Mangalore: Unusual Dip in Netravati Water Level Raises Concern

Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SB)

Mangalore, Mar 31: The water level of the Netravati river, the lifeline of the people of Dakshina Kannada district, has seen a remarkable dip in the month of March, an unlikely phenomenon for this time of the year. As a result, agriculturists have become a worried lot.

The district received rains aplenty last year until about December end. Given this fact, the locals in Uppinangady, where the water level is at its lowest ever, feel that the scenario should have been rosy with water level not dipping until May last this year. However, it has suddenly dropped to its lowest in Uppinangady, so much so that people are able to walk across the dried-up river without any difficulty.

The locals fear that the dip in the level of water will also affect the level in the tributary, Kumaradhara, through which water is pumped out at Nekkilady village to supply water to the Puttur town. Further, Mangalore City Corporation too is dependent on the Netravati river.

The river is also a source for many gram panchayat-level water projects. Now the agriculturists and locals are fearful that this situation might affect the water level of the nearby ponds and wells too. Locals are in the fervent hope that the month of April and May may see some rains.

According to a source, illegal drawing of water from rivers and also the non-removal of silt and sand, where normally water is found aplenty, are also contributing to the dipping water level. However, the metereological department is of the opinion that there will be enough rains in April and May to bail out people and there will be no difficulty in procuring sufficient water supply. Water table will not be affected despite the situation looking bleak as of now, they added.