The River Krishna.

Coursing over 800 miles.

Serving as the nurturer for civilization.

It has the honor of being the fourth largest river in India. It is a major source of water for three influential states: Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, and is an essential part of the agriculture and irrigation to local cities and villages. The incorporation of engineering such as dams in the river's many tributaries, serves as a source of hydroelectricity for nearby industries. It has bestowed cities in proximity with great prosperity and livelihood. And what has the human population given in return? Pollution and the deterioration of the river's biodiversity. 

The once crystal clear waters of the Krishna have now turned into a garbage dump of untreated municipal and industrial sewage. Effluent from industries and human intervention have infected the thriving river enormously.

A recent evaluation by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was carried out to assess the water quality of the Krishna River. The pollutants found were  overweighed with potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride and silicates. 75% of the elements found were retainable (inability to get dissolved in the water) and decayed the calibre of the river. Pollution in the Krishna River has gone up phenomenally over the decades, including the presence of high traces of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and alkalinity levels. Despite the river being highly revered in all three states, citizens and administrative authorities have not shielded away from either discarding waste or illegally constructing architectural projects on the banks of the river. 

The rate of pollution of the Krishna River has also had a tremendous influence on the biodiversity of the water body. Experts in biodiversity of the river claim that pollution also poses a threat to livelihoods. Micro-crustaceans –which are an important source of food for fish– have come down drastically, affecting fishermen and the fishing industry. Furthermore, the lack of fish in the river are drastically affecting the endangered species –the Fishing Cats– which prey on fishes in this area; if the river continues to diminish at this rate, the small population might soon perish.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), has identified the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to be a major culprit in the discharge of millions of liters of sewage waste into the river daily. The pressure of this situation from the NGT prompted several cities to launch sewage treatment plants (STPs). However, this mere act itself, does not impact a massive change in the condition of the river. Initiating mass clean-up projects, replanting riparian vegetation and buffers, enhancing the in-stream habitat, and stabilizing banks are all ways to rebuild the former condition of this river. 

This is a critical matter that requires to be acknowledged and directed immediately. Let's utilize this as an opportunity to reinstate the once mighty Krishna. Let's serve back to the river as well as future generations to come. It is up to us to empower ourselves as citizens and fulfill our responsibility. It is our duty. 

By signing this petition, we can take a stand against the deterioration of the River Krishna and restore the faith in the river as well as humanity.