A civil society body working for environmental protection will approach National Green Tribunal, New Delhi, in a fortnight to press for Musi conservation. Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy Foundation will request NGT to ask the State government to take immediate action because pollution of Musi has led to contamination of close to one lakh acres of cultivable land located in the downstream of the river.
Mostly paddy and green leafy vegetables are cultivated in the river’s downstream. Metallic waste in the Musi has contaminated even vegetables which are consumed by people living in surrounding areas including Hyderabad city, the foundation’s research observed.
According to the foundation, “The water has e.coli and sediments of heavy metals which are residue of industrial waste. This waste is a huge health hazard because it is cancerous.”
Musi conservation has been on cards of the State government even as it failed to take off in full scale. A river conservation committee also exists in Telangana, the foundation noted.
“If you have political will you can restore Musi just like Londoners restored Thames river,” Mr. Reddy, a retired IAS officer on whose name the foundation functions.
There will be a shortage of water in Hyderabad because rivers Musi and Isa have dried up and Godavari water does not reach these rivers directly, he said. Toxic heavy metals are pumped into the water time and again without check, he said.
On sustainability
Speaking at a media conference organised to announce its interest in environmental issues, Mr. Purushotham Reddy said sustainable development should be declared a priority for State and Central governments.
“Biodiversity should be sustained for survival of human kind. Governments should promote organic farming and conservation of natural resources. To pressure governmental action, organisations which act both as a think-tank and activists’ forum should work hard. Prof. Purushotham Reddy Foundation, which we founded, is one such organisation,” said Dileep Reddy, one of the founding members.
The organisation, which was established on Mr. Reddy’s 75th birthday this month, is expected to take up several matters of environmental concern.
