What is this map about?
In 2022, through Paani.Earth, we developed a citizen-led stressors map of the Arkavathi River System, bringing together the river, her tributaries, water bodies, towns, industrial areas and the wider landscape of the basin. In doing so, we drew from the framework set out in the NGT proceedings in OA 673 of 2018, which called for river rejuvenation action plans to include a “map showing polluted river, its tributaries, drains, major towns, industrial estates, location of government Sewage Treatment Plants (STP)and private Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP).”
This map builds on that earlier work, with several layers reviewed, corrected and updated as new information became available.
Purpose remains the same – To look at the Arkavathi as a whole and understand the many factors affecting her health and ultimately our own.
Explore the Arkavathi River System : A Detailed Map
The map extends across five pages, bringing together the river system, drainage network, water bodies, settlements, industrial areas, treatment infrastructure, waste facilities, quarrying and other layers that help us understand pressures across the basin.
Navigating the map
What you can explore across the 5-page map
Page 1 | The Arkavathi River System
A detailed map of the Arkavathi river which is ~181 kms long and her tributaries including the Vrishabhavathi, Kumudavathi and Suvarnamukhi. It brings together the drainage network, major waterbodies, treatment infrastructure, towns, industrial areas, quarries, protected areas and other landscape features across the basin.
Page 2 | Water Quality & River Monitoring
Monitoring locations across the river system, including National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP) locations and Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring locations, shown in their spatial context.
Page 3 | Existing Public Sewage Treatment Plants
Details of existing public sewage treatment plants within the Arkavathi Basin and where they are located within the river system.
Page 4 | Proposed & Under-Construction Public Sewage Treatment Plants
Details of public sewage treatment plants that are proposed or under construction and where they are located within the basin.
Page 5 | Common Industrial & Hazardous Waste Treatment Facilities
Details of common facilities for the treatment and disposal of industrial and hazardous waste, including Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), hazardous waste incinerators and landfills.
From Understanding the River to Restoring Her
Several plans and governance efforts are underway across different parts of the Arkavathi. Looking at them through the common geography of the river basin can help us understand how these efforts connect, what is being addressed and where gaps may remain.
COMING SOON
Government efforts : Arkavathi Restoration
Explore the different government efforts underway to restore the Arkavathi.
Continue Exploring
And sometimes, simply be by the river
Rivers are not only something to study or understand. Spending time by them helps us see them differently.


