River Nethravathi – The Glorious Past, The Confused Present & An Uncertain Future

 

River Nethravathi – The Glorious Past, The Confused Present & An Uncertain Future

 

“Paropakaraya vahanthi nadyaha” – rivers flow for the benefit of others, and such is the nature of this serene and life-giving river ‘Nethravathi’ for the population that calls Dakshina Kannada as home in the south western region of Karnataka State in India.

However, for the ease of governance and management this region has been divided into 5 major commercial centres namely Mangalore, Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur and Sullya. Yet, the river Nethravathi has provided its wealth to all unequivocally and unreservedly. The river has unconditionally provided us with its rich sand which are regularly extracted from many of its banks and the population of the region and elsewhere owe their gratitude to it, for it has put a strong roof over their head and has resulted in the growth of the region. The river is a rich source of food for both humans and animals alike with varieties of fresh water fishes and planktons. Paddy cultivation and areca/coconut plantation has been made possible thanks to the rich availability of river Nethravathi’s water for the many cycles throughout the year.

This region is dotted with revered temples whose magnificence fill the pages of the history books which the people of this land have consistently remembered, narrated and sung about. The popular art of storytelling exclusive to the region i.e., ‘Yakshagana’ has resonated throughout the land and the river Nethravathi has been many a times a part of the ‘prasanga’ of its grand act. The works of great ‘Arasas’ (Kings) and ‘Santas’ (Saints) of the region, which have stood the test of time were in fact witnessed by this ever-flowing river Nethravathi in all their glory and grandeur. It infused the people and their work with an energy which was respected and returned in kindness with similar deft and care. The symbiotic relationship continued to be the basis of survival and prosperity.

Fast forward to now, it is said that change is the only constant and where one views progression as a change, there one can’t undeniably ignore regression as a part of the same change. With human material comfort development devoid of nature (flora & fauna) as the only recipe for human survival and the foresight limited to human race being the top plunderer, things around us on this small little planet that we call home has drastically changed (like never before in the recorded history of mankind). Now, the talks at world forum have been more inclined towards climate change/action, sustainable development, earth the only home etc. The sentiments are shared and replicated here as well. Unfortunately, actions speak louder than words. With the burgeoning population and the growing demand for better life, the quickest way to fulfil has always been costly on the mute and unrepresented elements – river Nethravathi and the Western Ghats. Not to mention the innumerable species of vegetation and wildlife which depend on this eco system to survive and thrive. Man’s determination knows no limits and is evident from all the advancements that adorns his crown. Yet, time and again we’ve seen the determination has been sometimes constructive and some other times, destructive. In this particular case involving river Nethravathi and Western Ghats, what it is, is unsure to say. But with so much of sacrifice and still more at stake which is evident, the question always linger, is it worth it? With close to 9 lakh people staying in and around Mangalore, the project involving diversion of river Nethravathi from the source (near to the source) for either providing it elsewhere or a power generation linking it, is still questionable at large due to the uncertainty surrounding it. Many reports highlighting the vulnerability of both the western ghats and the people at the river basin have been brought to limelight. The project seems to have had no impact by the concerns laid out.

Erratic change in weather patterns ranging from heavy to less to almost no monsoon, soaring temperature, dwindling school of fishes, persistent crop pests (season after season), yield less cultivation and many more have become the talk of this region. Riddled with problems and less solutions, hopes are still alive that the confluence of river Nethravathi with the Arabian Sea will once again be clear and horizon will be beautiful just as the name Nethravathi suggests – beautiful eyed.

Only time and the river Nethravathi itself will decide what is its course?