Dip in water level in rivers worries people

After devastating floods, Kodagu is witnessing a strange phenomenon of a rapid decrease in the water level in rivers, streams, rivulets and open wells.

The water in rivers which was in spate a month ago dipped drastically triggering alarm bells in villages across the district. Farmers are worried as a shortage of water threatened to destroy the crops.

The dip in water level in River Cauvery and River Lakshmanatheertha had created fear in the minds of people. The dry river bed was visible in Konganahole, Nadugundihole and Kuthunaduhole.

Landslides on Madenadu and Monnangeri had altered the course of Payaswini river which now flows near the houses and paddy fields.

Hattihole and Mukkodluhole villages had witnessed floods in August. Now, the water level has dipped drastically in these rivulets.

Landslides had occurred at Mukkodlu, Madapura, Makkandooru, Tantipala, Emmetala, Kandanakolli, Nagabane, Meghathal, Avandi, Kallukottu, Devasthooru and Hebbattageri. Wells that had not dried in these villages all these years are now witnessing a steep fall in the water level.

The residents in Kodagu are solely dependent on naturally available surface water for their daily needs. With the decline in the water level, many residents are depending on tankers for water supply.

A drought-like situation is being experienced in parts of the district. The affluent coffee growers and farmers were found using sprinklers to irrigate their crops.