The Bharathapuzha, one of Kerala’s most culturally and ecologically significant rivers, is facing severe pollution pressures. Over time, the river has increasingly become a receptacle for solid waste, sewage, and industrial discharge, threatening aquatic life, public health, agriculture, and groundwater quality.

Across multiple stretches of the river, solid waste is being dumped directly into the water, thrown from bridges, or left along riverbanks where it eventually washes into the river during rains. Plastic waste, household garbage, construction debris, and organic waste accumulate along the banks, blocking natural flow and degrading the river ecosystem.

Industrial pollutants and untreated toxic effluents from nearby industries continue to enter the river without adequate treatment. These discharges often contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that contaminate water, damage aquatic biodiversity, and pose long-term health risks to communities depending on the river.

Residential drainage is another major contributor. Both black water (sewage) and grey water (kitchen and bathroom waste) from households are discharged into canals and streams that ultimately connect to the river. The lack of proper sewage treatment plants and decentralized wastewater systems worsens the situation, especially in densely populated areas.

Open defecation along riverbanks, though reduced in many regions, still persists in certain pockets. This not only contaminates the river but also increases the spread of waterborne diseases.

Additionally, sand mining disturbances, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, and festival-related waste further add to the pollution burden.