ముసీ నది నాగోల్ వద్ద ముసీ నది యాత్ర ప్రారంభం | Musi River at Nagole: Start Point of Musi River Yatra
Geo Spirit - Musi River Yatra (November 2-3, 2024)
The Geo Spirit Musi River Yatra, held on November 2nd and 3rd, 2024, was a two-day journey of exploration, documentation, and awareness-building along the Musi River. More than 25 dedicated individuals, including environmental experts, social activists, farmers, and community members, came together to assess the ecological and social impact of the river’s pollution on local communities and the environment. The Yatra began at Nagole Bridge Thiranga in Hyderabad and covered key points along the river, including Narayanrao Kathwa (Anicut), Musi Bridge at Pratapsingaram, Edulabad Lake, Pillaipalle, Valigonda, Munipampula, and Ammanabolu.
Overview of Key Findings
1. Water and Air Pollution
The Musi River faces severe pollution from untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. Water quality tests revealed contamination with heavy metals, bacteria (like E. coli), and high levels of toxic substances. The air around the river is also heavily polluted, likely due to emissions from nearby industries and vehicular traffic. Acidic air has led to the corrosion of metals, damaging structures, vehicles, and even impacting household items made of iron, brass, and silver.
2. Impact on Drinking Water and Agriculture
Polluted water from the Musi River is widely used for irrigation, raising concerns about food safety. Crops irrigated with contaminated water show traces of heavy metals, which can accumulate in the food chain, a process known as biomagnification. This affects not only the crops but also animals and humans consuming them, leading to potential long-term health risks.
3. Health Impact on Local Communities
The health effects of Musi’s pollution extend deeply into local communities. Cases of skin diseases, respiratory issues, and chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders have become increasingly common. Contaminated water exacerbates these conditions, posing severe long-term health risks to all age groups.
4. Ecological Consequences
The biodiversity of the Musi River has been drastically reduced. Many fish species are no longer breeding naturally, and only fingerlings introduced artificially seem to survive, with very few fish populations able to withstand the high pollution levels. Water hyacinth, an invasive plant species, has thrived in the polluted waters, blocking water bodies, rivers, and tanks. The disappearance of native sandbanks, due to excessive mining, has also contributed to the degradation of the river ecosystem.
5. Cultural and Social Impact
The river, once a lifeline and a symbol of community and culture, has become a source of risk. The inability to use the river for traditional activities has impacted community cohesion and eroded cultural practices.
6. Infrastructure and Maintenance Issues
The Yatra also highlighted the need for better maintenance of existing river infrastructure. The canal systems and water management structures are in disrepair, and poorly maintained irrigation canals and levees exacerbate the spread of pollution.
