TEMPLE TOURISM & ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN WESTERN GHATS

• Sewage from temple-based tourism activities in Kollur (Udupi district, Karnataka) is polluting the Souparnika River, which flows through Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The issue has intensified due to rapid tourism growth, unregulated commercialisation, and failure of sewage treatment systems.
• The pollution is now threatening the core biodiversity zone of the Western Ghats ecosystem.

ABOUT THE ISSUE

• The Souparnika River is carrying untreated sewage and sludge from Kollur town into the sanctuary.
• Rapid expansion of hotels, homestays, and tourism services has increased waste discharge.
• Local authorities have permitted around 50 commercial establishments, with additional unregulated units operating.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• Pollution is affecting the river ecosystem and forest habitat.
• Threats include:
  • Contamination of drinking and bathing water sources
  • Spread of water-borne diseases
  • Degradation of aquatic and riparian ecosystems
  • Stress on wildlife dependent on river systems

BIODIVERSITY SIGNIFICANCE OF MOOKAMBIKA SANCTUARY

• Located in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
• Notified in 1978, covering around 247 sq km (part of larger ecological landscape).
• Important species include:
  • Tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear
  • Lion-tailed macaque (endangered)
  • Malabar civet, giant squirrel, king cobra
• Part of ecological corridor with:
  • Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kudremukh National Park

RIVER SYSTEM & ECOLOGY

• Important rivers:
  • Souparnika River (currently polluted)
  • Chakra River
• Supports dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
• Critical habitat connectivity for Western Ghats fauna movement

LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

• Under Section 29 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
  • Destruction or alteration of wildlife habitat is a punishable offence
  • Punishment: up to 3 years imprisonment + fine
  • Strict provisions for Schedule I species protection

• Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued notices and restraining orders
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of 5 MLD capacity has become non-functional
• Case reportedly under consideration of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• Forest Department has repeatedly flagged the issue to pollution authorities

CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM

• Unplanned tourism expansion
• Failure of wastewater management systems
• Weak enforcement of environmental regulations
• Lack of coordination between tourism, urban, and forest departments

BROADER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

• Western Ghats is a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot region
• Acts as a critical ecological corridor in peninsular India
• Increasing pressure from:
  • Religious tourism
  • Infrastructure expansion
  • Urbanisation in eco-sensitive zones

SIGNIFICANCE

• Highlights conflict between religious tourism and ecological sustainability
• Shows failure of wastewater governance in eco-sensitive zones
• Threatens endangered and endemic species of Western Ghats
• Undermines India’s commitments to biodiversity conservation

CHALLENGES

• Weak enforcement of environmental clearance norms
• Poor maintenance of sewage treatment infrastructure
• High dependence on tourism economy in local areas
• Fragmented governance between forest, urban, and pollution control bodies

WAY FORWARD

• Strict enforcement of Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) regulations
• Upgrade and ensure functioning of STPs with real-time monitoring
• Introduce carrying capacity-based tourism limits
• Promote eco-tourism instead of mass religious tourism
• Strengthen inter-departmental coordination (Forest–Urban–Tourism)
• Use NGT and CPCB monitoring for compliance enforcement