Fears of a major crisis grips Shivamogga as Sharavathi runs dry

Shivamogga, May 31: The situation in the once rain-rich regions of Karnataka is growing more alarming with each passing day.

While Dakshina Kannada has been forced to resort to water rationing, the situation appears to be equally grim in the Malnad Region. The River Sharavathi, the lifeline of Shivamogga, is running dry, igniting fears of a large-scale water crisis in the district. Data from the Karnataka Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) gives one a glimpse of the bleak future in store for Shivamogga if the rain fails: Inflow to the Linganamakki Dam has plummeted to zero. The sight of the parched river in Hosanagara, and other towns and villages in Shivamogga, has triggered panic among the locals.

The drying of the basins of the Sharavathi come close on the heels of the Tunga River running thin in many regions of Shivamogga. Residents in Hosanagara opined that the lack of pre-monsoon showers had aggravated the condition in the district.

Hosanagara resident Ravi Bidanur pointed out that rain had played truant even in Hulikal Ghat in the taluk, where rainfall is among the highest in the state. “The river flows through Hulikal village. But, depletion of groundwater reserves has resulted in the streams running dry,” said Bidanur.

Unable to keep the edge of panic out of his voice, Bidanur said, “Hosanagara received copious pre-monsoon rain every year. But, there is no sign of rain anytime soon. If this situation continues, we will be left grappling a major water crisis.”

KSNDMC data indicates that Hosanagara hobli registered 97% deficit rainfall in the month of May. Against an expected 110.1mm rainfall, Hosanagara has received a paltry 3.8mm rain in May.

Ajay Kumar Sharma, an environmental activist, said that the whole of Malnad Region was battling drought. “This is a result of climate change. Where are the forests in Malnad? They are being eaten away every year. And we are paying the price of destroying nature,” Sharma said.