SESSION-18: School Students
PAPER-6:'T(h)anks', for Water?
Sidram Dande

Abstract:

"There is no greater object of wonder, no greater thing of beauty than the dynamic order, and the organised complexity of life".   This was the famous saying of Ariel G Loewi and Philip.   And another great scientist, Haldane, says that, "...The line between living and non-living is somewhere between a cell and an atom...." and that thing is obviously water.   If we carefully look over these sayings, we can easily make out that, water is the origin of life.   This matrix of life is present in the storehouse, the earth, in the form of ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams and oceans.   And in order to use water more conveniently, man has built many artificial lakes, ponds, dams, reservoirs and tanks, etc.

One such tank is in Gulbarga city.   This tank is well known as Sharanabasaveshwara tank or Appan keri.   With a depth of 2.0 metres and maximum depth of 3.5 metres during monsoon season, Sharanabasaveshwara tank is spread over an area of 0.275 sq. km.

The history of this tank dates back to 1800 A.D. Primarily this tank was built to fulfill the water necessities of the nearby fields.   Since 1800 A.D. this tank has played an important role in recharging   the ground water in this area and provides occupation and commercial value by way of fishing.   During the last two decades the speedy development of the city and increased anthropogenic activities have posed a threat to the Sharanabasaveshwara tank. A fort stands on its left side, which has a trench in one of its sides, which spreads, over an area of 20 metres. This trench has been transferred into a place for disposal of excreta and sewage. These pollutants get dissolved in water and make their way to the Sharanabasaveshwara tank. And now the sewage is getting a direct entry into this tank.   The tank is also getting polluted due to washing of cattle and clothes. As a result of these activities Sharanabasaveshwara tank has become a breeding ground for pathogens. Pollutants like detergents are added to the tank due to the washing of clothes on its banks. While the authorities are struggling to stop these pollutants from entering the lake, another, threat to tank by immersion of idols is raising its ugly head.

Immersion of idols in Sharanabasaveshwara tank is an important religious custom-signifying culmination of Durga and Ganesh celebrations.   The number   of idols immersed every year have seen a steady increase year after year.

It is reported that , presently, the number of religious groups, which actively participate in erecting Ganesh and Durga idols, are around 50 to 100 as recorded in big streets and 2000 to 3000 in small and residential colonies.   This has resulted in generation of increased refuse materials, which ultimately find its way to the Sharanabasaveshwara tank with the immersion of idols in the tank water.

These idols are made using biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.   At the time of idol immersion items like flowers, leaves, essence sticks, plastics, camphor, ash, etc. are dumped into the tank along with the idols. Added clay results in siltation of the tank.   The biodegradable materials on decomposition cause increase in BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in water.   The non-biodegradable materials like paints cause release of heavy metals in the water, which though very low in concentration may affect the biotic life, through bioaccumulation.   And the menace of plastics is no less.

At the main idol immersion zone behind Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue, the lead content had gone up to 1.5 mg/litre, against the standard 0.1 mg/l .   Here, there is no sewage discharge.   The only pollutant is paint used on the idols.   The Biochemical Oxygen Demand was 35 mg/l., where as the permissible limit is 20 mg/l.   The total dissolved solids in the tank during immersion were   between   350-400 mg/l.

In 1972-73 Sharanabasaveshwara tank was completely dried due to drought.   During this period the District Commissioner of Gulbarga planned to construct a shopping complex in this place.   But, fortunately, the people of Gulbarga city opposed this plan and the idea was dropped.   In the recent   years, the tank has seen severe fish mortality due to the increased sewage inflow   into the tank.   The concentration of the nitrates in the tank   was 2.1 mg/l during this period against the prescribed limit of 0.5 mg/l.   Another compound, ammoniacal nitrogen was at 3.2 mg/l.   And surprisingly one may come across dead bodies of new born babies and adults floating in the waters of the tank. .   This   is no less dangerous to the tank.   It triggers fish mortality and eutrophication by increasing the organic compounds in water.

Today, the citizens of Gulbarga are ironically polluting this tank.   For instance, if fishing is going on one side of its bank, at the same time the toxic wastes are dumped on the other side.   There is a direct sewage release into this tank even today and the tank is unable to take the load.

Authorities should prevent the   entry of pollution   into the tank by preparing alternative sites outside the city or by establishing sewage treatment plants.   We can use this treated water at least for our gardens and can minimise the water scarcity   to a minimum.

In the mid 80's authorities tried to beautify the lake and make it as one of the tourist attractions.   They tried to provide boating facility and increase the beauty of the lake by colourful lighting.   But unfortunately they did not succeed.

On the other hand, the authorities have successfully over come the problem of eutrophication in Sharanabasaveshwara tank.   In the same way, cleaning of the sediments has to be undertaken, at least near the idol immersion zone, which will bring the tank back to life.   They should also bring awareness among the people to save this tank through open forum discussions.   People should also insist on manufacturing of eco-friendly idols and use them.

It is a known fact that Gulbarga city often faces water scarcity especially in summer.   If Sharanabasaveshwara tank is maintained intact then, this will turn out to be a lifeline for the whole city.

Otherwise, if this pollution continues for some more days this boon will not only become a bane but will also disturb the delicate balance existing in the environment.   So, today, the immediate and urgent need is to create awareness among the people about the grievous consequences of pollution of the tanks.   Thus, we can save the matrix of our life.