Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Feb 12: A few years back, three or four crops were grown in many parts of Brahmavar taluk. However, at present all the paddy fields have turned barren. Though there is a rivulet that flows here its water has turned salty.

Padukare and Kodi areas that fall under the limits of Kodi Kanyana panchayat have Sita river flowing in the midst of their villages. During a high tide and full moon days it was common for sea water to enter into the river. However, as the Sita river was quite deep, the effect of salt water was not felt by people living on the river basin.

For a few years now, however, the water of the rivulet enters into the river all through the year and causes destruction of agricultural crops. The main reason is the growing of Kanlda trees by forest department in areas between the rivulet. The silt in the river has increased by leaps and bounds due to the planting of Kandla trees.

Because of the Kandla trees, the water of rivulet does not flow properly. In addition, the agricultural land on the river basin and the rivulet are of the same height. So whenever the salt water enters the rivulet it invariably enters the paddy fields as well. The drinking water resources of the people living on river basin have also turned salty.

On the whole, the plight of people living on the basin of rivulet is really a difficult one. During monsoon their lives get devastated due to the floods. Now, the salt water issue has shattered their lives. The silt in the rivulet needs to be removed soon so that the people living in these parts of Brahmavar can lead a normal life.