Hariprasad Nandalike

Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)

Karkala, Jun 14: Contrary to the popular belief by the elders that river water should flow into the sea, sea water has been flowing into the river here. There have been uninterrupted rains since past three days. The seas during a high tide, have reached till Sankal Kariya, Mundkur filling up the Shambhavi River with salt water, much to people’s concern. Though the sea water had flown into the river in the past, it used reach only till the villages near Mulki. But, the water has now reached Sankal Kariya, Mundkur.

Balkunje gram panchayat president, Dinesh Puthran, said that the sea water has filled Palimar dam also because it was opened by the administrators. A new dam is being constructed next to the present dam on the request of the farmers. This request has been carried out because the present dam is damaged and the water was getting wasted. The workers blocked water recently but the river was filled with water due to rains. Therefore, water from the river was let out two days ago and now salt water from the sea has entered the river.

Farmers are devastated because the monsoons were delayed this year. This resulted in a major setback for agricultural activities. As the salt water in the river is unsuitable for agricultural activities, farmers in Mundkur, Ulepadi, Elinje, Sankal Kariya, Palimar, Balkunje, Karnire and nearby places are in distress.

The salt water in Shambhavi River has proved to be a hindrance for farmers who were preparing to sow paddy seeds. Besides, the nearby wells which have spring water have become salty and unsuitable for consumption, making the villagers lament over it.

It is said that the continuous storms and breeze have made sea water flow into the river. Farmers are hopeful that the storm and the flow of water may decrease in the next two days.