2670 2600
Turbidity NTU 92.5 18.5 69 39.6 72.5 340 29.5 31.1 28.3 21 24.5 26 26.2 16.4 14.6 8.8 8.4
TDS mg/l 900 1300 1300 1650 1650 1620 1650 1650 1600 1500 1550 1550 1550 1500 1550 1600 1580
DO mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.46 0.89 1.01 1.06
BOD mg/l 194.04 89.26 174.09 208 215 299.47 67.54 63.4 78.8 66.98 82.74 80.24 82.74 86.68 39.67 33.88 29.94
COD mg/l 75 31 64 85.5 87.5 118.8 26 23 30 26.5 33 29.5 28.5 29 13 10 7.5
Calcium (Ca) mg/l 94.08 152.88 102.96 188.16 117.6 137.2 152.88 133.28 152.88 129.36 137.2 152.88 137.2 180.32 188.32 156.8 148.96
Magnesium mg/l
47.04 85.53 118 108.19 89.37 89.37 65.85 84.67 65.85 72.91 70.56 65.85 84.67 44.68 37.63 72.91 87.02
(Mg)
Total mg/l
Hardness 114 133 246 285 95 190 133 171 190 114 114 152 133 133 133 123.5 152
(CaCo3)
Bicarbonate mg/l 513.12 570.12 362 475 465.5 440 549 494.5 408 503.5 473.5 418 446 456 389 447 420
Chloride (Cl) mg/l 144.63 309.2 337.21 349.78 380.2 400.47 354.85 364.99 354.85 324.43 334.57 400.47 370.66 344.71 390.34 415.68 405.54
Sulphate mg/l
25.41 24.07 32.26 29.73 107.21 94.95 86.77 100.73 86.77 93.75 90.16 75 82.18 94.59 90.96 106.98 101.73
(So4)
Nitrate (No3) mg/l 10.78 13.63 15.23 17.82 20.35 29.36 19.36 25.15 24.86 20.2 26.29 21.13 23.54 19.26 15.14 16.23 19.45
mg/l
0.05 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.022 0.06 0.025 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.03
No2 ND ND ND ND ND
Ammo- mg/l
14.89 9.98 4.25 8.11 4.62 4.84 7.76 6.76 7.03 3.85 6.87 5.23 4.14 2.12 1.24 0.53 0.3
Nitrogen
Sodium mg/l 160 130 190 205 240 280 260 270 240 240 230 260 210 240 250 270 260
Potassium (K) mg/l 15 17 15 18.0 18.0 22.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 17.0 19.0 17 18 19 19 21 20
Phosphate (P) mg/l 2.14 1.21 2.89 2.89 2.18 4.12 1.80 0.92 1.12 0.86 0.72 0.86 0.68 0.54 0.86 0.86 0.54
Bacteriological Analysis
Faecal MPN/100ml
79 33 27 94 84 84 17 39 32 21 76 76 22 26 33 21 26
Coliform
Total MPN/100ml
221 94 141 542 >542 >542 120 175 141 172 130 130 102 141 212 130 109
Coliform

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Sampling Stations in Arkavathi River

Parameters Unit
AL HP MI MH HH KH GH KS RH BH KT GD GN VR GA NS JH
Heavy Metals
Copper mg/l 0.127 0.072 0.052 0.056 0.048 0.212 0.018 0.011 0.006 0.009 0.006 0.009 0.004 0.006 0.002 0.007 0.026
Lead mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Zinc mg/l 0.550 0.230 0.242 0.290 0.217 1.081 0.103 0.120 0.149 0.106 0.127 0.080 0.069 0.027 0.101 0.083 0.027
Nickel mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.047 BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Total mg/l
Chromium BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Cadmium mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Iron mg/l 1.450 1.381 3.189 4.867 0.878 0.047 0.072 0.053 0.132 0.066 0.076 0.082 0.245 0.110 0.400 0.065 0.043
Manganese mg/l 0.281 0.340 0.354 0.430 0.220 10.006 0.263 0.159 0.195 0.103 0.117 0.121 0.143 0.122 0.116 0.050 0.102
Organochlorine Pesticides
α-HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
β-HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Gamma µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL
HCH BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Delta HCH µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Aldrin µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
o,p-DDT µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
p,p-DDT µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Endosulfan-I µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Endosulfan-II µg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
IS 2296:1992 Class E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E

Note: AL-Alur; HP-Heggadadevanapura; MI-Makali; MH-Madanayakanahalli; HH- Harokyathanahalli; KH- Kadaranahalli; GH-Gaudahalli;
KS-Kammasandra; RH-Ravothanahalli; BH-Bettahalli; KT-Kittanahalli; GD-Gattisiddanahalli; GN-Giddenahalli; VR-Varthur;
GA-Gangenahalli; NS-Nagasandra and JH-Jogerahalli village; E- Below class-E

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Plate-7.1: Pollution of Arkavathi River

a: Broken UGD manhole of Alur village b: Wastewater from godowns let into the
near the Arkavathi River drain in Heggadevanapura village

; 410

c: Wastewater inflow into river in d: Wastewater from Makali village settlement

Heggadevanapura village inflow into river

e: Wastewater from Makali village settlement f: Wastewater flow to river through the storm
inflow into river water drain in Madanayakanahalli village

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g: Sewage carrying drain connected to river in h: Outlet of godown connected to river in

Harokyathanahalli village Makali village

i: Reliance godown floor washing water flow j: Granite slurry dumped near the river in
to river in Madanayakanahalli village Kadabagere village

k: Active quarry in Giddenahalli village l: Granite slurry dumped near the river bridge
of Giddenahalli village

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m: Construction & Demolition waste dumped n: Solid wastes burned near the drain in
near the drain in Harokyathanahalli village Harokyathanahalli village

o: Drain carrying sewage from BBMP area p: Sewage flow in the Madhavara village drain
near BIEC in Madhavara village

q: Solid waste dumped near the drain in r: Construction & Demolition waste dumped
Madhavara village near the drain in Dombarahalli village

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s: Sewage flow in drain of Dombarahalli village

t: Effluents flow in drain connected to the Arkavathi river in Thirumalapura village of Zone-1

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Chapter-8: An Analysis of Various Stakeholder Meetings

8.1. Introduction:
In order to understand the entire issue of the TGR catchment including the socio-
economic aspects of the villagers residing in and around the declared zones, four stakeholders
meetings were conducted in each zone of the TGR by inviting the Elected Members, Executive
officers, Taluk Panchayat Officers, Assistant Directors, Panchayat Development Officers,
Gram Panchayat Secretaries and General Public. In this Chapter, the opinion expressed by the
local people has been explained as well as the roles and functions of the concerned
Government Authorities has been analysed.

8.2. Stakeholder Meetings:

8.2.1. First stakeholder Meeting: The first stakeholders meeting was conducted for the Zone-
2 (Area covered within 2 kilometres from the
Tippagondanahalli reservoir boundary). In the
total extent of the catchment area the Zone -2
covers a part of Magadi Taluk, Nelamangala
Taluk and Bangalore South Taluk. There are
15 villages coming under the jurisdiction of the
Bachenahatti Gram Panchayat of Magadi
Taluk (Figure-8.1) with 17 hamlets. The
meeting was conducted on 17th December,
2014 under the Chairmanship of the President
of the Bachenahatti Gram Panchayat Figure-8.1. Stakeholders Meeting Chaired by the
President of the Bachenahalli Gram Panchayat
(Annexure-8.1).

8.2.2. Second Stakeholder Meeting: The second stakeholders meeting was conducted in
connection with the Zone-2 as the part of the reservoir that falls in the Bangalore South
Taluk. There are 23 villages coming under the jurisdiction of the Chaudanayakanahalli Gram
Panchayat of Bangalore South Taluk. The meeting was conducted in the
Chaudanayakanahalli Gram Panchayat office
(Figure-8.2) of Bangalore South Taluk by inviting
the elected members, Panchayat Development
Officer and Senior Citizens from 23 villages of
the Chaudanayakanahalli Gram Panchayat,
Bangalore South Taluk on 19th December, 2014
under the Chairmanship of the President of the
Chaudanayakanahalli Gram Panchayat
(Annexure-8.2).

Figure-8.2. Stakeholders Meeting Chaired by the President

of the Chaudnayakanahalli Gram Panchayat

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8.2.3. Third Stakeholder Meeting: The third

stakeholders meeting was conducted for the
Zone-1, 3 & 4 of the Kumudvathi Stream (Entire
Thippagondanahalli reservoir catchment, Area
that falls within 1 kilometre distance from the
river banks of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi and
Area that falls within 1 to 2 kilometres distance
from the above mentioned rivers upto
Hesaraghatta tank) and in the total extent of the
catchment area the Kumudvathi river covers a
part of Nelamangala and Magadi Taluk. There Figure-8.3. Stakeholders Meeting Chaired by the Executive
Officer of the Nelamangala Taluk Panchayat
are 14 Gram panchayats coming under the
Nelamangala taluk (Figure-8.3). The meeting was conducted in the Nelamangala Taluk
Panchayat, on 02th January, 2015 under the Chairmanship of the Executive Officer of the
Nelamangala Taluk Panchayat (Annexure-8.3).

8.2.4. Fourth Stakeholder Meeting: The fourth

stakeholders meeting was conducted for the
Zone-1, 3 & 4 of the Arkavathi Stream (Entire
Thippagondanahalli reservoir catchment, Area
that falls within 1 kilometres distance from the
river banks of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi and
Area that falls within 1 to 2 kilometres distance
from the above mentioned rivers upto
Hesaraghatta tank) and in the total extent of the
catchment area the Arkavathi river covering a
part of Bangalore North, Devanahalli, Figure-8.4. Stakeholders Meeting Chaired by the Executive
Officer of the Bangalore North Taluk Panchayat
Chikkabalapura and Doddabalapura Taluk.
There are 30 Gram panchayats coming under the Bangalore North taluk out of which 10
Gram panchayats fall in the catchment area. The meeting was conducted in the Bangalore
North Taluk Panchayat, on 17th January, 2015 (Figure-8.4) under the Chairmanship of the
Executive Officer of the Bangalore North Taluk Panchayat (Annexure-8.4).

8.2.5. Suggestions from Stakeholder:

The issues raised by the participant in the meetings and the suggestions received from them
are summarised below;

i. Local people expressed lack of awareness of the 2003 notification. The people have
come to know about the 2003 Notification only after receiving the demolition notice by
the authorities like BDA, BMICAPA etc. in the month of Aug, 2013.

ii. The local people requested to reconsider the zones for restricted activities (Zones-2, 3
& 4) from 2 Km to 100 mtr in the declared zones of the catchment area and further to
allow construction of houses, dairy & poultry farms and brick factories, which are the
livelihood of the farmers.

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iii. The local people expressed their difficulties in carrying out agriculture due to
insufficient availability of surface or ground water for irrigating agriculture and also
expressed problems of contamination of groundwater.

iv. They also expressed the impacts on their livelihood because of notification since people
are not coming forward to buy/purchase their lands nor they are able to take up any
developmental activities in their own land due to this notification.

v. They suggested that any development activities coming up along the river beds and
around the reservoir should be prohibited and also government should take stringent
action for conservation of river and catchment area.

vi. They suggested that to rejuvenate the reservoir, eviction of all the illegal/unauthorized
activities along the river should be taken up by the authorities.

vii. It is necessary to survey and demarcate the boundaries with fencing the TGR reservoir
and also all along the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river banks to maintain buffer zones
and for avoiding dumping of solid waste, garbage, industrial wastes etc., and also to
avoid the unauthorized activities.

viii. Government should take action for restricting the polluting activities in the surrounding
area of TGR catchment area for conservation.

ix. All natural drains of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers should be rejuvenated by
clearing the encroachment for free inflow of water to TG Halli catchment area.

x. Discharge of effluent/sewerage from the upstream of the rivers should be diverted since
it not only pollutes the T.G.Halli reservoir and also the seepage water flows into
Manchanabale Dam where this is further supplied for drinking purpose to Magadi
town.

xi. Illegal sand mining, quarrying and crushers which are operating till today be monitored
and serious action taken.

xii. The Deputy Commissioners should not sanction any conversion for agriculture land to
Commercial purpose, to control unauthorized layouts that are mushrooming in the
whole catchment area.

xiii. The usage of pesticides/insecticides for vegetable crops should be stopped to avoid
polluted water entering reservoir.

xiv. The old village settlements should be reconsidered for relaxation of the buffer zone for
natural expansion.

xv. The buffer zone should be demarcated and it should be published through
newspapers, display board, publicity through electronic media etc.

xvi. Setting up of a separate TG Halli catchment area conservation authority to avoid

involvement of multiple agencies.

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xvii. Lack of co-ordination among the line Departments and Authorities of the Government
has resulted in all the illegal activities.

xviii. Relaxing the buffer zone of 1 Km to 100 - 300 m. Those who are within the 300 mts
should be compensated after acquisition of land.

xix. Even today the Arkavathi river is considered as a divine river: where though there is a
conflict between environment and the development most of the people along the river
bed still worship ganga puja in this catchment area example Thugalamma temple in
Hessaraghatta reservoir and Bidluru Gangamma in Kodihalli, and hence there is a need
to revive the river.

8.3. The Role and Efforts made by the Government Departments:

In accordance with the 10 Terms of Reference given by the Hon‟ble High Court,
EMPRI conducted an Advisory Committee Meeting inviting with all the concerned line
departments, Authorities, Boards, Deputy Commissioners in order to collect information and
action taken relating to the TGR catchment area. The meeting proceedings are placed in
Annexure-1.9 and 1.10.

Further from information provided by the Departments, it is found that that the
Departments have already made following efforts during the 7th meeting of TGR monitoring
committee.

8.3.1. Department of Urban Development:

Department of Urban Development has informed in the 7th meeting of TGR
monitoring committee (Annexure-8.5), that Dept. has proposed to create a separate authority
called the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin Conservation and Development Authority
for the TGR area by framing “The Karnataka Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin
Conservation and Development Bill, 2013” (Annexure-8.6) and informed that this act would
pave way for effective implementation of the Notification dated 18.11.2003.

8.3.2. Department of Mines and Geology:

Department of Mines and Geology have taken stringent action based on the Govt.
Notification No.FEE.25 ENV 2000 dated 18.11.2003. 05 cases in the Bangalore North
Taluk, 20 cases in Magadi Taluk, 20 cases in Nelamangala Taluk for grant of new leases have
been rejected. 06 jelly crushers licenses have been cancelled which existed in the catchment
area (Annexure-8.5). One quarry activity has been identified in the Kadukarenahalli village of
Nelamangala taluk and FIR has been filed. Both the Nelamangala Rural Police Station in
coordination with Revenue Department has taken action.

8.3.3. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB):

BWSSB has informed in the 7th meeting of TGR monitoring committee that they
identified an unauthorized layout in TGR zone-3 in the Kadabagere village boundary near to
Kittanahalli bridge of Nelamangala Taluk (Annexure-8.5). Further they have consulted
experts of national and international repute to take their suggestion and build up suitable
proposal for revival of TG Halli reservoir.

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8.3.4. Nelamangala Planning Authority (NPA):

Nelamangala Planning Authority has informed in the 7th meeting of TGR monitoring
committee that out of 95 unauthorized non-residential developments, 16 have come up
before 2003 and 79 after notification, out of which 25 are in Bangalore North Taluk and 70
in Nelamangala Taluk (Annexure-8.5). Notices have been issued to the building owners
under section 15 and 17 of KTCP Act 1961 and public notification through newspaper has
been published on 06.05.2014 for demolition of unauthorized developments coming under
TGR Zone-3.

8.3.5. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA):

Bangalore Development Authority has informed in the 7th meeting of TGR monitoring
committee that 167 unauthorized layouts and 238 unauthorized non-residential buildings
have been identified and notices to the 1132 owners under Section 17(4) and 15(4) of KTCP
Act, 1961 and under rules 37 of Planning authorities rules 1965 and under Section 32(7) &
(9) of BDA Act, 1976 have been issued. 358 notices have been returned, 95 layout owners
and 45 building owners have replied to the notice (Annexure-8.5). BDA has formed a sub-
committee to review the objections received for the notice. BDA has formed a sub-committee
to review the objections received from the aggrieved owners on 12.02.2014 and 13.02.2014.
The sub-committee has taken the following decision.

 Demolition order issued in 48 cases (22 un-authorized layouts, 26 non-residential

buildings)
 In respect of owners of 799 un-authorized layouts, 185 non-residential building who
have not replied to the notices and 358 notices which have been returned, action is
being taken to serve the notices directly and also through Gram Panchayats.

8.3.6. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB):

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is issuing the consents with a condition to
provide rain water harvesting facility for only green category industries only in Zone-4.

8.3.7. Magadi Planning Authority (MPA):

Magadi Planning Authority has informed in the 7th meeting of TGR monitoring
committee that it has published public notification through newspaper dt.14.03.2014 with
owner name, village, Sy.no. and extent for demolition of unauthorized developments coming
under TGR zone-3 and the authority has requested DC Bangalore to convene a meeting for
the demolition of unauthorized developments. MPA also has written a letter to the Additional
Director of Urban and Rural Planning and Member Secretary, TGR Monitoring Committee
to direct BESCOM (Annexure-8.5) for disconnecting the electricity supply for the
unauthorized buildings coming in TGR Zone-3 dated 03.04.2014.

8.3.8. Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA):

Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority has informed that they are
taking action for the removal of unauthorized developments (Annexure-8.5) with co-operation
from the Zilla Panchayat and the Revenue Department.

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8.3.9. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL):

A project for the rejuvenation of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers and its tributaries
has been taken up in three packages. Administrative approval has been obtained for the
DPRs for a total area of 1448 sq.km and 1319 km nala length. The rejuvenation works
include (a) the removal of jungle clearance and desilting of nala from the Nandi hills to
Hesaraghatta reservoir of Arkavathi river stretch (b) Hesaraghatta reservoir to TGR and (c)
birth place of Kumudvathi river to TGR. Panchayat and Revenue Department are directed to
fix the boundary stone and to evict encroachment on Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers and its
tributaries respectively to co-operate with CNNL.

EMPRI also wrote letters to all the Departments to furnish information (Table-8.1)
relating to permission given by them in the TGR catchment area. Pertaining to the letter
Nelamangala Planning Authority (Annexure-8.7), Magadi Planning Authority (Annexure-8.8),
Department of Mines and Geology (Annexure-8.9), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
(Annexure-8.10) and BIAAPA (Annexure-8.11) have furnished the details.

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Table-8.1. Secondary data furnished by the line Departments with respond to the EMPRI letter

Sl. Name of the

Details Furnished
No. Departments/Authorities
1. Department of Mines and Furnished the groundwater fluctuation and quality
Geology from the observatory wells (Annexure-8.9)
2. Bangalore Water Supply and  Furnished salient features of TGR; Inflow data of
Sewerage Board (BWSSB) CRS reservoir from 1937-38 to 2014-15; TGR water
sample analysis results from 2000 to November,
2014; Annual Rainfall data in the catchment area of
CRS reservoir TG Halli from 1901 to 2010.
 Information with regard to the no. of existing
Wastewater Treatment Plant, its capacity and
treatment facility and also the details of the new
wastewater treatment plants coming up were
collected. Rain fall data for 30 years, inflow data and
water quality data
3. Nelamangala Planning  Furnished the list of authorized and un-authorized
Authority (NPA) residential layouts in TGR Zone-3 and notice issued
for eviction to the concerned (Copies of the notices
are enclosed). Information regarding the formation
of the committee is also furnished (Annexure-8.7).
 Out of 95 unauthorized non-residential
developments, 16 have come up before 2003 and 79
after notification, out of which 25 are in Bangalore
North Taluk and 70 in Nelamangala Taluk. Notices
have been issued to the building owners under
section 15 and 17 of KTCP Act 1961 and public
notification through newspaper have been published
on 06.05.2014 for demolition of unauthorized
developments coming under TGR Zone-3.
4. Bangalore Development Furnished the information regarding the unauthorized
Authority (BDA) developments in Zone-3 of TGR catchment area.
Newspaper notifications and a presentation on
„Rejuvenation Program of Arkavathi River‟.
5. Dept. of Agricultural / No information is available from both the Departments
Horticultural
6. Bangalore Metropolitan Furnished the Status Report of the Monitoring
Region Development Committee constituted for TGR. Apart from this, no
Authority (BMRDA) information is provided by the Authority and they have
requested to collect the information from the
concerned Planning Authorities in its reply.
7. Magadi Planning Authority  Furnished the list of approved layouts, list of land
(MPA) conversion for technical opinion in Zone-4.
 Details on agriculture land such as area under
cultivable and non-cultivable land, rainfall data (2008
–2014), crop pattern, usage of surface and ground
water, quantity of fertilizers and pesticides used, and
usage of bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers and water
conservation activities in the catchment area.

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Sl. Name of the

Details Furnished
No. Departments/Authorities
8. Karnataka State Pollution Furnished the Water Quality report on TGR,
Control Board (KSPCB) Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers and also the list of
existing industries in the entire TGR catchment area
including mining, quarrying and stone crushers.
Further it is submitted that KSPCB has taken action
by issuing closure directions to the industries which
are established and operating in zone-3 of TGR area.
List of the industries that have been issued closure
order is enclosed. Water quality and working
efficiency report of ETP or CETP in TGR catchment
area and also STP located in Jindal lake is submitted
(Annexure-8.10)
9. Dept. of Agriculture (Joint Furnished the details of the village no., Geographical
Director of Agriculture) area, rainfed area, irrigated area and total cultivable
land of the Bangalore south, Devanahalli,
Doddaballapur and Nelamangala taluks. General
information such as crop pattern, water level, quantity
of fertilizers & pesticides is given
10. Bangalore International BIAAPA has furnished the list of approved layouts,
Airport Area Planning residential and commercial superstructures
Authority (BIAAPA) (Annexure-8.11). List of Conversion Opinion files.
11. Directorate of Census District census booklets of Census of India 2011 were
operations, Karnataka collected for the Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural,
Ramanagara, and Chikkaballapura districts. Softcopy
of Census 1991 and 2001 were also collected to gather
information on Population, Households and the
extent of the village
12. Bangalore Urban District (DC Not responded
office)
13. Bangalore Rural District (DC Furnished the groundwater quality and the
office) groundwater level from the observatory bore-well. The
land conversion orders from 01.04.2012 to
31.05.2014 were collected
14. Bangalore Mysore Not responded
Infrastructure Corridor Area
Planning Authority
(BMICAPA)
15. Lake Development Authority There is no data regarding TGR
(LDA)
16. Central Water Commission As they are not monitoring the minor rivers in the
state, there was no data regarding the Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi rivers

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Sl. Name of the

Details Furnished
No. Departments/Authorities
17. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam  Furnished the information on 2nd Advisory Committee
Limited (CNNL) Meeting on TGR catchment area held on 12.02.2015
informed that the work “Rejuvenation of Rivers
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi and its tributaries” in three
packages after the approval of Govt. vide Order no. JSE
23 MMK 2009, dated 19.10.2011. (i) Birth place of
Arkavathi river to Hesaraghatta Reservoir (Total length
of the streams is 382.78kms and catchment area is
381.85 sq.kms). (ii) Birth place of Kumudvathi River to
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (Total length of the
streams is 459.77 kms and catchment area is 464.56
sq.kms). (iii) Hesaraghatta Reservoir to
Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (Total length of the
streams is 476.51 kms and catchment area is 602.22 sq.
kms). The major components of the project are clearing
jungle, removal of silt in bed and excavation in soil for
side slopes
 It is submitted that the 394 tanks in the catchment have
started getting filled with water, Hesaraghatta reservoir
has received the water of 10–12ft. after 20 years due to
rejuvenation, Thippagondanahalli reservoir has received
about 40–45ft. of water in the current year; further
obstructions/encroachment along the streams and
tributaries are identified and about 124 acres of
encroachment has been cleared and original valley
course has been restored. It is reported that there is
increase in the annual runoff from the last 2 years and
the aquifers of the borewells which were dried up earlier
are now got considerably replenished
 The tanks in the catchment have getting filled with water
and out of 394 tanks in the catchment, the status of tank
filling is detailed as under; upto 100%-80 tanks: 80-90% -
135 tanks; 70-80% - 120 tanks and 60% - 59 tanks.
Hesaraghatta reservoir which was completely dry since
the past 20 years has received about 10-12ft. of water
(0.35TMC). TGR has received about 40–45ft. (1.5
TMC) of water in the current year. Encroachment/
obstructions along the streams and tributaries are
identified and about 124 acres of encroachment have got
cleared and original valley course is restored. There is
increase in the annual runoff from the last two years.
The aquifers of the bore-wells which dried up earlier are
now got considerably replenished

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Chapter-9: Methodologies Adopted in other States in India and other

Countries for Rejuvenation, Conservation and Preservation
of Rivers and River Courses in Urban Agglomerations
9.1. Introduction:
Rivers, tributaries, lakes and other water bodies form an interconnected web of circulatory
system pumping life into all the living organisms, animals and plants on this planet. River with its
own natural flows, ecology and aquatic biodiversity is an ecosystem in itself and needs to flow if it
has to perform its ecological functions and provide services to nature and human kind.
Unsustainable development pathways and rapid urbanization leading to tremendous pressure on
natural resources have affected the quality and availability of river water resources, thereby affecting
their capacity to generate social and economic benefits, especially in urban set ups. Management
and restoration of river ecosystems require holistic, interdisciplinary approaches based on an
understanding of the relations between physical, chemical and biological processes at varying time
scales. Rejuvenation, conservation and preservation of rivers are very important national priorities
and national and state level initiatives have been in vogue since many years. The methodologies
used by different states vary from state to state and there is a dire necessity to make a holistic view
to decide on the future course of action to bring in equitable, sustainable, participatory,
decentralized, democratic and transparent approach to river water management.

9.2. Legal and policy framework:

The history of river water management in India goes back a long way, even before some
civilizations had begun settling down as organised societies. In the independent India, the
constitutional provisions under Articles 51A(g), 48A and Article 21 make it abundantly clear that
in order to uphold the most important fundamental right of every individual, the very source of all
water, the rivers, must be protected by the people and state must take all necessary action to
ensure this protection. The first attempt at river basin management was through an act of
parliament when the Damodar Valley Corporation Act was passed in 1948. In 1956, the
parliament passed the River Boards Act. In 1976, Betwa River Board was set up through an act of
the parliament. In 1980, Brahmaputra Board was set up under an act of the parliament, under the
Ministry of Water Resources, covering the Brahmaputra and the Barak Valleys for planning,
investigation and implementation of water resources projects in these valleys (Himanshu Thakkar,
2012).

Some of the important Acts that directly or indirectly affect conservation or management of
rivers and protection of lakes, inland water bodies and other water resources include : Interstate
River Water Disputes Act, 1956; River Boards Act, 1956; The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972;
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Forest (Conservation ) Act,
1980; The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; The Electricity Act, 2003; Interstate Water
Dispute Tribunal awards and The EIA Notification, 2006.

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9.3. Water Policy and Rivers:

The earlier National Water Policy was adopted in September, 1987 and it was redrafted as
2002 Draft National Water Policy (NWP). The section under Water Quality in the NWP 2002
had some relevant provisions for rivers: Effluents should be treated to acceptable levels and
standards before discharging them into natural streams; minimum flow should be ensured in the
perennial streams for maintaining ecology and social considerations; Necessary legislation is to be
made for preservation of existing water bodies by preventing encroachment and deterioration of
water quality.

9.3.1. National Water Policy, 2012:

The National Water Policy, 2012 has considered water as a scarce natural resource. The
objective of the National Water Policy is to take cognizance of the existing situation, to
propose a framework for creation of a new system of laws and institutions and a plan of action
with a unified national perspective. Such a framework law must recognize water not only as a
scarce resource but also as a sustainer of life and ecology. Therefore, water, particularly
ground water, needs to be managed as a community resource, held by the state, under public
trust doctrine to achieve food security, livelihood etc.

The policy has emphasized on strengthening and institutionalization of community based

water management. The policy has also talked about adaptation to climate change through
better demand management, particularly through adoption of compatible agricultural
strategies and cropping patterns and improved water application methods such as drip/
sprinkler irrigation etc. As a strategy for enhancing water available for use to address the issues
of rapid urbanization, population growth etc., direct use of rainfall, desalination and avoidance
of inadvertent evapotranspiration should be adopted. It has also emphasized on introduction
of improved technologies of water use, incentivizing efficient water use and community based
management of aquifers to address the issue of declining ground water levels in over-exploited
areas. The Policy has also emphasized on pricing of water to ensure efficient use and equitable
access to water. The policy has talked about fair pricing for drinking and other uses such as
sanitation, agricultural and industrial through independent Statutory Water Regulatory
Authority, set up by each State.

As regards to conservation of river corridors, water bodies and infrastructure, the policy has
emphasized that they should be undertaken in scientifically planned manner through
community participation and restore the encroached rivers, lakes, tanks, ponds, etc. to the
possible extent. The storage capacities of water bodies and water courses and/ or associated
wetlands, the floodplains, ecological buffer and areas required for specific aesthetic,
recreational and/or social needs may be managed to the extent possible in an integrated
manner to balance flooding, environmental and social issues as per prevalent laws through
planned development of urban areas. The Policy has also emphasized on the need to remove
the large disparity between stipulations for water supply in urban areas and in rural areas.
Efforts should be made to provide improved water supply in rural areas with proper sewerage

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facilities. Least water intensive sanitation and sewerage systems with decentralized sewage
treatment plants should be incentivized.

The Policy says that water resources projects and services should be managed with
community participation. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) taking river
basin/ sub-basin as a unit should be the main principle for planning, development and
management of water resources. The Departments/ organizations at Centre/ State
Governments levels should be restructured and made multi-disciplinary accordingly.
Appropriate institutional arrangements for each river basin should be developed to collect and
collate all data on regular basis with regard to rainfall, river flows, area irrigated by crops and
by source, utilizations for various uses by both surface and ground water and related aspects.
Appropriate water accounts for each river basin with budgets and accounts should be
published. The State Water Policies may need to be drafted/ revised in accordance with
policy.

The National Water Mission, one of the eight missions in the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (EMPRI and TERI, 2013), aims for conservation of water, minimizing
wastage and ensuring equitable distribution across and within states through integrated water
resources development and management. The main objective of this Mission is to achieve
integrated management of water resources by conserving water, minimizing wastage and
ensuring its more equitable distribution both across and within various States of our Union.
With this objective, five goals have been identified and strategies for achieving these have been
identified. The five goals are:
 Establishment of a comprehensive water resource database in the public domain;
 Promotion of citizen and state actions for sustainable water consumption;
 Conservation and augmentation;
 Focused attention on over-exploited areas;
 Increasing the efficiency of water uses by 20%;
 Basin-wise designs for integrated water resources management.
9.4. River Conservation Initiatives at the National Level:
9.4.1. National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD):
The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) in the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of National
River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems
(NPCA) for conservation of rivers, lakes and wetlands in the country. The objective of the
River Action Plans is to improve water quality of rivers through implementation of pollution
abatement schemes in identified polluted stretches of rivers. NPCA aims at conserving aquatic
ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) through implementation of sustainable conservation plans,
and governed with application of uniform policy and guidelines.

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9.4.2. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP):

The river conservation programme in the country was initiated with the launching of the
Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985. The Ganga Action Plan was expanded to cover other
rivers under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) in the year 1995. NRCP, excluding
the GAP-I, GAP-II and National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme
presently covers polluted stretches of 40 rivers in 121 towns spread over 19 States. The
pollution abatement works are implemented on a cost sharing basis between the Centre and
State Governments. Prevention and control of industrial pollution is being addressed by the
Central and State Pollution Control Boards / Pollution Control Committees. In their last
report of 2015, 302 polluted river stretches have been identified, out of which pollution
abatement works in some of the stretches have been taken up under NRCP.

9.4.3. National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP)

National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) was initiated by MoEF in June, 2001. The
objective of NLCP is to restore and conserve the urban and semi-urban lakes of the country
degraded due to waste water discharge into the lake and other unique freshwater ecosystems,
through an integrated ecosystem approach. NLCP has supported the conservation and
restoration of over 60 lakes in 14 states including Karnataka with the help of relevant
departments and agencies of the state governments, with cost sharing between the Central
Government and the States (70%:30%). In Karnataka a Lake Development Authority (LDA)
was created and many States such as Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha etc. have constituted
Lake Conservation Authorities either at the State level or for specific lakes/ water bodies. The
MoEF has also been promoting wetland conservation through the National Wetlands
Conservation Programme. To avoid overlap and promote better synergies, both the schemes
NLCP and NWCP have been merged in February, 2013 into a new scheme called ‗National
Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems‘ (NPCA).

MoEF has asked all states to constitute City Level Monitoring Committees
(CLMCs) for all river and lake conservation projects for improving implementation and
enhancing coordination between the Centre, the States and the Urban Local Bodies. CLMCs
besides ensuring timely implementation, monitoring flow of funds and better coordination
between concerned agencies, are also expected to secure public cooperation and facilitate
community mobilization for the conservation of lakes and rivers in the region. MoEF has
recognised the need of adequate trained manpower in various scientific and technical, social,
economic, administrative aspects of conservation of lakes and rivers and has sponsored a
multidisciplinary course ―Conservation of Rivers and Lakes‖ with Alternate Hydro Energy
Centre at the IIT, Roorkee. Activities aimed at creating public awareness and public
participation are built into individual projects and are carried out by the implementing
agencies in the respective states.

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9.4.4. Proposed River Regulation Zonation (RRZ) for Regulation of Human Activities along
Rivers and Lakes
During the National workshop on conservation of rivers and floodplains in Jawaharlal Nehru
University (Delhi) held on 23-24 Nov 2001, it emerged that MoEF should take immediate
necessary action to formulate the requirements for issuing notification for River Regulation
Zone (RRZ) under the Environment Protection Act on lines similar to those of Coastal
Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification. Consequently, the report – ‗Regulation of Human
Activities Along Rivers and Lakes‘, 2002 was prepared for National River conservation
Directorate (NRCD), MoEF, GOI by the National Institute of Ecology (Brij Gopal et al.,
2002). Meetings were called by NRCD on January 8, 2002 and September 26, 2002 to
discuss this further. However no further progress could be made. The meeting discussed the
need to regulate the various activities affecting the rivers and floodplains. In January, 2011 the
Union Environment Minister spoke about a RRZ notification to protect riverbeds from
encroachments in the future. Though some of the states have adapted RRZs for their own
activities, a national RRZ policy on the lines of CRZ is yet to get formulated. The Ministry has
set up an Expert Group to formulate RRZ, which is now in the process of drafting a
notification for RRZ on the lines of CRZ notification.

The report discusses and provides information on rivers of India, reasons for
conservation of rivers, discusses river as ecosystem, lists various activities affecting the river
such as human activities, urbanization, industrialization, extensive agricultural activities,
encroachment on the flood plains, state of degradation etc. Zoning of rivers on the basis of
climatic and geomorphic features is proposed (Table-9.1). The legal framework and
suggestions for institutional mechanism and inter-ministerial coordination are discussed.

Construction of rail/road bridges, activities associated with power stations, irrigation, water
supply and multipurpose reservoirs, specifically approved projects for the restoration of
rivers/floodplains and for scientific purposes (research monitoring) are to be exempted from
regulation. Further, it is also proposed to consider all the lakes and reservoirs apart from those
covered by RRZ to bring into the purview of this notification as the human activities are
similar in nature and have similar impacts on water resources and the ecosystem integrity of
the lakes. A minimum belt of 500m to 1 km around the lakes (natural or manmade) from
their highest shoreline (bank full level) has been proposed to be designated as buffer zone for
regulating certain activities. The buffer zone may be extended to 10 km for specific industrial
activity whenever it is necessary. Variety of other activities is also proposed to be regulated in
and around the lakes.

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Table-9.1. Suggested regulations within a distance of 500 m from the boundary of the floodplain
in the proposed zones

Regulated
Zones Major Features Totally Prohibited Activities
Activities
Ecologically sensitive & fragile All polluting activities including
watershed areas, areas mostly in permanent or temporary
foothills (medium elevations), construction (Residential,
areas of pristine, heritage sites, commercial, religious, recreational),
RRZ-I Nil
areas rich in genetic diversity or agrochemical based cultivation,
important for biodiversity disposal of all kinds of solid wastes
including religious offerings & idol
immersion
River channels & their flood Permanent or temporary Forage
plains in the hills (>300 m construction on floodplains and on removal/grazing
altitude), generally low human hill slopes facing the river, mining on hill slopes,
RRZ-II
population density, high flow or quarrying on hills, use of gravel or sand
velocity, river regulation fertilizers and pesticides for mining
relatively low agriculture, solid waste disposal
River channels & their
floodplains at lower elevation
(<300 m), within municipal
No further extension of any
limits (high population
infrastructure that may necessitate Limited
densities) where floodplain has
reduce the remaining floodplain or extraction
already been heavily reduced &
RRZ-III affect the course of the river beyond 500 m
infrastructure facilities are well
channel, disposal of all kinds of of the river
developed. River stretches
solid wastes, ground water channel
generally heavily regulated or
extraction
channelised, water quality
much degraded & restoration
most difficult
Lower elevation (<300m) in All polluting activities including
suburban and rural areas where permanent or temporary
infrastructure development has construction (Residential, Gravel and sand
not occurred or is only commercial, religious, recreational), mining, grazing
RRZ-IV
moderate, land is primarily agrochemical based cultivation, and forage
under agriculture & grazing, disposal of all kinds of solid wastes, removal
areas with low degradation but ban on drainage and reclamation of
high potential for restoration existing wetlands

9.5. Status of River Conservation in Different States:

The steps taken by different states are reviewed to get an idea of the status of conservation
and rejuvenation of rivers and other water bodies in different states of India. Various states have
adopted their own policies or following national regulations in vogue to conserve the rivers, lakes
and other water bodies in the state. State wise analysis of various policies and activities which
enable the conservation and rejuvenation of rivers is provided with details.

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9.5a. Water Resources Regulatory Authority Constituted by Various States:

The water sector in India had changed after post-liberalisation era and the development of
new institutional frame work has led to the formation of independent water regulatory
authorities. The regulatory authority exercises rule making power, implementing these rules,
and settle disputes (Koonan and Bhullar, 2012). Andhra Pradesh set up a separate authority
for water regulation at the state level, adopted through Andhra Pradesh Water Resources
Development Corporation Act, 1997. But this regulatory authority was only technically
separate from the government and continued to be controlled by the government.
Maharashtra is considered the first state in the country to set up a state level independent
Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) constituted by The
Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005. Maharashtra is a model for
many other states to establish regulatory authorities. Regulatory authorities established in
other states are Arunachal Pradesh Water Resources Regulatory Authority (Arunachal
Pradesh Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2006), Uttar Pradesh Water
Management and Regulatory Commission (Uttar Pradesh Water Management and Regulatory
Commission Act, 2008), Jammu and Kashmir State Water Resources Regulatory Authority
(Jammu and Kashmir State Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010),
Gujarat Water Regulatory Authority (Gujarat Water Regulatory Authority Notification, 2012),
and Kerala State Water Resources Regulatory Authority (Kerala State Water Resources
Regulatory Authority Bill, 2012). But, the Authority has been operationalized only in the State
of Maharashtra.

9.5.1. Karnataka:
9.5.1a. State Water Policy 2002:
The State Water Policy of Karnataka aims at
 Providing drinking water at the rate of 55 LPCD (litres per capita per day) in rural
areas, 70 LPCD in towns, and 100 LPCD in city municipal council areas and 135
LPCD in city corporation areas;
 Stepping up irrigation to reach an accumulated 45 lakh hectares under major,
medium and
 Minor irrigation projects;
 Improved productivity of irrigated agriculture by involving users in irrigation
management;
 Harness the hydropower potential in the state;
 Provide a legislative, administrative and infrastructural environment, which will
ensure fair, just and equitable distribution and utilisation of water resources.
The State Water Policy has not been revised after the National Water Policy has come into
vogue in 2012. In principle the National Water Policy 2012 is in effect as far as the State of
Karnataka is concerned

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9.5.1b. Regulations regarding Rainwater Harvesting:

The establishment of Rainwater harvesting (RWH) structure has been made mandatory for
certain categories of buildings within the area of Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board
(BWSSB) and enforced by BWSSB itself through the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage
(Amendment) Act, 2009. According to press articles, some 25,000 RWH systems have been
established in the 58,000 buildings coming under the purview of the Act. Though it is a
noteworthy achievement, a lot more needs to be done.
9.5.1c. Water Resources Management:
In order to address knowledge deficits in water management and for providing a platform
for the inclusion of stakeholders in decision processes, GoK established the Karnataka Water
Resources Authority under chairmanship of the Minister for Water Resources in 2008. There
is however an impression that the authority failed to live up to expectations. In addition a
Groundwater Authority is now established under the Karnataka Groundwater Act, 2011.
There is a rapidly growing understanding that water is a precious resource that requires
protection and professional management. This led to the transformation of the former
Irrigation Department into the Water Resources Department. Besides planning, constructing
and monitoring irrigation projects, the department develops command areas, collects and
analyses hydrological data and, by mandate, is required to conduct research. Subsidiary bodies
include the Water Resources Development Organisation (WRDO) and a number of
Command Area Development Authorities. However the primary role of Water Resources
Department has been implementation of Irrigation Projects and much less on river basin
management or integrated water management.
9.5.1d. Municipal Water Supply:
The second priority of BWSSB is addressing the water supply deficit. Bangalore is
receiving only around 800 MLD of its required 1,200 MLD from surface water and the
difference is chiefly met by groundwater drawings. The board has been criticised for focussing
on augmentation of further water resources (500 MLD from the Cauvery River) while not
succeeding in reducing unaccounted-for water (UFW), which stands at 48%. This amount
would suffice meeting water requirements altogether and may last for another 5-10 years if one
assumes continued rapid growth of Bangalore. It is noted with appreciation that BWSSB has
commenced tendering of work addressing unaccounted-for water for around 1 lakh
households, a scale greater than that of a pilot project. This leaves hope that UFW will be
addressed and utilised systematically and thus effectively contribute to reducing water
requirements.
9.5.1e. Activities under National River/lake Conservation Plan:
The National River Conservation Programme (NRCP), initiated 1992-93, identified eight
towns of Karnataka for initiation of actions on preventing further pollution. Under this
scheme, sewage has been diverted from flowing into rivers and sewage treatment plants are
established in eight towns, six of which have already been completed. The Karnataka State
Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for implementation schemes under NRCP while

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work is undertaken by BWSSB and Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board
respectively.
Government of India provides financial assistance to the state governments to conserve
lakes under the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP). Activities carried out under
this scheme include de-silting, de-weeding, strengthening of bunds, interception and diversion
of sewage entering the tanks, fencing and similar work. Conservation plans for 16 lakes in the
state have been approved for the year 2002-03 and development of four lakes has been
completed by November 2009.
9.5.1f. Department/ Organisations in Karnataka:
i. The Water Resources Department is one of the major departments in the Government of
Karnataka harnessing the surface water for Irrigation and drinking purposes. The Water
Resources Department consists of three major corporations-Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam
Limited (KBJNL), Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) and Cauvery Neeravari
Nigam Limited (CNNL). These are unique establishments, envisaged as Special Purpose
Vehicles for speedy implementation of irrigation projects and to enable the Government to
borrow funds from external sources. Some projects are handled by Water Resources
Department directly (www.waterresources.kar.nic.in).

a. Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) studies the planning and design
aspects and monitors the progress of the work and through tracking field
periodically, clears bottle necks and ensures time bound progress of work. KNNL
also intends to thrust to new areas of development such as participatory irrigation
management, encouragement to modern irrigation practices with more duty on
water, exploration of new possibility of conjunctive use of water, advocating a
holistic approach towards agricultural farming practices for economic security to the
farmer and using modern technologies in survey and design of canal systems.
b. Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) deals with implementation of the
Upper Krishna Project (UKP) in the State of Karnataka. The Company is
responsible for planning, investigation, estimation, execution, operation and
maintenance of all irrigation projects coming under the UKP. The Company is also
entrusted with the responsibility of Rehabilitation and Resettlement of the people
affected by the Project.
c. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNN) came to existence on 4-6-2003.The
Nigam is proposed to raise funds in the period of 3 years for completion of all
ongoing works and modernisation of completed projects in Cauvery basin.

d. Jala Samvardhane Yojana Sangha (JSYS) is a society, established by Government of

Karnataka to serve as the nodal Agency in the State for community based tank
management (www.jsys.nic.in). JSYS carries out the project for existing Minor

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Irrigation and Zilla Panchayath in Tumakuru District, Karnataka state. The project
aims to demonstrate the viability of a community-based approach to tank
improvement and the management by entrusting the main responsibility to people
on a selected basis. After restoring the tanks, they are handed over to the
communities who are registered as society. Each of such associations are named as
Tank Management Institutions (TMI).

ii. Karnataka Groundwater Authority:

Groundwater quality is monitored by the Department of Mines and Geology
through network laboratories in all districts of Karnataka. While surface water is not
monitored routinely, its quality is assessed in cases of complaints. With financial assistance
from World Bank a state-of-the-art Hydrological Information System (HIS) has been
established. The department also played a key role in the formulation of the long-
anticipated Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and
Management) Act, 2011, which received the Governor‘s assent in April 2011. Through the
constitution of an empowered Groundwater Authority, the Act is a key instrument for
curbing indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater. Karnataka Groundwater Authority is
constituted to control and prevent over exploitation of ground water in the whole state.
Every person, household or firm is required to register with the authority indicating the
purpose of use of borewell water and further to get permission of the Authority to dig an
open well or drill a borewell in the notified areas (35 taluks including Bangalore Urban,
Bangalore Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikaballapur and parts of Tumakuru, the over
exploited areas). In notified areas, well owners will be obliged to obtain registration
certificates for continued use of groundwater which can be refused by the Groundwater
Authority if certain conditions are not met. Further the drilling agency has to register with
the authority. Any person found to be violating is susceptible for fine or imprisonment.

iii. Lake Development Authority:

Lake Development Authority (LDA) was constituted vide Government Order
No.FEE/12/ENG/02-Bangalore, dated 10th July 2002, registered as a Society under the
Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1959. LDA has its jurisdiction over the metropolitan
area of Bangalore, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA)
areas, over the lakes in other City Municipal Corporation and Town Municipal Councils in
the State. LDA is a regulating, planning and policy making body like giving clearances to
detailed project reports of lake development projects to different authorities and also is the
nodal agency for National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) and took
up 16 lakes in Karnataka under NLCP, with 5 of them in Bangalore City and 6 projects in
Karnataka under National Wetlands Conservation Programme.

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Recently in February 2015 the Karnataka Government passed ‗The Karnataka

Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014‘ for constitution of Karnataka
Lake Conservation and Development Authority with necessary powers and functions to
protect, conserve and rejuvenate the water bodies like tanks, lakes, wet lands and their
catchment areas, inlets and outlets for ensuring their long term sustenance. The jurisdiction
of the authority extends to all water bodies within the limits of all the city corporations and
BDA in the state and any other water body of the state identified by the government. The
authority can control and remove encroachments, impose fines and imprison the violator‘s
found discharging untreated sewage into the lake and dumping construction debris.

iv. Tank Development Authority:

Karnataka Tank Development Authority Act, 2014 passed in July 2014, provides
for the establishment of a Tank Development Authority with the power to protect,
conserve and rejuvenate water bodies in the rural areas of the State and to improve
groundwater. The Bill empowers the authority to exercise regulatory control over all
tanks, ponds and lakes including prevention and removal of encroachments of tank and
evict any person found occupying any tank land or part of it with in 30 m from the outer
boundary of the tank. Further the Authority has powers to impose penalty or can imprison
the violators.
9.5.2. Maharashtra:
Maharashtra had one of the unique River Policy (Table-9.2) which came into effect on 15th
July 2000 (G.R. No MMV/2000/326/22/TB-3). The River Catchment Area of 20 rivers were
classified in 4 categories based on the designated use of river water, namely A-I, A-II, A-III and
A-IV. Water quality for these categories was prescribed, for example, A-I (from origin upto 1st
dam) class of river water to be supplied for public water supply after approved disinfection, A-II
(from 1st dam to the area designated) class of river water to be supplied after approved treatment
equal to coagulation, sedimentation & disinfection and A-III & A-IV both unfit for human
consumption, hence A-III class of river water is recommended to be used for fish & wildlife
propagation while A-IV class of river water is recommended to be used for agricultural, industrial
cooling and process water. Further from High Flood Level (HFL) on either side of the river, the
category of industries to be established are specified. But recently the Government of
Maharashtra has scrapped the 15 years old policy while the Central Government is still planning
to come up with similar policy (Times of India, Feb 2, 2015).

Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) was constituted by ‗The

Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005‘. MWRRA regulates water
resource within the State of Maharashtra, facilitate and ensure judicious, equitable and
sustainable management, allocation and utilization of water resources, and fix the rates for use of
water for agriculture, industrial, drinking and other purposes, and matters connected. As per
Section-11 of the MWRRA Act, 2005 read MWRRA (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2011
the Authority is bestowed with certain powers and functions such as determining the criteria for

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the distribution of entitlements by the River Basin Agencies, enforcing the decisions or orders
issued under the Act, to determine the priority of equitable distribution of water available at the
water resources project, sub-basin and river basin levels during periods of scarcity, to establish a
water tariff system, and to fix the criteria for water charges at sub-basin, river basin and State level
after ascertaining the views of the beneficiary, public etc.

Environment Department, Government of Maharashtra, vide Govt. Resolution dated 15th

July‘2009 had notified the industrial location policy (Table-9.2) in the river catchments. The
restrictions are applicable to industrial areas to be developed by Maharashtra Industrial
Development Corporation (MIDC) also. However, for an existing MIDC industrial area where
land has been acquired and developed, but the plot allotment has not been done, in such case
the restrictions for developing industries shall be applicable up to 500 m from HFL of the river
on both sides in AII class area (www.mpcb.gov.in).

Table-9.2. Restrictions of activity in River Course of Maharashtra

Any type of
Only Green
No Only Orange Industries
category of
Development category of (Red, Orange,
Industries with
Classes Zone for any Industries with Green) with
Pollution
type of Pollution Control Pollution
Control
Industries Devices Control
Devices
Devices
i. Industrial Location Policy, 2009
A-I 3 Km From 3 Km to 8 Km Beyond 8 Km
A-II From 1 Km to 2
Beyond 2 Km
From 1/2 Km Km
1/2 Km
A-III to 1Km From 1/2 to 1
Beyond 1 Km
A-IV Km
MIDC with From 1/2 Km From 1/2 Km to
1/2 Km Beyond 3/4
CETP to 3/4 Km ¾ Km
ii. River Policy, 2000 (Scrapped)
A-I 3 Km From 3 Km to 8 Km Beyond 8 Km
A-II 1 km & 500m From 1 km to 2 km Beyond 2 Km
for MIDC
A-III & A-IV 0.5 km From 0.5 km to 1 km Beyond 1 Km

9.5.3. Tamil Nadu:

As early as 1884, The Tamil Nadu Rivers Conservancy Act was enacted for conservation
of rivers in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Act has empowered the state Government to notify any
river that requires conservation by conducting a survey and determining the limits within which
this Act is to be applied. The Act stipulated that charts thereof all existing cultivation, buildings,
plantations, constructions, or obstructions within the surveyed limits of the river be prepared and
exhibited for public information at the district offices for a period of 90 days, asking for any

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objection. After the expiry of such period and taking into consideration the objections, the State
Government may declare notification that the provisions of this Act shall apply to the said river
within the boundaries and limits prescribed in the said charts. Also the Act has provided for
appointment of Conservators of Rivers defining the limits of their jurisdiction. The Act provided
for regulation of cultivation, within river-bed area. The conservators were also empowered to
direct removal of constructions, plantations, etc. if they deem to be an obstruction to the course
of the stream of such river. It is to be noted here that this Act is very strong and is very similar to
the Indian Forest Act.

Government of Tamil Nadu in 2006, in order to protect the lakes and rivers in Chennai from
dumping of solid waste and disposal of waste water and also in order to provide healthy
environment, formed Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (earlier named Adyar Poonga).
Kosasthalayar, Cooum and Adyar are the 3 rivers flowing between north and south boundaries of
Chennai City the capital of Tamil Nadu and the Trust has taken up the Cooum and Adyar river
under the project Eco-Restoration of Adyar Creek (Phase-I and Phase-II), and Integrated Cooum
River Eco-Restoration Plan. The objective of Eco–restoration of Adyar Phase-1 included
restoration of degraded area, rehabilitation of the watershed of Adyar Creek with minimum
interface of public for sustainable maintenance, increase of water spread area by excavation,
control of sewage discharge from outfalls, recreating vegetation, and gaining animal diversity
through implementation of these measures. The Cooum river eco-restoration programme
includes promotion of inter-sectorial co-ordination through comprehensive planning and
management to ensure effective abatement of pollution and protection of rivers, maintaining
minimum ecological flows in the rivers, creation of River Front Development within urbanized
areas, identification of projects for pollution abatements and after river restoration exploration of
possibility of navigation purpose is also under consideration.

9.5.4. Andhra Pradesh:

Government of Andhra Pradesh, in order to protect the two surface reservoirs,
Osmansagar and Himayathsagar, which meet a part of drinking water requirement of the twin
cities namely the Hyderabad and Secunderabad of Andhra Pradesh has passed several
notifications with different objectives. The Himayathsagar has been built on Musa River, a
tributary of Musi and Osmansagar has been built on Musi River. To maintain the continuous
inflow of water into the reservoirs Government of Andhra Pradesh vide order dated: 28.01.1989
had prohibited the interception of any inflows of water into the two lakes and removal of
unauthorized check dams, tapping of groundwater in the catchment area and prevention of
unauthorized occupation of land etc.

Further the Govt. vide order dated: 31.03.1994 prohibited the establishment of polluting
industries, major hotels, residential colonies or other establishments that generate pollution in the
catchment area within 10 Km radius of Full Tank Level of both the two lakes. Further vide Govt.
order dated 08.03.1996, the Government has notified 84 villages falling within 10 kms distance in

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the catchment area as prohibited zone. Both on the upstream and downstream side within 10 km
radius polluting industries were prohibited.

Finally, Government in 2007 issued notification (Memo. No. 261/2006, dated 16 -07-2007)
to regulate the recent development activities in the downstream of the two reservoirs as per the
recommendations of Technical Committee to control direct pollution likely to be caused by such
development activities. Area up to 500 m from the bund/full tank level has been declared as
prohibited zone and no development is to be allowed here, beyond this zone (500 m) up to
1000m (1 km) only low rise residential development (ground + 2 floors) is allowed, and beyond
1000 m in the downstream all developments such as Residential, Commercial, Hotels, public
and semi public developments are to be allowed and apart from 68 industries listed other
industries are allowed 10 kms in the downstream of the reservoirs. A distance of 100 ft. has to be
maintained from the raw water channel and the layout or building etc. Zonal Development Plan
incorporating the regulations has to be prepared and strictly enforced by the Hyderabad Urban
Development Authority, while MD, Director Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage
Board to constitute a watch committee to supervise enforcement of these regulations.

Andhra Pradesh Government further in 2009 enacted Andhra Pradesh Water Resources
Regulatory Commission Act, 2009 to provide for the establishment of the Andhra Pradesh
Water Resources Regulatory Commission for regulation of water resources within the state of
Andhra Pradesh, to facilitate effective utilization of water resources within the state to ensure its
sustainable and scientific management for drinking, agriculture, industrial and other purposes and
matters connected therewith. Further the commission follows the principle that ―the person who
pollutes shall pay‖ while supporting and aiding enhancement and preservation of water quality
within the state in close coordination with the relevant State Agencies. Compared to the
Maharashtra Water Regulatory Water Authority the Commission is advisory in nature.

9.5.5. Kerala:
Kerala is networked by 44 rivers of which 41 are west flowing and 3 are east flowing rivers
(tributaries of river Cauvery). Of all rivers, Periyar is the longest river followed by the
Bharatapuzha and the Pampa rivers. Pampa river is considered a Holy river for both the
Sabarimala temple and its pilgrims. For the conservation of the river Pampa and its river basin
the Government of Kerala enacted The Pampa River Basin Act, 2009.The Act provides for
constitution of Pampa River Basin Authority – a statutory body to prepare policies and co-
ordinate and take decisions relating to the matters and implementation of projects under the
Pampa Action Plan (PAP), prepared by the State Government of Kerala to execute projects with
the objectives of curbing of pollution, integrated planning, monitoring, management and
development of water resources in the river and its river basins. The Authority also controls and
restricts on over exploitation of natural resources and encroachments which affects the water
resources and reservoirs of the Pampa River.

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Recently The Revenue Department, Government of Kerala has declared to launch a

project called ‗Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare‘ meaning from river to river named after the title of a
book by C Radhakrishnan to protect and conserve rivers in the state. The project would be
initiating afforestation measures and converting them into river parks so as to prevent
encroachment and pollution of river banks with emphasis on beautification of rivers. The project
will be implemented in Bharathapuzha and Achenkovil rivers on a pilot basis. Local river
protection committees will be formed to nurture and protect the rivers and their banks, with the
village officer of the selected areas as conveners. The project is expected to curb the
encroachment of embankments and illegal sand-mining. (The Hindu, November 21, 2014)

Earlier, Govt. of Kerala in order to protect the river banks and the river beds from large
scale removal of sand, the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand
Act, 2001 was enacted. The removal of river sand is regulated through the formation of Kadavu
(river bank) committee in every district by the District Expert Committee which in turn is
constituted by the Act. The Kadavu committee supervises and monitors the activities of sand
removal and recommends the District Expert Committee on matters related to sand removal
such as suitability of the river banks, quantity of sand to be removed, additional actions to be
taken for the protection of the river bank, ban on sand removal during any season in a year, etc.
and fixes the price of the sand for each Kadavu. Further to control sliding of river bank plantation
of bamboo and Attuvanchi is recommended. Sand removal operation within 10mt. of the river
bank and parking of loading vehicles within 25mt. of the river bank is not allowed, while allowing
only designated amount of sand removal in the river bed only. District Expert Committee apart
from protecting the river bank and keeping them free from encroachment has to prepare a River
Bank Development Plan for establishing, co-ordinating and protecting river banks within the
district giving importance to the bio-physical environment of the river banks.

As per The Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, 2003 and as per the provisions
of section 218 of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (13 of 1994) and section 208A of the Kerala
Municipality Act, 1994 (20 of 1994) the water courses meaning a river, stream, springs, channel,
lake or any natural collection of water other than in a private land and including any tributary or
branch of any river, stream, springs or channel and the water in it is the property of the
Government, hence entitling Government to conserve and regulate the use of water courses and
the water in them for irrigation purposes and for generation of Electricity and matters connected.
No person or agency is allowed to abstract water from a water course without the prior
permission of the officer authorized by the government in this behalf or on payment of such fees
as may be prescribed. Also, no person or agency or local authority or any other authority is
allowed to divert any river or interlink two or more rivers or effect inter-basin transfer of water
from such rivers without obtaining prior permission from the Government. Prohibition of
quarrying of sand in water courses within a distance of 500 mts from any dam, check dam,
reservoir or any other structure or construction on or across such watercourse, owned or
controlled or maintained by Government for the purpose of irrigation. Though the field channel

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and technical specification responsibility lies with the Government, the field channel has to be
maintained by land owners in whose field the channel is present. No person shall let out any
industrial effluent or domestic effluent to any water course without proper treatment. Further no
person shall, without the previous permission in writing of the Irrigation Officer and except in
accordance with such terms and conditions and subject to the payment of such fees, as may be
prescribed, fish in any reservoir owned, maintained or controlled by the Government.

9.5.6. Manipur:
The Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act, 2006 was passed by Government of Manipur
to protect the lake through a holistic approach. The Loktak Lake comprises of large pockets of
open water and marshy land formed at the southern part of the Imphal valley up to the
confluence of Manipur River and Khuga in the districts of Imphal West. The lake measures
236.21 km. The lake consists of Phumdis (heterogeneous mixture of vegetation, organic debris
and soil in floating condition) because of which it gets the name ‗Floating Lake‘. The lake serves
for irrigation, water supply, hydro generation and supports the fishermen who are also found
living in the huts or houses on the phumdis. The lake is divided into 2 zones (i) The core zone a
totally protected zone or a No – Development zone of 70.30 sq km and (ii) Buffer zone–
165.91sq km. Discharge of sewage, domestic waste into lake, rearing of fish, building of hut or
house on phumdis inside the lake, and without the prior permission from the Loktak
Development Authority fishing in lake, use of any fishing feeds and pesticides into the lake is
prohibited.

9.5.7. Uttarkhand:
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued a notification on 18th December 2012
under Sub-Section (2) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This notification
aims to maintain the environmental flow and ecology of the river Bhaghirathi, a major tributary of
river Ganga. The notification has declared entire watershed of about 100 km stretch of the river
Bhaghirathi from Gaumukh to Uttarakhasi covering a total area of 4179.59sq.Km as Eco-
sensitive zone. The MoEF, GOI has also asked the state Government to prepare zonal master
plan within two years involving all concerned Departments.

Zonal Master Plan to be prepared in consultation with local people particularly women
based on watershed approach involving all concerned state department. The Zonal Master Plan
shall provide for conservation of existing waterbodies, management of catchment areas,
watershed, groundwater, soil and moisture conservation, needs of local community etc. and other
aspects concerned with ecology and environment that need attention. The Zonal Master Plan
needs to regulate the development in the Eco-sensitive zone to meet the requirement of the local
people without affecting the rights and privileges of the bona-fide of residents and also to allow
limited conversion of agricultural lands to meet the residential needs of natural growth of existing
population.

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Lists of the activities to be prohibited in the eco-sensitive zone are, setting up of new
hydro-electric power plants, expansion of existing plants on the river Bhagirathi and all its
tributaries, abstraction of river water for any new industrial purposes, mining of minerals and
stone quarrying and crushing except for the domestic needs of bona fide local residents, setting
up or expansion of polluting industries, discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluent, use
of plastic carry bags and further prohibition of hazardous waste processing units. Implementation
of a scheme for the buy back and recycling of the plastic containers and or packaging is
recommended. Regulated activities in the Eco-sensitive zone shall be extraction of ground water
as per the prevalent acts and rules –for the agricultural and domestic consumption of the bona
fide.

9.5.8. Gujarat:
The Government of Gujarat implemented Sabarmati River Conservation Project Phase-I,
under the NRCP and JNNURM. Further the ‗Sabarmati River Conservation Project Phase-II‘
under NRCP has been sanctioned in October, 2014 at a cost of Rs.444.44 on 70:30 funding
pattern between Govt. of India and Govt. of Gujarat. Laying of new sewers,
strengthening/rehabilitation of the existing sewerage system, construction of sewage pumping
stations and 4 nos. STPs having a total treatment capacity of 210.5 mld is envisaged under the
project. The project is planned to be completed within a span of 4 years from the date of
sanction.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation formed the Sabarmati Riverfront Development

Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) in 1997 to implement the project to preserve the river Sabarmati
and also to promote tourism. Construction work on project started in 2005. The river has been
channelled to a uniform width of 263 mts and a waterfront developed along both banks, each
covering a distance of about 11 km. About 10.5 km stretch of the banks of the River is reclaimed
creating a new public space for socio-cultural amenities and markets. Sewage is captured from 38
discharge points along both banks and diverted to treatment plants. Water from Narmada river is
drawn to fill up the Sabarmati full time. Other cities including Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat,
Pune, Varanasi and Chennai propose to replicate this urban infrastructure project
(www.sabarmatiriverfront.com).

9.5.9. Orissa:
Chilika lake of Orissa is a natural brackish water lake, designated as Ramsar site is
influenced by the three subsystems distributaries of Mahanadi River system, Western Catchment
and the Bay of Bengal. The lake supports large biodiversity. Chilika had been facing
multidimensional ecological and anthropogenic pressure, leading to an overall loss of biodiversity
and productivity. The degradation of the lake also adversely affected the livelihood of local
community. Government of Orissa created Chilika Development Authority (CDA) in 1991 for
restoration and management of the lake. The root cause of degradation were identified and
addressed through adoption of appropriate strategy, restoration plans involving integrated
watershed management with community participation, monitoring and assessment etc. CDA has

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been successful in restoration of the lake as a result of which Chilka was removed from the
Montreux record by the Ramsar bureau from 11th Nov 2003. The restoration of Chilka also has
improved the livelihood of the local community due to increase in the productivity.
9.5.10. Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is setting an example of rejuvenation of dead rivers through the community driven
river-basin focused approach. It includes simple two step programme - revive vegetation on
barren hill slopes by allowing regeneration of denuded hills by controlling animal browsing and
second step is building of small water catchments – micro-structures (Johad – dug out pond) to
trap water in the valleys and the plains. Through these methods seven rivers – Arvari (dead for
four decades), Ruparel (dry for three decades), Sarsa, Bhagani, Sabi, Jahajwali, Maheshwari have
been rejuvenated. The programme was initiated and implemented by Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS)
pioneered by Mr Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay award-winning water conservationist. Today the
dead rivers are flowing, agriculture has become possible, there is enough of water and fodder.
Villagers through their participation, contribution and protection and maintenance of resources
have made it possible. TBS starts its work with mobilising communities around the issue of water,
and supporting them in reviving and revitalising the traditional systems of water management
through construction of ‗Johads‘ for rainwater harvesting. The community contributes their
labour; TBS arrange some funding and provide support to the villagers in construction and
management of the Johads (http://www.goodnewsindia.com/pages/content/inspiration/tbs.html).

Further Arvari Sansad (River Arvari Parliament) is formed to safeguard Integrated and
Water Management efforts of the community of river catchment. It follows Gandhian ethos of
participatory, equitable and decentralised paradigm for water management (Jal Swaraj), where
decisions are made at the grassroots not by centralized institutions. Thus Arvari Sansad develop
policies and enforce rules to govern the integrated management of interlinked natural resources
like water, soils and the forest for the wellbeing of the villagers as well as other forms of life-flora
and fauna. The Sansad has framed 11 rules for the river basin conservation and management on
following issues:
i. Arvari basin shall not have sugarcane, paddy & chilli. People growing these are penalised.
ii. No one shall draw water from the river after Holi (March and April) up to monsoon (July).
iii. Borewells not be allowed in Arvari catchment.
iv. Recommended crops – barley, makka, bajra in upper and vegetables in lower reaches.
v. No axe can be carried to Bhairodev people‘s sanctuary, catchment of the source of Arvari.
vi. Fishing can be done only for food.
vii. Large-scale trade of food grains and vegetables was banned. Local production and
consumption to be emphasised.
viii. Village people to help people from other areas for implementing water harvesting
structures.
ix. Cattle outside the region are not permitted for grazing.

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x. Rotational grazing to be followed by farmers in their own pasturelands.

xi. Industrial units prohibited in 405 sq.km of Arvari basin.
Later, it was permitted that the farmers in his land in the Arvari basin may cultivate only
25% of water intensive crops (such as sugarcane, paddy & chilli) while the rest of land would be
under less water intensive crops. Though this ‗River Sansad‘ has no legal status and its decisions
are not legally binding, the moral force of people makes its survival possible. The workers of
Tarun Bharat Sangh have served as facilitators. This success has been a product of contributions,
participation and sharing as every member of the rural community bear ownership of river and its
waters thereby ensuring the safety and maintenance of the resources (http://tarunbharatsangh.in).

9.5.10a. Eco-restoration of Ahar River, Udaipur:

A successful restoration of heavily polluted Ahar River (Ayad) is achieved through
implementation of ecotechnology. Ecotechnology involves the engineering applications of
ecological principles & succession of biological communities such as bacteria, fungi, micro-
invertebrate and green plants to consume organic and inorganic pollutants from the water and
convert them into non-toxic form (Sayali Joshi and Sandeep Joshi, 2008). Ahar River a tributary
of Berach River passes through the city of Udaipur and drains into - Udaisagar near Sukha
Naka. The river is polluted by domestic and industrial wastewater of Udaipur. Green Bridge
System (horizontal eco-filtration system) is constructed alongside Ahar River to remove the
pollutants. Green Bridge technology uses locally available materials like coconut coir or dried
water hyacinth or aquatic grasses in combination with sand and gravels with various consortia of
microorganisms and root systems of green plants. The process does not require any
electricity/machinery/skilled labour making it a cost effective approach of pollution treatment.
After implementation of the green bridges on the river improvement in the quality of river water
was observed. This purified river water has resulted in the improvement of quality of ground
water in the nearby wells. People and cattle are able to use this water for bathing and drinking.
The return of the predators like crocodile and water snakes with plenty of fish production was
also observed in the river.

9.5.11. Punjab:
Buddha stream/nallah a tributary of Sutlej River runs parallel to the Sutlej on its south
and ultimately joins the Satluj at Gorsian Kadar Baksh. Ludhiana a highly populated and
industrialized city situated to the south of the Buddha Nallah is a major polluter. A number of
industries including textile, automobile, paper and leather industries established in Ludhiana are
polluting the nallah. Despite operational STPs from last few years, there is no improvement in
the quality of Buddha nallah. High levels of solvents, toxic carcinogenic chemicals and heavy
metals and high levels of Radioactive Uranium than the prescribed standard limit are found in
the water samples from the stream as well as ground waters. Given the urgent need for restoration
of the Buddha Nallah, the ―Buddha NEER Project‖ (Buddha Nallah Ecological and Economic
Restoration Project) by the Srishti Environment & Sustainability Society (SES) was finalized in
February 2011. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has approved for installation of Green

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Bridge technology for cleaning the Nallah. The treated water of the drain would be used for
agriculture and to reduce the toxicity in the water getting mixed with Sutlej, which is used for
drinking purposes (Planning Commission, GoI, 2013).

9.5.12. Jharkhand:
The concern and initiative by the people towards conservation of the rivers can be seen in
Ranchi city where the Harmu River flows. The river stretches across 17.5 km in the city, of which
10.5 km lies in the urban area. The river is dying due to illegal settlements and garbage. Voices
for the conservation of this river rose which subsequently led to the filing of Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) at Jharkhand High Court in 2010 from the activities. As a result MoU under the
headline Harmu Nadi Ke Jirnodhar Aor Sarakshan (Harmu River‘s Survival and Protection) has
been signed between the chief engineer of the state urban development department and Mumbai-
based private company for restoration and conservation of Harmu river. The work of restoration
has to be done in the urban stretch. The first step would be installation of sewage treatment plant
(STP), removal of solid waste and placing of grill chambers to collect the solid waste in drains.
The drain water treated in the STP will be released to the river. Further the beautification of river
banks will be done in the identified empty land near river banks by making parks, planting trees,
making jogging tracks etc. (Times of India, February 26, 2015 and Jharkhand State News,
February 2, 2015).

Further good practices which are unique in nature were observed in different cities such
as separation of the storm water disposal system and waste water disposal system in Navi
Mumbai, while comprehensive sewerage system including sewage treatment plants of different
types and different capacities was observed in Surat city.

9.6. International Methodologies:

In recent decades, with more attention to sustainability and quality of life, there is a greater
understanding of the vital role of urban rivers and riverfronts. In this chapter an attempt has been
made to appreciate the rehabilitation efforts made at international level and the best practices
adopted for some major urban rivers. In order to study best practices/ approaches of rivers in
urban agglomeration in other countries, 90 reports/documents of various countries have been
searched and analyzed. Some of them have been reviewed in detail depending on the applicability
to the context of the present study. It is observed that local governments have a significant role in
implementation of such projects. And the projects have mostly adopted a comprehensive multi-
sectoral approach and implemented as a package project.

Most of the examples of rivers considered here are suppliers of drinking water to their
cities and run in one of the most populated urban agglomeration where anthropogenic activities
had significantly altered the river and its catchment area, degrading their health and biological
diversity by waste disposal from households and industries making the water-bodies an open sewer.
The most common tool used internationally to set protection of reservoir and steams is that of
buffer zones along and around these water bodies.

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Most of the countries reviewed like France, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Sri
Lanka etc., have adopted a scientific method of buffering the water-bodies by adopting Riparian
Buffer Guidelines, which is site specific and independent to their country. A riparian buffer is the
area of land along streams and rivers and other open water bodies. Riparian buffers are essential to
the ecology of aquatic systems. The buffer begins at the normal water‘s edge of a lake or reservoir,
and at edge of the bank of an active stream channel. There are many factors that influence the
effectiveness of this buffer that includes slope, rainfall, soil type, vegetation and other
characteristics specific to the site. Some of the case studies reviewed are as follows:-

9.6.1. The Pasig River in Philippines:

The Pasig River is about 27 km long situated in Philippines. The Pasig River system runs
through five cities and four municipalities (Figure-9.1) and connects two large, important bodies
of water; Manila Bay in the west is the country's main port of maritime trade and travel and
Laguna de Bay in the east is the largest freshwater lake in the country and connects 30 suburban
towns to the Metropolitan center. Advancements in land transportation have changed the
landscape considerably. Industrial pollution accounts for 45% of the total pollution in the Pasig
River. About 315 of the 2,000 or more factories situated in the river basin have been determined
as principal polluters of the river, dumping an average of 145t of Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) per day. This was established by determining the suspended solids in their treated and
untreated waste-waters. According to records, the textile and food manufacturing industries are
the greatest water polluters among those considered in the study.

The objectives of Pasig River Rehabilitation Program (PRRP) are given below:

 To improve the quality of the water in the Pasig River.

 To improve the environmental conditions in and along the river.

 Physical clean-up of the river in the short-term.

 Stopping pollution at source in the long-term.

 Reducing the amount of solid waste dumped into the rivers and creeks of the Pasig River
System with regular waste collection activities.

 To increase and control the flow of the water through the Pasig River system especially
during the dry season.

 To relocate the squatters living along the Pasig River and its main tributaries

 The government has adopted ―Waste to Energy and Secondary Industry by waste recovery
concepts, liquid and solid waste management and water quality monitoring‖, to improve the
environmental conditions of the river (http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/
resourcesquality/wpccasestudy3.pdf).

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Figure-9.1: Pasig river before and after Pasig River Rehabilitation Programme

9.6.2. Kallang River in Singapore:

Kallang River (10km long) is situated in highly populated area of Singapore (Figure-9.2).
Hence to clean up the polluted river, the Government adopted ABC (Active, Beautiful, Clean)
Programme and one of the main features of redevelopment is restoration of the concrete canal
running through the park into a naturalized river with bioengineered river edges using a variety of
plants and bedding materials which act as cleansing biotope which help to treat water from the
river (http://www.academia.edu/4970120/Changing_Urban_Rivers_The_History_and_Modern
_value_ of_Singapores_Urban_Canals).

Figure-9.2: Kallang River, before and after restoration

Under NEWater (new water) scheme, Singapore has quickly gained an international
reputation for efficient recycling of wastewater. The initiative already supplies around one third
of the country‘s water demand, and that number is expected to grow more than half by the year
2060. There are now four purification plants across Singapore producing 430 million liters of
NEWater a day. The majority of what‘s produced is consumed by industry or by big cooling
facilities. The rest is combined with nutrient-rich reservoir water, purified again and filled into

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bottles (Source: Singapore's 'toilet to tap' concept, 25.06.2013, Roxana Isabel Duerrss/ http://
www.dw.de/singapores-toilet-to-tap-concept/a-16904636).

9.6.3. Best Practise in New York, USA:

9.6.3.a. Bronx River:

Bronx River is approximately 39 km long, flows through the urbanized zones of South
East New York. The water was highly polluted due to industrial effluents, raw human waste,
medical garbage, and random floating objects. The main restoration activities for this polluted
river is a eight mile long green pathway linear park that provides green space to the
community, Bronx river conservation crew maintains a full time presence on the river for
monitoring its condition and carrying out ecological restoration. The New York state enforces
law through the office of Attorney General to prevent environmental damage.

Figure-9.3: Bronx river clean up

Ecological restoration and management plan is the result of the collaborative efforts of
the more than 80 Bronx River Alliance partners to develop a framework that will ensure a
consistent and comprehensive approach to restoring wildlife habitat and water quality in the
lower Bronx River—the eight-mile stretch within New York City (Figure-9.3). Although
restoration efforts have been underway since the 1970s, the intensified focus since 2001 on
restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat and on improving storm water capture in the watershed
requires technical guidance and integrated vision. This plan details a comprehensive,
consensus-based approach to improving the environmental health of the river by setting
overall restoration goals, creating a context for evaluating future restoration projects and
strategies, and addressing specific pollutants that compromise habitat restoration. Few other
important management strategies are storm water management and developing bioengineering
plant material, harvest sites as sources of native vegetation for plantings, managing river
corridor trash removal, woody debris management, invasive control, and bank stabilization,
regulation of small industry and maintenance operations to reduce illegal discharges, identify
sources and enforce controls at storm water outfalls to reduce water quality degradation at

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storm water outfalls and develop incentives and procedures to educate and promote pollution
prevention and storm water capture practices among business and property owners, designers,
engineers and contractors (Bronx river alliance, Ecological Restoration and Management Plan,
New York, 2006).

9.6.3.b. Watervliet Reservoir:

Watervliet Reservoir, New
York is one of the city‘s drinking
water sources. The reservoir
watershed encompasses an area of
approximately 115 Sq.Miles. There
are three main tributary streams to
the reservoir i.e., the Normans Kill,
the Bozen Kill and the Black Creek
(Figure-9.4). There are 700 rural
residential lots in the watershed. The
reservoir provides a safe yield of 12
Million gallons per Day. The main
Figure-9.4: Streams of Watervliet Reservoir
water pollutant found in the reservoir
was trihalomethanes which was above
the new MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) of 80µg/L. People who drink water containing
trihalomethanes in excess of MCL over many years may experience problem with their liver,
kidney and central nervous system and many have a risk of getting cancer. Trihalomethane is
formed by the reaction of chlorine with water that contains large amount of organic matter.

There are direct threat to the reservoir water quality through the two side bounded
highways (Figure-9.5) and by larned gravel quarry, mined directly adjacent to the reservoir
(Figure-9.6).

To conserve the Watervliet Reservoir and other waterbodies in the State, The New York
State Department of Health Watershed has developed Rules and Regulations as given below:

• No garbage, putrescible matter, kitchen waste or any polluted water or liquid of any
kind shall be thrown or discharged directly or indirectly into any reservoir or water
course with in a distance of 200ft. from any reservoir or within 50ft. from any water
course tributary.

• No person shall be allowed to bathe in any reservoir nor shall any animals or poultry
be allowed to stand, wade or swim in any reservoir nor be washed.

• No temporary camp, tent, building or other structure for housing labourers shall be
located or placed within a distance of 500f.t in the reservoir or 100ft. from any water
course tributary and also no cemeteries shall be made within a distance of 300ft. from

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any reservoir or 100ft. from any water course tributary. The board of water
commissioners of the city of Watervliet, New York shall make regular and thorough
inspection of the reservoirs, streams and drainage area tributary thereto for the
purpose of ascertaining whether the above rules and regulations are being complied
and also it is the duty of the board to see if any rules or regulations are violated.

• In accordance with section 70 of Chapter 45 of the public health law, the penalty for
each and every violation of these rules and regulations to the permanent water
resource or any act of contamination is fixed at $100.

water

Figure-9.5: Highway-185 crossing Norman kill river & Industrial garbage piled next to black creek

Figure-9.6: Gravel quarry next to reservoir and the Watervliet Reservoir

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9.6.3.c. Management of the New York City Watershed:

The watershed covers some 1,900
square miles in the Catskill Mountains
and the Hudson River Valley. The
watershed is divided into two reservoir
systems: the Catskill/Delaware
watershed west of the Hudson River and
the Croton watershed east of the
Hudson (Figure-9.7). Together, the
systems deliver approximately 1.4 billion
gallons of water each day to nearly 9
million people in New York City and
Westchester Orange, Putnam and Ulster
counties.

The Catskill Water Supply

System, completed in 1927, and the Figure-9.7: New York City Watershed
Delaware Water Supply System,
completed in 1967, provides about 90% of New York‘s water supply. The combined
Catskill/Delaware watershed covers 1,600 square miles. Drinking water from the
Catskill/Delaware system is of high quality and is delivered to New York consumers unfiltered
(http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/nycshed/).

The Croton Water Supply System was completed prior to World War I. Consisting of
10 reservoirs and three controlled lakes, the Croton system has the capacity to hold 95 billion
gallons of water, and normally provides 10% of New York City's daily water supply. The
Croton Watershed covers approximately 375 square miles east of the Hudson River in
Westchester, Putnam, and Duchess Counties and a small section of Connecticut. In the
densely developed Croton watershed, which contains extensive NYC suburbs, development
pressures and the high cost of land have limited the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP's) ability to undertake protection mechanisms such as land acquisition. As a result,
although water from this system currently meets health standards, the City is constructing a
filtration plant, that will correct aesthetic issues with colour, taste and odour (that primarily
occur in the summer) and to ensure the Croton supply's continued compliance with surface
water regulations.

On July 30, 2007, EPA, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health
(DOH), released its most recent New York City Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD)
for the Catskill/Delaware Water Supply. EPA and DOH determined that New York City has
an adequate long-term watershed protection program for its Catskill/Delaware water supply
that meets the requirements for unfiltered water supply systems.

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On September 26, 2007, EPA transferred the authority to oversee the Catskill/Delaware
water supply system to DOH. The Catskill/Delaware Watershed region is facing an increasing
threat of contamination from pathogens linked to expansion of agriculture and development
because the impervious cover of roads from development has provided a direct pathway for
faecal matter to runoff into water bodies. Filtration of the Catskill/Delaware system would cost
NYC upwards of $4 - $6 billion. To avoid that expenditure, the city was willing to invest
approximately $1 billion on an integrated water resources management approach for
protecting the Catskill/ Delaware watershed. EPA Region 2 continues to work with New York
City and New York State on programs to protect the watershed and to monitor the success of
these programs, both from the water quality perspective and from a public health perspective.
The watershed programs fall into four main categories:

i. Watershed Agricultural Program (WAP)

Since 1992, to date, 254 large farm operations in the Catskill/Delaware watersheds
have signed up for the WAP, representing 96% of identified large farms, and 98% of these
have written their Whole Farm Plans. In 1998, the City augmented the program with the
addition of a City-federal cost-sharing effort known as the Conservation Reserve
Enhancement Program (CREP), which pays farmers to take sensitive riparian buffer lands
out of active farm use and re-establish a vegetative buffer. To date, 2,030 acres of riparian
buffers have been enrolled in CREP and nearly 11,000 head of cattle have been excluded
from streams (2011 watershed Protection Program Summary and Assessment, New York
City Department of Environmental Protection).
ii. Land Acquisition Program (LAP):
Purchases are undertaken selectively, with properties prioritized for purchase based
on the presence of key natural features such as streams and wetlands, proximity of land to
reservoirs, and potential for development. Land is only purchased from willing sellers, and
at fair market prices. Since 1997, the City has acquired or contracted easements for
approximately 70,000 acres of land at a cost of $168 million. Prior to purchasing the land,
the City consults with the municipality to ensure the community's interests are taken into
account. Watershed communities are able to exempt certain areas from solicitation under
the LAP.

iii. Land Management:

The DEP has numerous programs designed to encourage private landholders to
protect watershed lands. These programs are operated in consultations with watershed
municipalities and non-profit partners, including the Watershed Agricultural Council
(WAC) and the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC). Management programs include
Stream Management, Wetlands Protection, the Watershed Forestry Program, Waterfowl
Management, public outreach and education, and agricultural pollution prevention plans.

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iv. Capital Programs:

On its own or with its partners, DEP undertakes numerous capital projects in the
Catskill/Delaware watershed designed to preserve and improve water quality. These
include:
a. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) Upgrades
At its own cost, the City has upgraded and operates over 100 non-city
treatment plants to ensure the highest degree of wastewater treatment; the DEP has
also funded the construction of new WWTPs or septic systems where existing
systems were failing.
b. Septic System Rehabilitation and Replacement
In partnership with the CWC, the City has fixed over 2,000 failing septic
systems in the watershed and helps cover the cost of pump-outs, maintenance, and
inspections of single- and two-family septic systems.
c. Storm water Retrofit Program
Jointly administered by the DEP and the CWC, the program encompasses
storm water infrastructure assessments, maintenance, planning, and capital
expenditures.
d. Sewer Extension Program
Working with watershed municipalities, the DEP has extended sanitary
sewers where systems were failing or likely to fail.
The filtration avoidance criteria include quality standards for coliforms, turbidity, and
disinfection by-products; operational criteria requiring that pathogens (like Giardia and virus) be
deactivated with a minimum of chlorine residual in the system; and watershed control criteria to
minimize potential contamination of source waters (http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/watersheds
/newyorkcity/).

With funding from USDA forest service, the watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) began
a riparian buffer program in 1999 as the watersheds in this area are heavily forested but contains
substantial agricultural lands and numerous small towns and villages. The project has resulted in
the establishment of miles together of new riparian buffers in targets watersheds adopting the
Buffer Zone Model provided by Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Operation and
Engineering Division.

Core ongoing programs depend on vital support from and cooperation with the City‘s
watershed partners, with particular concentration on implementation of several key watershed
protection initiatives: the Watershed Agricultural Program, the acquisition of watershed lands, the
enforcement of improved watershed regulations, the Stream Management Program, and the
continuation of environmental and economic partnership programs that target specific sources of
pollution in the watershed.

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Through the programs and partnerships described above, NYC's drinking water has
maintained its reputation as one of the finest supplies in the United States. The innovative
combination of watershed programs and partnerships limits the need for filtration and
disinfection, and supports the adage ―an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure‖.

9.6.4. Rivers of Japan:

Rivers of Japan like River Tama (Figure-9.8), Batch (Figure-9.9), etc. that were under high
pollution risks, are restored by developing database and guidelines of projects and knowledge of
international experts in river restoration, to link the sustainable use of river and wetlands with
human wellbeing, continuous survey of water quality, improvement of urban landscaping and also
by developing sewerage system and Wastewater Treatment Plants (River Restoration in Asia and
Connection between IWRM and River Restoration, Japan 2008).

Figure-9.8: Tama River, before and after restoration

Figure-9.9: Batch River, before and after restoration

9.6.5. Urban Rivers of Malaysia:

Urban Rivers of Malaysia like Sangai Juru, Sungai Panchala, Klang (Figure-9.10), etc. has a
long history of river pollution problems related principally to land use changes. The main
components of restoring these rivers are beautifying and preserving the river corridor making the
river as tourist attraction, construction of Sewage treatment plant, dredging of river and river bank
protection. Controlling pollution sources is a long process; there is considerable scope for
treatment strategies through bioremediation, wetlands, installation of Gross Pollution Traps in
the river stretch etc. (http://www.narbo.jp/data/01_events/ materials/tc03_ 051114_01.pdf).

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Figure-9.10: Polluted Sangai Juru, Sungai Panchala River and rejuvenated Sungai Klang River

9.6.6. Jordon River in Israel:

70-90% of Jordon River water in Israel was used for human consumption leading to an
extreme flow reduction from 1.3 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) to 70 Million Cubic Meter (MCM),
and it was extremely polluted by the discharge of raw sewage and industrial effluents directly into
the river (Figure-9.11). Main ideology followed for the river rejuvenation was that the
rehabilitation cannot be achieved over night, 20 years is a conservative estimate for the time
needed to achieve desired goals.

Figure-9.11: Pollution in Jordon River and restoration activity

Few concepts of rejuvenation used in rejuvenation efforts of Jordon river are (i) treated
water should be returned to the river so as to ensure the steady and clean flow (ii) deepening the
river bed (iii) planning, surveying and supervision of river (iv) anchoring the river banks (v) solid
waste management and developing parks along the river course (vi) Restoration of the natural
flow regime by releasing approximately 500-600 mcm from other rivers into the Jordan River that

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simulates natural seasonal flooding which would act to flush the fine sediment and pollutants
providing significant habitat improvement in short term. The water flow is restored by a
meandering activity in the lower Jordon River to naturally re-establish the river. From these
rejuvenation activities 70% of the original annual flow is restored in the lower Jordon River.
9.6.7. Nairobi River in Kenya:
Nairobi River, Kenya was facing rapid urbanization (highly congested informal settlements)
and industrialization challenges (Figure-9.12). The implementation strategies adopted are creating
awareness and assessing social impacts, surveying and delineation of riparian buffer, relocating
economic activities and informal settlements with compensations, repairing and installing sewage
infrastructure, 180 ha of trees planted along the stretch and developing an integrated solid waste
management system (Nairobi Rivers Basin Rehabilitation and Restoration Program, 2010).

Figure-9.12: Rejuvenation of Nairobi River

9.6.8. Regulations of Beijing Municipality on Administration of Urban Rivers and Lakes:
Beijing Municipality has adopted Regulations for Urban Rivers, Reservoir (Figure-9.13)
and Lakes since 1999. These Regulations are formulated for the purposes of strengthening the
protection and administration of urban rivers and lakes, ensuring the flood prevention of urban
rivers and lakes and the water supply in this Municipality, improving water environment and
promoting national economic and social development, in accordance with the Water Law of the
People's Republic of China. There are 58 articles in this regulation (Table-9.3), but only few
articles are mentioned here because of their relevance to the present study (http://www.bjcg.gov.
cn/english/laws/ t20070123_163224.htm).

Figure-9.13: Huairou Reservoir, China

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Table-9.3. Important Regulations of Beijing Municipality

Article No. Regulations
Article 9 To commend and reward the units and individuals who make contributions to the
protection of urban river-and-lake water resources and water environment
Article 15 In urban river-and-lake management ranges*, the following actions are banned
 Establishing buildings irrelevant to water projects;
 Dumping or piling refuse, slug and other wastes; and randomly piling up
materials;
 Opening all kinds of commodity trading markets and business outlets;
 Random blasting, well-digging, excavating sand or drawing earth;
 Poisoning, blasting and electrifying fish, setting fish screen across a river and
fishing and angling in the non-designated water area;
 Enclosing dykes or building water-retarding channels or roads;
 Randomly building dams;
 Growing crops with high stalks or trees in watercourses;
 Arbitrarily exploiting underground resources, conducting archaeological
excavations.
Article 18 Trees and grasses shall be planted in the urban river-and-lake management and
protection ranges except in watercourses and greening areas shall be increased to
gradually form waterfront greening belts
Article 20 Any illegal buildings and structures in the urban river-and-lake management and
protection ranges shall be dismantled within the time limit. And also, all kinds of
commodity trading markets shall be moved, closed or dismantled within a time
limit.
Article 25 Where any buildings and facilities obstruct flood passage, flood protection
administrative organ shall order to convert or dismantle them within a time limit.
Article 28 Ban of random water drawal from urban rivers and lakes
Article 31 It is banned to discharge raw industrial waste water that has not been treated into
urban rivers and lakes.
Article 32 Urban sewage must reach standards through centralized treatment before being
discharged into urban rivers and lakes.
Article 33 The completed projects without sewage treatment facilities constructed shall
construct sewage facilities within a time limit by order of the water administrative
department.
Article 35 Has forbidden the following harmful activities: to directly or indirectly discharge or
dump noxious and hazardous chemicals and preparations; to dump sewage and
pollutants contaminating water-body; to raise livestock and poultry or to wash
vehicles, clothes and other utensils in the urban river-and-lake management ranges;
to use fish drug and highly toxic and highly residual pesticides that are harmful to
water-body; to swim, skate or launch other water activities in non-designated waters.
Article 40 The municipal environmental protection administrative department should regularly
publish to the public the urban river-and-lake water quality.
* Urban river-and-lake management and protection ranges shall be specified by the municipal
planning department together with the water administrative department and other relevant
departments according to relevant provisions of the Municipal People's Government.

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9.7. Conclusions:
9.7.1. National Methodologies:
Different states in India have adopted region specific policies and rules to manage their water
resources, especially rivers. There is no River Regulation Zone policy in the lines of CRZ, in
vogue, to regulate developments across rivers. In the states with many agencies to look into
sectoral needs, there is no coherent action plans to conserve and manage water resources. There
is little coordination between different pollution monitoring and controlling institutions. No
holistic parameters that would indicate overall health of river (or water bodies) is used. While
individual efforts have been made for conservation of certain rivers, these are mostly after much
of the damage have been done due to unregulated developments and pollution.

The analysis of methodologies adopted by various states for the conservation of lakes shows a
basic uniformity of objectives, but the actions and implementation varied as per specific needs
and local conditions. Some of them were government initiatives while others were community
involved programmes. The common causes for river deterioration are same and hence a holistic
view of the problem will help in finding unified management options.

The National Water Policy recommends taking the river basin/ sub-basin as a unit for
planning and management of water resources and proposes that departments/ organizations at
the Centre and the States be restructured and be made multi-disciplinary. It also proposes the
establishment of water regulatory authorities in centre and in each State and a national forum to
deliberate upon issues relating to water and evolve consensus, cooperation and reconciliation
amongst the various States. There is a suggestion that a broad over-arching national legal
framework of general principles on water is necessary to pave the way for essential legislation on
water governance in every State to implement an integrated and coherent water policy. The
National Water Policy takes into cognizance the reality with regards to water resources and their
management and has attempted to present a comprehensive policy for the States to follow and
adopt as per their situations. The following are some of the important conclusions or suggestions
that should be implemented for better management of rivers and water resources in the different
states of India:

i. Need for creating National and State Level Water Regulatory Authorities for dealing with
water issues in a holistic way in accordance with national water policy, 2012.

ii. Framing Unified national rules for the conservation and rejuvenation of waterbodies.

iii. Constituting River Basin Level Institutions to have a holistic and multi-disciplinary
approach for management.

iv. Develop specific strategies for each of the major rivers especially in urban set ups.

v. Establishing national and regional institutes for research and training in river ecology.

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vi. Involvement of public in the decision making and implementation of water management
activities.

9.7.2. International Methodologies:

From the analysis of case studies it can be concluded that rivers and water bodies have been
polluted all across the world, particularly where the population density is more and extent of
urbanization and industrialization is more. With regards to the preservation zone around rivers,
there is no uniform principle guiding the same. However in the efforts towards rejuvenation of
the rivers certain common approaches have been found as given below:

i. Improvement of relationship between river and human community and nature-public

participation – by creating awareness i.e. to educate the general public, local peoples
groups, local elected representatives, farmers and other stakeholders on the need &
techniques of preserving water, rain water harvesting, conservation & resource
development.
Eg. In Singapore school education and public campaigns are used as tools to raise public
awareness of water policy and programs. These activities boost public support for the
government‘s water policy and initiatives.

ii. It is important to develop a database of projects and knowledge of international experts in

river restoration, and this activity should be supported by engineers, scientists, ecologists,
managers and public.

iii. Interact with Government & elected bodies for effective implementation of existing
schemes & policies & if necessary formulate new schemes/measures.
Eg. Political Will - The Singapore government has been an essential force behind the
successful water policy, strategy, planning and implementation.

iv. Acceptance and ownership of the project is key to Sustainability.

v. Participatory approach in decision making.

Eg. More than 80 partner organizations make up the Bronx River Alliance. These
partners engage in ecological restoration and management work both along the river
banks and within the watershed, from organizing volunteer garbage clean-ups to
designing and executing major salt marsh restorations, advocating for waterfront access
and coordinating large-scale watershed studies (Bronx River, New York).

vi. It is important to plan river landscape studies for protecting landscape characteristics and
alleviating the effects of rising population and urbanization pressure in order to hand them
down to the future generations. The main aims of landscape studies planned on different
scales should be to meet increasing demands of future population growth.

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vii. To develop reservoirs and waterways into vibrant and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle
attractions that integrate the water spaces with the surrounding parks, estates and even
commercial developments.
Eg. The New York City Department of Parks (NYC Parks) manages approximately 981
acres of parkland within the Bronx River watershed. Within the river‘s parkland
buffer, NYC Parks is assisted by the Bronx River Alliance.

viii. Planting trees along river side‘s and stabilize eroding river banks.
Eg. (a) In Nairobi River, Kenya, trees about 180 ha (24%) on the sides of the river were
planted.

(b) In Kallang River at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (Singapore) a variety of plants and
bedding materials were used to stabilise the slope, to prevent soil erosion and also
form natural habitats that enrich the park‘s biodiversity, which has since increased
by 30%. In addition, the park features natural cleansing systems using plants such
as a cleansing biotope, which help to treat water from the river and ponds in the
park.

ix. Implement agricultural best management practices to reduce nutrient, sediment and
bacteria runoff.
Eg. The Agriculture Environment Management program provides assistance to
landowners to adopt best management practices like organic farming by controlling
chemicals and pesticides and providing incentives through federal environmental
quality incentive program, in Watervliet reservoir, New York.

x. Decommission unused wells to prevent surface contaminants from reaching groundwater.

xi. Developing and implementing an integrated solid waste management system.

Eg. The city administration of Manila (Philippines) - converted a former waste disposal
site into a park, and 2 km of a 20 km stretch of the river has been developed by the
municipal government of Marikina into a park with benches, jogging lanes and park
facilities of the Pasig River.

xii. Making the River /Reservoir as one of the main tourism spot, to educate the local
community and to collect funds for river conservation which directly benefits the economic
development and local communities.
Eg. (a) The Bronx River Greenway is an eight-mile bike/pedestrian path and linear park
in the heart of the Bronx that will provide greater access to the river itself, and bring
green space to communities that have long lacked such resources. The Greenway
Plan sets out guidelines for ecological performance intended to ensure that the
greenway enhances and protects the ecological functioning of the river,
(b) Creating well managed riparian greenways increases access to leisure park
activities.

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xiii. Construction of sewage treatment plant/waste water treatment plants for the settlements
located along the River stretches and also for the purification of the river course.
Eg. In Malaysia, Construction of sewerage system with bypass (Intercept) of wastewater
from the existing drainage system from the nearby habitats has lead to Waste Water
Treatment Plant and also Gross Pollution Traps (GPT) are installed to collect floating
litter, debris and coarse sediment and some designs also collect oil, along and inside
the river stretch.

xiv. Empower youths and improve livelihoods.

Eg. (a) In Nairobi, youth groups with passion for environment and waste management have
been identified, and they are engaged to carryout rehabilitation activities by sensitizing
the locals about river cleanliness and its management (Nairobi, South Africa).

(b) More than 1,000 families along the banks of the Pasig River have been relocated to
various sites in Cavite and Marikina (Philippines).

xv. The treated water from the sewage treatment plants should be allowed to flow in the river,
which enhances the water infiltration rate in the river bed, hence increasing the
groundwater table.
xvi. Promoting recycling and Reusing of industrial effluents
Eg. Wafer fabrication, semiconductor and electroplating industries of Singapore; have been
practicing recycling as they found it viable to recycle their process water for reuse.

River rehabilitation cannot be achieved overnight, and twenty years is a conservative estimate
of the time needed to achieve our goals. The complexity of the project and the limited
resources available require that priorities be set. In some cases treating the entire length of the
river at once is not feasible, so various sections of a river are restored and developed at
different times (Israel)

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Chapter-10: Conclusions and Recommendations

10.1. Introduction:
As explained in earlier chapters, the TG Halli catchment has been studied using remote
sensing and GIS supported by limited field verifications within the available time frame. The
earlier reports about the catchment area, most important being the ISRO-INRIMT report,
have been studied in depth and analyzed so that suitable inferences may be drawn and suitable
recommendations may be made. Through stakeholder discussions, the opinions of the local
people and the difficulties or objections expressed by them have also been taken into
consideration. It is also found that the management of the entire catchment has been the
responsibility of multiple Government agencies, namely, town planning authorities such as,
BMRDA, Nelamangala Planning Authority, BDA, Magadi Planning Authority, respective
Deputy Commissioners of the Districts, KSPCB, as well as local bodies such as Gram
Panchayats, Town Panchayats, Pattana Panchayats.

Actions have also been initiated by Environment Department, Cauvery Neeravari

Nigam Limited, BWSSB, KSPCB, Water Resources Department etc., towards conservation of
the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers as well as TG Halli reservoir. For taking necessary inputs
from multiple Government Agencies/ Departments, an advisory committee was constituted for
guiding the comprehensive study. The advisory committee consisted of all concerned
Government Departments/ Authorities such as BWSSB, BDA, BMRDA, NPA, MPA. The
proceedings of the three meetings of the Advisory Committee have been produced as
Annexure-1.9. Necessary information was collected from all the stakeholders and analyzed.

An expert committee was constituted for developing suitable recommendations,

looking into the various results of the present study as well as best practices adopted by other
States within India as well as abroad. This technical committee consisted of officers from
EMPRI as well as team of experts in the water sector or people having experience in working
with communities on management of water resources. The proceedings of the meeting of the
committee have also been placed at Annexure-1.10. The presentation was also made to
Research and Training Advisory Committee (RTAC) of EMPRI and suggestions made by
them were also taken-up. The proceeding of the RTAC meeting is annexed in Annexure-10.1.
The suggestions given by the Committee members have been taken into consideration while
formulating the recommendations. In the following paragraphs, the findings have been
summarized briefly followed by general conclusions and recommendations.

10.1.1. Summary of findings in Zone-1 of the TGR catchment as per the 2003 Notification:
Hesaraghatta sub-catchment, Arkavathi sub-catchment and Kumudvathi sub-
catchment are the three distinct sub-catchments for the TGR catchment area. Zone-1 of TGR
catchment area covers 550 villages in addition to the villages of zone-2, 3 and 4. There are
three industrial areas in zone-1 namely Doddaballapur Industrial Area in Hesaraghatta sub-
catchment, Peenya Industrial Area in Arkavathi sub-catchment and Sompura Industrial Area
and Dabaspet Industrial Area in Kumudvathi sub-catchment. Quarrying, rapid soil
excavation, sewage discharged from households and industrial wastewater flowing to the storm
water drains, dumping of solid waste including construction and demolition waste etc. in the

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lakes and its drains, possible encroachments by farmers on lake bed were some of the
problems in the Zone-1 villages of the Hesaraghatta sub-catchment area (273 villages) during
the field visits. Further, the series of cascading tanks from Nandi hills in the Arkavathi river
course are no longer overflowing. The wastewater and trade effluents are freely flowing in the
streams and storm water drains have polluted the major waterbodies and ultimately the
Arkavathi river during monsoon season. In Arkavathi sub-catchment area (123 villages), the
effluents are directly let into the 2nd order drain of Arkavathi river near Madavara Kere. The
list of possible polluting industries located in and around the Industrial Area is deliberated
elaborately in the Chapter-4. Without the implementation of proper solution to manage the
flow of effluents and wastewater in the major waterbodies, the rejuvenation of three lakes are
in progress. As like the Hesaraghatta and Arkavathi sub-catchment area, the Kumudvathi sub-
catchment area (154 villages) also degraded by the groundwater over-exploitation, lacking in
proper management of solid and liquid wastes, quarrying, soil excavation, sand mining and
encroachment on tanks. The combined Industrial Area (Sompura and Dabbaspet) have
increased the mushrooming of unlicensed polluting industries adjacent to the Industrial area,
which are polluting the drain. Further, most of the lakes in Zone-1 have dried due to seasonal
encroachments by farmers and over-exploitation of groundwater.

The observations on encroachments and to pinpoint the polluting industries should

be confirmed once again by the concerned authorities through detailed survey.

10.1.2. Summary of findings in Zone-2 of the TGR catchment as per the 2003 Notification:
Zone-2 consists of 33 villages in four taluks. Foreshore of the TGR is well fenced, but
the backshore of TGR has not been adequately fenced which has resulted in free access to
soil excavation, sand mining. Due to influx of sewage water in TGR through the Arkavathi
river stretch has resulted in the spread of aquatic weeds in the TGR due to eutrophication.
Seasonal encroachments by the farmers and brick kiln activities within in the TGR and stone
quarry in Bidanpalya village are some of the reasons for deterioration of TGR. Also the
Zone-2 has been subjected to the development of 19 layouts, two warehouses, etc.

10.1.3. Summary of findings in Zone-3 and Zone-4 of TGR catchment as per the 2003
Notification:
As there was no demarcation of Zone-3 and Zone-4 of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
river course, it‟s very difficult to classify the Zone-3 and Zone-4 villages during the field
observation. Illegal operation of granite quarrying near the rivers of Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi and Chamarajasagar reservoir, sand mining, sand filtering are harming the
natural valley system in the area and are directly adding the nutrients and heavy metals to the
water. Further, the improper solid and liquid waste management are directly deteriorating the
water quality of river water. Over-exploitation of groundwater for industrial and agricultural
activities has resulted in the drying of rivers. As the Arkavathi sub-catchment area is sub- and
peri-urban area of Bangalore city, the booming of real estate business is unstoppable, which
resulted in the encroachment of tanks, streams and grazing lands. Additionally few industries
operated near the river bed are also conveying their wastewater into the 2nd order streams of
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers.

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10.1.4. Landuse/ Landcover Change from Remote Sensing Analysis:

Change detection analysis was performed for all four zones between the year 2003
(Notification year) and 2014 (Present situation) by using the Remote Sensing and GIS. The
analysis work was entrusted to the KSRSAC (Karnataka State Remote Sensing and
Application Centre), who is the Nodal Agency for the Karnataka State for Remote Sensing
analysis. The entire TGR catchment area is broadly classified into agricultural land, built-up,
forest, wasteland, and waterbodies. Analysis on Zone-1 infers that 114458.28 Ha of
agricultural land has reduced due to the two-fold increase of built up area within the time span
of 11 years. All other zones also have the same trend of increased built up area from 171.67
ha to 239.95 ha. in Zone-2, from 962.12 ha to 2039.73 ha. in Zone-3 and from 934.81ha to
2226.56 ha. in zone-4 of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river courses between the 2003 and
2014. Further, 23 villages located along the Arkavathy river course, have undergone
remarkable change in landuse. This analysis revealed that 15 villages out of 23 identified
villages have significant landuse/ landcover changes due to developmental activities.
Additionally, Google imageries between the year 2004 and 2014 are used to identify the
major changes in landuse such as layout development, godowns, expansion of old settlements
etc. Delineation of all the superstructures and changes in the area are done for 15 villages with
emphasis on encroachment of tanks for godowns, industries and layout. Changes in drainage
pattern analysis between the year 2000 and 2011 from KSRSAC and 2009 from NPA infers
that, many primary drainages have vanished, dried up and encroached for agricultural and
developmental activities, particularly the drainages in Bangalore North taluk. Further, the
road network has increased tremendously in the south eastern part of the TGR catchment
area near Peenya Industrial area.

10.1.5. Survey of Writ Petitions and Summary of Findings:

Superstructures that are subject matter in the batch of 61 Writ Petitions
(WP.No.38218/2013) filed before the Hon‟ble High Court of Karnataka have been ground
verified by the team with the representatives from the line departments and petitioners.
Within 61 WP‟s, 60WP‟s are pertaining to superstructures such as 122 godowns, an industry,
a college and a layout in 10 villages of Bangalore North and Magadi taluk. One WP
(No.48047/2013) is connected to 870 residential houses which are distributed in 20 villages of
the Bangalore North taluk, particularly in the banks of Arkavathi river course. All the litigated
godowns lie within 1km buffer (Zone-3) of Arkavathi river course, mostly constructed under
the Central Government scheme „Grameena Bhandara Yojana‟ in the agriculture land. No
Objection Certificate (NOC), general license and approval of structure plan were obtained
from the respective Grama Panchayat and the loan has been sanctioned by Nationalized
banks for the establishment of godowns under the scheme. Out of the 122 godowns verified,
96 godowns are in operation and 26 are not in operation. The size of the godown varies from
3,000 sq.ft. to 95,000 sq.ft. As per the information provided by the representatives and based
on team observation, the godowns are rented and utilized to stock and supply the dry logistics
and wet cargos by large companies. In few godowns, wastewater is directly discharged into
open drain and Arkavathi river and generated solid wastes are burnt in the godown premises
itself. Structural violation such as construction of multistoried buildings (G+2 to G+5),
encroachment of waterbody and drains for godowns construction, disposal of solid wastes,

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discharge of untreated wastewater to open drain, lack of rain water harvesting system
contribute to pollution of Arkavathi river.

Superstructures connected to 870 households (WP.No.48047/2013) are distributed in

20 villages located in the Zone-3 and 4 of Arkavathi river course. Major superstructures are
distributed in Adakamaranahalli, Siddanahosahalli and Dombarahalli villages and within the
gramathana limit. Within the 870 households, only 669 households could be identified and
verified. The survey has revealed that some of the houses are built under the scheme of
Ashraya Yojane and Janata Nivas Yojane. The households surveyed include multi-storied
houses (G+1 to G+3) with commercial complexes or small provision for stores and mostly
occupied by tenants. Electricity and water have been supplied by BESCOM and Grama
panchayats respectively. Each house is facilitated with lavatory and soak pit for sewage, but
generated wastewater is discharged into the storm water drains and in some villages, the solid
wastes are disposed in open land or burnt because there is no proper system to manage solid
waste.

10.1.6. Summary of findings in Water Yield and Availability:

Water yield in the TGR has reduced more predominantly since 2002 though the
rainfall has remained more or less same with minimum of 600mm in the TGR catchment
area. The rainfall runoff generated in the TGR catchment area is not reaching the TGR due
to the change of land use pattern, encroachment on the 2nd and 3rd order drains and diversion
of drains by the unplanned developments, water intensive agriculture practices and over
exploitation of groundwater. Further, the water is not getting stored in TGR because of its
leaking sluice gate. As the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi are minor rivers of Karnataka state,
there was no monitoring Authority for the documentation of water availability and flow.
During field visits, EMPRI team had mapped the availability of water in the Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi rivers, and found that the Arkavathi river was dry from the Nandi hills to the
downstream of Hesaraghatta reservoir until the Tarabanahalli village, except for blotches of
stagnant water. Further downstream the river course from Alur village to the inlet of TGR had
mostly the inflow of wastewater. The Kumudvathi river is not so far polluted by wastewater
but the river course had only 1.58Km (approximately) of stagnant water out of a total length of
48Km during the time of field visits. The groundwater fluctuation level data collected from
the DMG showed that the groundwater level is going down year-by-year. The major reasons
for the depletion of water in the TGR are the natural and anthropogenic blockages of drains,
over-exploitation of groundwater near the river bed, extensive sand mining, soil excavation in
the river bed, etc.

10.1.7. Summary on Water Quality Deterioration and Reasons for Pollution:

Water quality data of TGR (2000-2014), Arkavathi (2010-2014) and Kumudvathi (2013
and 2014) rivers for the past years were collected from the BWSSB and KSPCB respectively.
There are data gaps and non-uniformity of the parameters in the data available. The
secondary data revealed that there was high count of total coliform and concentration of heavy
metals in the Arkavathi river water. Class-C water has deteriorated to Class-D in Kumudvathi
river and the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), Electric conductivity and the total coliform
counts are having increasing trend in TGR water. Further as part of the present study, the 25

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water samples have been collected from the TGR, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers and
analysed in the Government approved water analysis labs. Results showed that the water
quality is below class-E (Not fit for any usage) in Arkavathi river, between class-C (Drinking
water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection) and class-D water quality
in Kumudvathi river and class-D (Fish culture and wild life propagation) in TGR.

Groundwater quality was also analysed for the Kumudvathi sub-catchment area based
on the DMG data (1995-2014). This analysis has revealed that the concentrations of all
physico-chemical parameters (particularly TDS and nitrogen) of the groundwater are
increasing year by year. Additionally, the EMPRI team has analysed three parameters of
groundwater in the Arkavathi river course villages, which showed that in 16 villages,
groundwater TDS was above 500mg/l, the limit of BIS: 10500-2012. Arkavathi river water is
heavily polluted by the sewage generated by the mushrooming layouts, wastewater from
godowns and industries, improper handling of solid wastes, illegal stone quarrying, stone
crushing and sand washing. Compared to the wastewater discharge from the Zone-3 and 4,
the Arkavathi river is getting polluted by the sewage from the BBMP area and the industrial
effluents from Zone-1.

10.1.8. Summary on Analysis of Stakeholder Meetings:

Four primary stakeholder meetings were conducted with the elected Grama Panchayat
members covering all the four zones of TGR catchment area. The issues raised by them are
lack of awareness about the 2003 notification, no (Surface and ground) water for irrigation
and lack of co-ordination among the line departments. The suggestions received from them
include the following (i) to reduce Zones-2, 3 and 4 from 2 Km to 100-300 m (ii) to prohibit
the developmental activities along the river beds and around the reservoir (iii) to rejuvenate
the reservoir and eviction of encroachment (iv) to rejuvenate Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers by ensuring free inflow of water to TGR (v) to survey and demarcate the TGR
boundaries, Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river banks to maintain buffer zones (vi) to restrict the
polluting activities in the TGR catchment area (vii) to take serious action on sand mining,
quarrying and crushers activities (viii) to stop conversion of agriculture land for commercial
activities (ix) stop the usage of pesticides/ insecticides for vegetable crops (x) to consider old
village settlements and natural expansion of the older settlements (xi) to set up a separate
TGR catchment area conservation authority for effective conservation.

10.1.9. Summary on Analysis of National and other State guidelines:

Different states in India have adopted region specific policies and rules to manage
their water resources, especially rivers. There is no River Regulation Zone policy on the
lines of CRZ, in vogue, to regulate developments across rivers. In the states with many
agencies to look into sectoral needs, there is no coherent action plans to conserve and
manage water resources. There is little coordination between different pollution monitoring
and controlling institutions. No holistic parameters that would indicate overall health of
river (or water bodies) is used. While individual efforts have been made for conservation of
certain rivers, these are mostly after much of the damage have been done due to unregulated
developments and pollution.

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The analysis of methodologies adopted by various states for the conservation of lakes or
rivers shows a basic uniformity of objectives, but the actions and implementation varied as per
specific needs and local conditions. Some of them were government initiatives while others
were community involved programmes. The common causes for river deterioration are same
and hence a holistic view of the problem will help in finding unified management options.

The National Water Policy (2012) recommends taking the river basin/ sub-basin as a
unit for planning and management of water resources and proposes that departments/
organizations at the Centre and the States be restructured and be made multi-disciplinary. It
also proposes the establishment of water regulatory authorities in center and in each State and
a national forum to deliberate upon issues relating to water and evolve consensus, cooperation
and reconciliation amongst the various States. There is a suggestion that a broad over-arching
national legal framework of general principles on water is necessary to pave the way for
essential legislation on water governance in every State to implement an integrated and
coherent water policy. The National Water Policy takes into cognizance the reality with
regards to water resources and their management and has attempted to present a
comprehensive policy for the States to follow and adopt as per their situations.
Constituting River Basin Level Institutions having a holistic and multi-disciplinary
approach for management has been enunciated in the Policy. To prevent over use of water,
revision of heavy under-pricing of electricity is proposed which is otherwise leading to wasteful
use of both electricity and water and use of improved technologies of water use. The policy
also suggested the adoption of artificial recharge projects to address the depleting ground
water level and encouraging community based management of aquifers.
The National Water Policy has also enunciated preservation of river corridors, water
bodies and infrastructure to be undertaken in a planned manner through community
participation. Also it says that encroachments and diversion of water bodies (like rivers, lakes,
tanks, ponds, etc.) and drainage channels (irrigated area as well as urban area drainage) should
not to be allowed and the encroached place should be restored to the possible extent.
Establishment of National Water Informatics Center for assemblage of Hydrologic
data (other than data classified as secret on national security consideration) regularly from all
over the country is recommended. Further policy has recommended for establishment of an
autonomous center for research in water policy to evaluate impacts of policy decisions and to
evolve policy directives for changing scenario of water resources. Regular training of man
power in water sector and academic courses in water management and encouragement of
innovations in water resources are encouraged.
The Policy has accepted that there is need for framing Unified national rules for the
conservation and rejuvenation of waterbodies. Development of specific strategies for each of
the major rivers especially in urban set ups is required. Involvement of public in the decision
making and implementation of water management activities has been given importance in the
Policy. The Policy has also encouraged recycling and reuse of water to the extent possible.

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10.1.10. Summary on Analysis of Best Practices from International examples for River
Rejuvenation:
About 90 International guidelines were collected from respective websites and eight
guidelines are elaborately reviewed such as Pasig River in Philippines, Kallang River in
Singapore, Bronx River in South East New York, Rivers of Japan, Urban Rivers of Malaysia,
Jordon River in Israel, Nairobi River in Kenya in respect to urban agglomeration. From the
analysis of case studies it can be concluded that rivers have been polluted all across the world
due to the population density, extent of urbanization and industrialization. Some of the best
practices followed by other Countries for the conservation of rivers are (i) Develop a database
on river restoration and activities (ii) Create awareness about conservation (iii) Interact with
Government and elected bodies for effective implementation of schemes and policies (iv)
Participatory approach in decision making (v) Plan river landscape studies for protecting
landscape characteristics and to meet increasing demands of future population growth (vi)
Develop reservoirs and waterways into aesthetically pleasing destination by planting trees
along river banks (vii) Implement agricultural best management practices to reduce nutrient,
sediment and bacteria runoff (viii) Decommission of unused wells to prevent groundwater
contamination (ix) Develop and implement an integrated solid waste management system (x)
Making the river /reservoir as a tourism spot (xi) Provide STP for the settlements located
along the river stretches and allow the treated water to flow in the river (xii) Empower youths
and improve livelihoods (xiii) Promote recycling and reusing of industrial effluents.

10.2. General Conclusions:

10.2.1. Reduction in River Flow of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi and Consequent Reduction to
TG Halli Reservoir:
i. With regards to the decreased surface flow of river Arkavathi and Kumudvathi, one of
the important factors appears to be over exploitation of ground water which has resulted
in deepening of the water table. This has resulted in unsaturated condition of the ground
water due to which, most of the rainfall is utilized for recharging of ground water leading
to reduced surface flow. The over exploitation of ground water was also inferred in the
ISRO-INRIMT study wherein an inventory of 9373 bore wells within the catchment had
indicated indiscriminate drilling of bore wells. Water table fluctuations indicate that in
parts of TGR catchment ground water tapping was much higher than the recharge. In the
intervening period between the year 2000 when ISRO-INRIMT report was submitted
and present study, the situation has become much more critical. In many places the
ground water table has further declined to more than 600 feet.

ii. As per the report submitted by KSRSAC, the built up area has drastically increased from
2.24 % in Zone 1 in 2003 to 4.69 % in 2014. The area under layouts in Zone-1 also has
increased from 1.26 % in 2003 to 4.52 % in 2014. The developments are more intensive
in Zone-3, where the built up area has increased from 4.39 % (including rural and urban
areas) in 2003 to 6.28 % in 2014. Similarly there has been drastic increase in layouts,
particularly in zone-3, where it has drastically increased from 0.89 % in the year 2003 to
6.60% in 2014. Similarly in Zone-4 the area under layouts has increased from 1.99 % in
2003 to 9.46 %in 2014. This rapid urbanization has resulted in the blocking of the 2nd and

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3rd order streams and nalas that have been cut off due to construction of buildings,
levelling for layout formation as well as check dams and other obstructions etc. This was
also indicated in the report submitted by ISRO-INRIMT which had concluded that due
to dynamic and continuous urbanization in the TGR catchment, in certain places first and
second order streams have been blocked due to construction of railway line, roads and
new layouts, thereby affecting free movement of surface run-off. This problem has been
further accentuated in the intervening period. The ISRO-INRIMT report had also
indicated that truncated nala and minor impediments in the form of gully plugs, barriers,
check dams, built-up areas hinders the flow of water.

iii. The Arkavathi river was flowing through a cascading tank system. It was found that water
storage in many of these water bodies have reduced due to rapid urbanization all around
the tanks leading to obstruction/ cutting off the streams, encroachments of the tank bed
areas for agriculture or building construction, lack of maintenance of the tank etc. Unless
the tank system is restored to its capacity and the drainage system is maintained, the
problem of reduced inflow to the rivers and consequently to TG Halli reservoir is likely
to continue.

iv. The ISRO-INRIMT report had concluded that the slope of the catchment (less than 3%),
coarse-textured soils having infiltration rate ranging from 10-16% and the geology/ geo-
morphology as a whole is not ideally suited for generation of run-off. The study also
revealed that there is appreciable rise in reservoir if there is a good daily rainfall of more
than 40mm continuously for few days and if few showers of short duration (more than 60
mm/day) during monsoon and post-monsoon period in Nelamangala, Bangalore North
and Magadi regions. Hence it is felt that if sustained efforts are made towards
rejuvenation of tanks and removal of encroachments, there would be gradual and long-
term positive results in the overall water situation with enhanced ground water table.

10.2.2. Quality of Water and Consequent Hazards:

i. In the absence of substantial surface flow in the rivers, these rivers, particularly Arkavathi,
has been converted to a sewage water flow. In many places untreated sewage water is
being allowed to flow through the river bed. This problem was identified in the ISRO-
INRIMT study which had found that presence of effluents/ sewage from Peenya to
Dasanpura from industrial and urban settlements was leading to contamination of ground
water. The study also had found that the ribbon development along two National
Highways from Peenya to Nelamangala was polluting the Arkavathi river by their
untreated effluents /sewage, which also lead to contamination of groundwater source
through the open fracture systems in the country rock. Due to further urbanization in the
intervening period the problem has further aggravated. This is evident from the water
quality analysis undertaken by BWSSB of the water stored in the reservoir. Also water
sample was collected for the current study from 25 sampling points. The presence of
domestic sewage entering into the river stream is evident from the total coliform content
which is above 50 MPN/100ml. Since 2012, the water stored in TG Halli reservoir is not
being supplied for drinking water purpose by BWSSB for residents of Bengaluru, the
storage of contaminated water in the reservoir has resulted in contamination of ground

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water, as reported by the local people residing around the reservoir. Also the untreated
water is leaking to Manchenabele dam, where it is being used by the local population.
Storage and use of such untreated water poses a major health hazard for the local people
and this issue needs to be urgently addressed.

ii. The entire development outside the BBMP area that has mushroomed over the years is
not connected to a sewer system. These residential houses, godowns, commercial
buildings etc. are found to be using septic tanks for disposal of waste though in many
cases these are not connected. At some places even septic tanks are not present and
sewage directly enters the rivers. This is likely to directly or indirectly contaminate the
river. This calls for immediate attention of BWSSB.

10.2.3. Institutional Mechanism:

There is multiplicity of institutions/ authorities in charge of the area. Within the
catchment area there are five Town Planning Authorities. The Revenue Authorities are
mainly responsible for land use conversions etc. As far as control of industrial pollution etc is
concerned, KSPCB is the concerned Authority. The Institutions of local governance, such as
Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Gram Panchayats also undertake developmental
programmes and also give permission for building construction. This has led to lack of
coordination between the various Government Authorities and sometimes they have worked
at cross purpose with each other.
10.2.4. Initiatives undertaken by Government:
Efforts have been made by various Government Authorities to retrieve the situation. The
following are some of the important steps taken by concerned authorities:

i. As per the directions of the Hon‟ble High Court Order a Monitoring Committee was
constituted under the Chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary with ACS, Urban
Development Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department,
Commerce and Industries Department, Revenue Department, Water Resources
Department, Commissioners of BDA, Chairman, BWSSB, Minor Irrigation, Major
Irrigation, Finance etc as members. The Committee has met regularly and the progress
with regards to the implementation of the directions of Hon‟ble High Court has been
reviewed.

ii. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited has implemented a project for clearance of jungle
growth and obstacles in Arkavathi and Arkavathi river stretches.

iii. The Nelamangala Planning Authority has notified villages and survey numbers which fall
in different Zones as per the 2003 Notification for regulation of activities in accordance
with the 2003 Notification.

iv. KSPCB has closed down industrial units operational in the area. BDA has served notices
to structures which have not obtained necessary sanctions.
v. BWSSB has made consultations with national and international experts to find out what
best can be done to improve both quality and quantity of flow to TGR.

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vi. The Urban Development Department has moved the “The Karnataka Arkavathi and
Kumudvathi River Basin Conservation and Development Bill, 2013” (Annexure-8.6).
This Bill aims to create “Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin Conservation and
Development Authority”. The functions for the Authority in the proposed Bill are (1) to
formulate and implement schemes for conservation and comprehensive development of
the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river basin, (2) to prevent land erosion and water-logging
(3) abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Arkavathi and Kumudvathi (4)
development of river basin management scheme and regulation of activities, maintenance
of minimum ecological flows in the said rivers (5) collection, analysis and dissemination
of information etc. The Finance Department has subsequently asked for some
clarifications on the matter.

10.2.5. Public Awareness and Response:

i. One of the issues raised by public during interactions was that they were not made aware
about the implications of the Government Order. They were also not given an
opportunity to express their objection to the Order. The boundaries are not clearly
demarcated for the various preservation zones as per the Government Order.

ii. The local farmers have also expressed that agriculture has become unviable due to the
groundwater depletion, lack of availability of labour etc. However in Zone-3 only
agricultural and allied activities are allowed. This has created difficult for them. Some of
them also expressed that they are ready to give their land if the same is acquired by
Government by paying them due compensation.

iii. The local people have also expressed that the Government Order did not take into
consideration the natural expansion of the habitations which already existed.

iv. Some of the local people also expressed that they are ready to adhere to any stipulations
with regards to solid waste management, waste water and other sanitation measures.

10.3. Recommendations:
The entire issue of reduced inflow in Arkavathi, Kumudvathi and TGR has many
dimensions, including ecological, environmental, socio-economic, political, legal and
administrative. Also the process of river rejuvenation is a slow process that may require
sustained efforts over a long period of time with repeated data collection, analysis and suitable
amendments to course of action.

An attempt has been made to collect and analyse the available information and arrive at
reasonable recommendations which can be considered as options or alternatives in the best
interest of conservation of the fragile hydrological system of the area of study. These options
may be utilized by concerned authorities to come up with detailed action plans for
implementation. These have been arrived at in consultation with the Advisory Committee
consisting of all concerned Authorities/ Departments and also the committee consisting of
technical experts. The following are the recommendations:

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10.3.1. Formation of Multi-disciplinary Institution for the River Basin:

It is proposed that institutional mechanism should be developed for multi sectoral
comprehensive assessment, management and regulation of the entire catchment of TG Halli
reservoir. Such an institution should develop the suitable regulations and a comprehensive
plan for the entire catchment area and the rejuvenation of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers
in consultation with concerned Agencies and implement the same in collaboration with them.
The creation of such an authority has also been suggested by Dr. Rajendra Singh,
international water expert from Rajasthan, who is responsible for successful river rejuvenation
in Rajasthan, in a meeting held by BWSSB on 24.6.2011 with regards to the subject of
rejuvenation of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi.

While formulating such a comprehensive plan, best examples of successful river

rejuvenation such as Ruparel and Arvari rivers in Rajasthan State, which were dead for three
to four decades, can be taken into consideration for guidance and to strategize the course of
action.

This is in tune with the National Water Policy 2012 which has emphasized that
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) taking river basin/ sub-basin as a unit
should be the main principle for planning, development and management of water resources.
The Departments/ organizations at Centre/ State Governments levels should be restructured
and made multi-disciplinary accordingly.

The policy also emphasizes that appropriate institutional arrangements for each river
basin should be developed to collect and collate all data on regular basis with regard to
rainfall, river flows, area irrigated by crops and by source, utilizations for various uses by both
surface and ground water and related aspects. Appropriate water accounts for each river basin
with budgets and accounts should be published.

Already a proposal has been mooted by Department of Urban Development for

enactment of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin Conservation and Development
Authority Act (Annexure-8.6) and constitution of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin
Conservation and Development Authority. The proposed Act with suitable modifications, if
any, should be enacted and implemented.

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10.3.2. Removal of Unauthorized Obstructions:

The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited had carried out a study in 2011 in which field
inventory of obstructions or encroachments along the trunk stream and important tributaries
was analyzed with the help of satellite imageries and field observations. The streams were
found flattened for cultivation, check dams etc. In total 83 obstructions were found in
Hesaraghatta sub-catchment, 115 in Kumudvathi sub-catchment and 277 in Arkavathi sub-
catchment. The CNNL has undertaken removal of obstructions in 2nd order and 3rd order
streams of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi. The same should be continued and also monitored in
future so that encroachments, levelling of the streams, unauthorized check-dams are not
constructed. This was also a suggestion given by Dr. Rajendra Singh, International Water
Expert, Rajasthan in the meeting held by BWSSB on 24.06.2011.

10.3.3. Stopping the Illegal Quarrying, Soil Excavation and Sand Mining:
The TG Halli Reservoir, Hesaraghatta tank, stream bed of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi
rivers, and also most of the lakes in the catchment are subjected to soil excavation and sand
mining activities, though these activities are restricted by the respective department in the
catchment. These activities may cause lowering of riverbed level as well as river water level
and also resulting in lowering of groundwater
table due to excessive extraction and draining
out of groundwater from the adjacent areas. The
soil excavation will reduce the thickness of the
natural filter materials (Top layer soil),
infiltration through which the ground water is
recharged. These activities induce soil runoff
during monsoon season resulting in siltation in
the rivers.

Quarrying has been observed in few

villages in the catchment which is still in
progress, though quarrying has been restricted
by department. The heavy metals and other
pollutants from quarrying site ultimately find its
way to the river hence polluting it.

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As these activities are posing a threat to the waterbodies in the catchment, concerned
departments should take stringent actions against these activities by establishing a monitoring
cell which regularly monitors these activities.

10.3.4. Preservation of Lakes and River Beds by removal of Encroachments of Tank Beds
or River Bed:
River bed in some places and tank beds in some villages appear to have been
encroached. The same has been separately covered in Chapter-5 (Annexure-5.6). The
revenue Department should duly survey such areas and verify the records and remove such
encroachments of tank beds/ river beds etc. The Government of Karnataka has also enacted
the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014 that aims to
preserve Lakes and Tanks by establishing Karnataka Tank development Authority. The Act
has vested all necessary powers for evicting the encroachments. The Act should be
implemented effectively.

The Hon‟ble High Court of Karnataka, in Order dated 11.04.2012 in Writ Petition
No. 817/2008 directed that (a) It is just and necessary that survey of lakes and tanks in
Karnataka have to be undertaken by Demarcating the boundaries and make proper fencing
(b) Unauthorized construction within the buffer of perennial lakes have to be removed.
Accordingly, all feeder tanks coming under TGR catchment area should be surveyed,
demarcated and fenced.

10.3.4a. Revival of Tank System:

The entire tank system should be revived by undertaking necessary repairs, desilting,
connecting underutilized tanks directly, developing pisciculture, bigger tanks to be
developed as recreation centres etc. The Government of Karnataka has enacted the
Karnataka Tank Development Authority Bill, 2014 which has established Tank
Development Authority and vested the same with necessary powers for conservation,
protection and rejuvenation of water bodies. All necessary steps should be undertaken with
Detailed Project Reports for revival of the tank system. This would help in replenishment
of ground water.

10.3.5. Protection and Preservation of TG Halli Reservoir:

The Tippe Gondanahalli Reservoir is an important landmark and heritage that needs
to be preserved by providing proper protection and also maintaining the reservoir. The sluice
gates and treatment facility need to be maintained in proper workable condition. The option

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of creation of an artificial wetland for treating the anthropogenic or industrial wastewater

which is being stored in TGR should be considered and implemented. Some experts in the
field should be consulted before implementing this. Such engineered systems use natural
functions of vegetation, soil and organisms to treat water. Such constructed wetlands have the
capacity to act as a bio filter for removing sediments and pollutants such as heavy metals from
the water. The possibility of use of treated water for industrial or agricultural purposes should
also be considered. BWSSB may be asked to submit a detailed project report for
preservation and use of TG Halli reservoir.

10.3.6. Control of Industrial Effluent Discharge into the River Course:

Water footprint of Indian industry is unacceptably high. There is a need to reduce
consumption of fresh water through alternative water-efficient technologies or processes,
reuse and recycle waste water and make the reclaimed water available for use in secondary
activities within or outside the industry and thereby reduce the volume of polluted water
dumped into rivers and groundwater.

Stringent action should be taken against industrial effluents being discharged into the
river course with strict monitoring and enforcement. Also in relation to the industries
operating in catchment area a study may be carried out regarding the water usage by the
industries, their source and disposal of waste water. There seems to be lack of reliable
information on the same. The industries may also be asked to contribute under the
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for treatment of the industrial effluents by establishing
Common Effluent treatment Plants or opting for alternative water efficient technologies and
reuse and recycling of water within the industries. This will be highly beneficial in reducing
the requirement of fresh water. KSPCB may be asked to build up a detailed project proposal
in consultation with the local industries on the possibility of reuse and recycling of water.

10.3.7. Alternative technologies for Treatment of Wastewater:

The discharge of sewage water into the river is a serious environmental concern and
potential health hazard. There is a network of Sewage Treatment Plants under the control of
BWSSB in Bangalore. The same should be maintained and utilized in optimum condition.
The water should be collected and treated before releasing into the river, so that such sewage
water does not get accumulated in the TG Halli reservoir. Alternative technologies including
eco-filtration, soil-scape systems etc. may be adopted to tackle the problem of untreated
sewage entering directly into waterbodies.

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In one of the Expert Committee meetings dated 27th March‟2015, it was suggested that
recycled wastewater may be utilized for recharging of groundwater and rejuvenation of
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers. After secondary treatment, treated water may also be
allowed to meander through the river bed that can be planted up with bamboo or other such
species that have the ability to trap contaminants. This would further remove the
contaminants and improve the water quality. The concept note as given by the member of the
Expert Committee is attached in Annexure-10.2.

There are large numbers of villages outside the BBMP area which are not connected to
a sewerage system. The sewage from such households/ commercial buildings/ godowns etc.
are collected in soak pits. Such cluster of houses/ buildings may be connected to a
decentralized sewerage treatment system such as DEWATS which is a viable and sustainable
alternative approach to Sewage and waste water treatment for rapidly increasing urban areas.
The advantages of such systems are scalability to any size, adaptability to varying load sizes,
climatic conditions. The water can be safely reused for non-potable end uses. Such
alternatives have been effectively used in many hospitals, apartments etc. This may be
attempted as well (Annexure-10.3). The local people should be encouraged to adopt such
alternatives at the community level.

10.3.8. Preservation and maintenance of Storm Water Drains:

With reference to the problem of discharging wastewater or greywater into the storm
water drains leading to the pollution of river, the followings are recommended:-

i) Prevent the discharge of any wastewater into the storm water drains with further
control on the dumping of solid waste into the storm water drain coming within the
vicinity of area having stream, river or lakes.
ii) The storm water drain and wastewater disposal system should be separated.
iii) Diversion of the waste or grey water away from the river, stream and lake.
iv) Regular cleaning and maintenance of the storm water drains.
v) Installation of Gross Pollution Traps in storm water drains to trap the litter, debris,
coarse sediments.

10.3.9. Management of Solid Wastes:

The dumping of solid wastes including domestic waste, agriculture waste, construction
waste, biomedical waste, e-waste, etc. into the river and bank of rivers/ lakes has resulted in
deterioration of TGR catchment area. The major reason for the dumping of solid wastes is

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due to the improper management of solid wastes in the catchment area. The generated solid
wastes can be only managed by the involvement of community through the awareness.
Control, monitor and regulate the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of wastes by
the local bodies should be ensured by effective management schemes, which meet current
social, economic, and environmental conditions of the TGR catchment area. It is important
to note that no one single treatment method can manage all the waste materials in an
environmentally effective way. Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) should take an
overall approach to creating sustainable systems that are economically affordable, socially
acceptable and environmentally effective. The local Gram Panchayats and Pattana Panchayats
should come up with detailed plan of action.

Within the solid waste, the poultry wastes generated commercially in the sub- and peri-
urban area are dumped all along the river course and the drains. These poultry waste and by-
products have potential to pollute water include degradation of nearby surface and/or
groundwater by increase the load of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. So, there is
need to adopt effective poultry waste management practice to reduce the threats associated
with it. Therefore, the poultry waste should also collect, store, handle, treat, transport and
apply the waste by-products to the receiving land for application of crop nutrition.

10.3.10. Regulation and Management of Ground Water:

As per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) unaccounted ground water is a
cause of grave concern in 28 cities of India. The catchment of TG Halli is also having the same
problem of unaccounted over exploitation of ground water. Haphazard groundwater
abstraction driven by individualistic pumping has filled out gaps in public water supply.
However, it has also led to co-terminal depletion and contamination of aquifers.

The strategies that need to be adopted for tackling the ground water problem should
include the following:
 Mapping and Registration of Key Groundwater Sources
 Participatory Aquifer Mapping
 Stakeholder database: users, driller, tanker-operators
 Groundwater Recharge Programmes
 Securing Groundwater from Waste Disposal
 Protection of Recharge Zones
 Participatory Groundwater Management
 Water Tanker Transportation should be monitored through the GPS
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EMPRI Recommendations

Prevention of further development and exploitation of ground water should be done on

priority. The Government of Karnataka has enacted the Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation
and Control of Development and Management) Act, 2011. Through the constitution of an
empowered Groundwater Control Directorate, the Act is a key instrument for curbing
indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater. However the Directorate should be supported
with necessary manpower and infrastructure to effectively discharge its function as a regulatory
body.

There is a need to develop ground water as a community resource rather than an

individual resource. In this direction initiatives need to be taken up with the help of local
communities, village level institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Self Help Groups
etc. This is also in tune with the National Water Policy which says that, water, particularly,
ground water, needs to be managed as a community resource, held, by the state, under public
trust doctrine to achieve food security, livelihood etc.

In this direction, the positive interventions of WENEXA may be attempted at a larger

scale. The objective of the Water and Energy Nexus (WENEXA) Project is to identify
measures for reducing adverse impacts of inadequate power pricing and distribution on use of
water in the agricultural, municipal, and industrial sectors. The Project is a four-year initiative
financed by the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India).
Under the auspices of the USAID and the Ministry of Power, GoI, the WENEXA Project
selected Doddaballapur Taluk of Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka, for a site-base activity
in groundwater irrigated agriculture. The project attempted to imbibe efficient use of water by
replacing inefficient pumpsets with efficient ones. The quality and dependability of power
supply was improved at a reasonable cost. This example may be replicated in other areas of
the catchment where the ground water has depleted as well. It is clear that when farmers get
free power for extracting groundwater for irrigation they tend to over use and waste ground
water. Hence power should be appropriately priced for agriculture.

Rainwater harnessing for domestic consumption as well as agricultural purposes should

be encouraged. Also for supporting agriculture in such water scarce area, the Department of
Agriculture may support drip irrigation, sprinkle irrigation through the Centrally Sponsored
Schemes and State Sponsored Schemes for dry land agriculture.

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EMPRI Recommendations

10.3.11. Adoption of Rainwater Harvesting System (RWH):

As the TGR catchment area has been categorized as the Dark zone or Over-exploited
zone by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), there is a requirement for households,
warehouses and commercial buildings to adopt rainwater harvesting structures to reduce the
pressure on groundwater. The State Government and Government of India encourage
rainwater harvesting systems through various schemes, policy and guidelines. While the 2003
TGR preservation Notification also stressed to enforce Rain Water Harvesting systems the
same has not been implemented. Hence it is recommended that guidelines related to RWH
systems should be implemented by the concerned Authorities. Further, the industrialist should
come forward to construct rain water harvesting structures and artificial recharge structures for
recharging the aquifer.

10.3.12. Decommissioning of Abandoned Bore-wells and Tube-wells:

Abandoned bore-wells in the TGR catchment area should be filled up with the
clay/sand/boulders/ pebbles/drill cuttings, etc. from bottom to ground level. Based on the
Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India order dated 11th February‟2010, the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation, GoI (No. W-11042/20/2012-Water-II; dt. 27th July‟2012) asked all the
Principal Secretaries of Rural water supply and sanitation, that if a bore-well/ tube-well is
abandoned at any stage, a certificate from the concerned department of groundwater/public
health/Municipal corporation must be obtained by the aforesaid agencies that the abandoned
bore-well/tube-well is properly filled up to the ground level. Random inspection of the
abandoned wells is also to be done by the Executive of the concerned Agency/ Department.

Implementation of the regulations regarding filling up the abandoned bore-well will not
only prevent fatal accidents of small children but also it will stop the illegal injection of
effluents/ sewage into the abandoned bore-wells/tube-wells.

10.3.13. Creation of Tree Plantation along the River Stretches:

Across the river stretches of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi, strip plantation should be
created to minimize the pollution in the area. Agro forestry should be encouraged to act as an
insurance against crop failures. Forest Department may be asked to come up with a detailed
proposal in this regard.

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EMPRI Recommendations

10.3.14. Encouraging Climate Resilient Agriculture:

The Government of Karnataka has already undertaken many initiatives towards
sustainable rainfed agriculture such as Bhoo Chethana, Bhoo Samruddhi, Niti Aayoga Krishi
Bhagya (promoting micro irrigation). The Government of Karnataka is also promoting solar
energy by encouraging farmers through schemes such as Surya Raitha (solar for farmer) and
tapping solar energy from farm lands. All such initiatives should be encouraged by the
Government to encourage agriculture. The Agriculture Department may come up with a
project proposal for the area. Also all efforts should be made to implement MNREGA in the
area particularly for soil and moisture conservation. The Rural Development and Panchayat
Raj Department may come up with detailed proposal.

10.3.15. Implementation of Existing Conservation Zone till the Formation of Authority and
Prevention of Change in Landuse pattern:
Regarding the permissibility of further developments and establishment of
superstructures in the TGR catchment area, until the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi River Basin
Conservation and Development Authority comes into formation, it is important that the
existing Notification dated 18.11.2003 remains in operation. There is tremendous
development pressure in Bengaluru. The 3rd Advisory Committee felt that if the existing
Notification gets relaxed, the development of layouts and commercial buildings will come up
in an uncontrolled manner. There will be very fast change in land use and very fast
development of layouts and superstructure which will adversely affect the drainage system
further and it may not be possible to retrieve the situation in future. This was also suggested
by Dr. Rajendra Singh, responsible for rejuvenation of many rivers in the State of Rajasthan,
in a meeting held by BWSSB on 24.6.2011 with regards to the subject of rejuvenation of
Arkavathi and Kumudvathi.

10.3.16. Creation of Adequate Awareness among the Local People:

The local people have to be made adequately aware about the regulations and also
proactive steps should be taken up to take their support in implementation of the regulations.
Also as explained in the paragraphs above, a number of steps should be initiated by
Government to encourage rain fed agriculture, solid waste management, rain water harvesting,
agro-forestry, treatment of domestic waste water, DEWAT systems etc. The local residents
should be made aware about all these initiatives and all attempts should be made to
implement any Government programme in a participatory manner.

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EMPRI Recommendations

It is submitted that all the suggestions given in this chapter may be considered by the
concerned Government Departments/ Authorities to develop suitable action plans for
implementation.

Finally it needs to be appreciated that under the present circumstances, rejuvenation of

the two rivers namely Arkavathi and Kumudvathi is a challenging and long term process that
cannot be expected to happen in a short period of time. Concerted long term efforts by all
Departments or Agencies in a well-coordinated manner are required to get the desired results.

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EMPRI References

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Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute
Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka
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”Hasiru Bhavana”, Doresanipalya Forest Campus, Vinayakanagar Circle,
J.P.Nagar 5th Phase, Bengaluru-560078, Tel: 080-26490747/46, Fax: 080-26490745,
email: [email protected] www.empri.kar.nic.in