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This report presents compelling evidence of a worsening pollution crisis across the Cauvery River and its tributaries—Arkavathi, Kabini, Shimsha, and Lakshmantirtha—drawing on CPCB’s Polluted River Stretches data from 2015 to 2025. It reviews NGT OA 673/2018, the action plans and monthly reports of the Pollution Control Boards, and the systemic governance failures they expose. The analysis highlights how regulatory rollbacks—such as the dilution of the TGR Preservation Notification, weakening of UDD buffer zone norms, and amendments to KTCDA regulations—have further intensified the ecological degradation.Â
Large-scale projects such as the Vrishabhavathi River Diversion and the proposed Mekedatu hydropower project pose additional threats to the quality of drinking water for both people and wildlife. Together, these developments reflect a landscape marked by institutional inertia, political indifference, and societal neglect. The report concludes with an actionable roadmap for urgent and systemic course correction to protect Karnataka’s ecological and economic lifeline.
Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka is under direct threat from the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Energy Project (PSP). This report examines how the diversion of evergreen forests and legally protected critical wildlife habitat violates key environmental laws, highlights governance failures at both the state and national levels, and debunks the project’s claims of being green, clean, and renewable. The report also includes an assessment of similar risks posed by the Varahi PSP.
The reports below were produced under the Paani.Earth initiative, which the Editor of Mapping Malnad co-founded and curated until December 2024. They reflect the Editor’s work prior to the launch of Mapping Malnad. Many of the maps, which formed core research and major analytical outputs, are also included here.
This report investigates the large-scale planting of exotic and invasive tree species on lakebeds by the Karnataka Forest Department. Our spatial analysis reveals that nearly half of the lake area in the Hesaraghatta Lake catchment is covered by trees and shrubs. Data from ESA WorldCover 2021 shows that 49% of lakebeds in Bengaluru Urban are similarly tree- and shrub-covered. Drawing on fieldwork, remote sensing, and stakeholder interviews, the report examines how this shift affects water storage, water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and compliance with lake conservation laws. Also see Deccan Herald’s Video Documentary on the findings of the report
The Koramangala–Challaghatta Watershed Map, also known as the Bellandur–Varthur catchment map, emerged from nearly three years of sustained travel across the watershed by the editor of Mapping Malnad. Like the Vrishabhavathi River Map, the work began as a hand-drawn map that was carried to government meetings during the period when Bellandur Lake was repeatedly catching fire. The hand-drawn map later informed the development of a spatial map through geospatial analysis. The accompanying map narrative can be accessed here.
The Vrishabhavathi River Map emerged from nearly four years of sustained travel and citizen engagement across the Vrishabhavathi river basin. The mapping work began when the editor of Mapping Malnad first drew the river by hand on a KG cardboard using a pencil and carried it to government meetings as a discussion tool. Recognising the usefulness of the hand-drawn map, it was subsequently digitised. This process later culminated in a spatial map developed through geospatial analysis. The map reflects a layered understanding of the river basin—its course, dams, command areas, quarries, forests, industrial areas, and more.
The reports below were produced as part of the Mapping Malnad Editor’s work with the Bangalore Environment Trust. They reflect key contributions made prior to the launch of Paani.Earth.
This report was submitted as part of PIL W.P No. 9578/2020 in the Karnataka High Court. It critically examines the Byramangala Lake Diversion Project, which diverts 500 MLD of wastewater flowing in the Vrishabhavathi River. The report presents evidence that the diversion will significantly increase pollution in the Vrishabhavathi, Arkavathi and Cauvery rivers, while cutting through the lakebed, destroying wetland and bird habitat, reducing lake area and displacing farmers instead of fixing upstream industrial, sewage and solid waste pollution. Following these submissions, the High Court granted a stay on the projectÂ
Following the Bellandur Lake fire that drew global attention, the NGT took suo motu cognizance through OA No. 125/2017 and constituted an expert committee chaired by Retired Justice Santosh Hegde. The authors worked with citizens, government departments, the NGT and the committee to assess the situation and, based on field visits and review of submissions, prepared a detailed report identifying systemic failures and 31 actionable agenda points. As directed by the NGT, the Editor of Mapping Malnad presented these findings and recommendations to all concerned government departments for timely action.Â
This report examines the potential spread of the Covid-19 virus through Bengaluru’s wastewater pathways, specifically raja kaluves leading to lakes and the Vrishabhavathi river. It concludes that viral particles shed in urine and feces can enter rivers, lakes and sludge because of deficient sewage infrastructure. The authors identify exposure pathways such as irrigation reuse, groundwater recharge, aerosolization near sewage streams and treatment plants, and wildlife contact. The report recommends wastewater surveillance, stronger sewage and drinking water treatment, safe sludge management, and targeted protection of high‑risk communities.