Complete ban on plastic in and around the premises of Talacauvery to protect the sanctity of this holy site and environment is undoubtedly a welcome step which poses a danger to the environment and human health. The Cauvery Theerthodbava holds immense religious and cultural significance for the people of Kodagu and the larger Cauvery basin region. Carrying plastic bottles and containers has led to increasing environmental concerns, with plastic waste polluting the temple and surrounding areas. Cauvery is not just a river, a chief deity, mother Goddess who generates oodles of emotions in the people of Kodagu. As a community of nature worshippers, we think ourselves as the offspring of the river Cauvery because it originates from our land, it courses through our lives,from the time we are born until the day we die. Every landmark, every momentous occasion is marked by some association with the Cauvery. Talacauvery and Bhagamandala are not picnic spots, but sacred places revered by the people of Kodagu. Unfortunately, most of the tourists turn the holy places into spots for merry making. We are caught in an endless cycle of water shortage, triggered by deforestation and large scaleenvironmental devastation. Plastic waste, detergents and other wastes are dumped into the river add to the burden on these water sources polluting the river is no doubt a crime which can have countless victims of numerous species. Those polluting should be made a criminal offense and other responsible should be imposed with heavy fines. Tourism turning out to be invasive and causing damage in many ways. The damage caused to the district can to a large extent blamed on the unregulated growth in tourism. Isn’t it high time we instilled civic sense in our children? It is always discussed on how much water is shared among the states. Nobody is concerned about the quality of the river. However, Karnataka’s lack of interest to protect her source is mystifying. Timber, road, railways and Power mafias are allowed to run riot, destroying forests and threatening the river. The real usury should be how to protect the source, so there is enough water for everybody. Fresh water cannot be created by dams and bottling plants. Nor can it be created by wars and bloodshed. All Fresh water on earth comes from forests. The quality of the river’s water has deteriorated sharply over the decades sullied by untreated sewage of which the river turns dark and dirty. Although the government has forbidden commercial activity within the radius of 500 meters of the river, dozens of resorts and homestays have sprung up on its banks. Filthy rivers are not only an unseemly sight but also, they harm human health, livestock and agriculture.
Cauvery is the lifeline and have nurtured millions of lives and what are we giving back? All our sentiments about Cauvery have now turned into fear and worry. Will Cauvery too become another model for what not to do with our water bodies? Cauvery is not just water. She is devotion and power. Protect her, cleanse her, embrace her, preserve the sanctity.
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
