Why in News?
On March 23, 2026, UNESCO advised the Government of India that the proposed Aghanashini–Vedavathi river-linking project must strictly comply with World Heritage Conservation norms to avoid harming the ecological balance of the Western Ghats.
About
- Ramsar Site Implementation: Following its designation as a Ramsar Site in 2024, efforts are recently underway to establish a Wetland Conservation Authority to manage the estuary's natural resources sustainably.
- Environmental Protests: Local activists and groups like the Vriksha Laksha movement are actively opposing the diversion project, warning that it could lead to the felling of approximately 1.2 lakh trees and submerge 600 acres of forest land.
Origin & Course
- Source: Originates in the Western Ghats at Gadihalli (Sirsi) at an altitude of 676m.
- Length: Travels approximately 117 km entirely within the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
- Mouth: Joins the Arabian Sea at Tadri (near Gokarna).
Ecological Significance
- Pristine State: It is one of the few rivers in India that remains largely undammed and lacks significant industrial pollution.
- Biodiversity: The estuary supports over 80 fish species, 115 bird species, and 45 varieties of mangroves.
- Waterfalls: The rugged terrain creates several famous falls, including the Unchalli Falls (Lushington Falls).
Socio-Economic Impact
- Livelihoods: Approximately 6,000–7,500 families directly depend on the estuary for fishing, bivalve collection, and salt farming.
- Agriculture: Known for the cultivation of Kagga rice, a traditional salt-tolerant variety grown in the estuarine fields.
Major Threats
- Proposed Diversion: The Aghanashini–Vedavathi project aims to divert water to drought-prone regions but faces criticism for potential "Frankenstein-like" ecological damage.
- Infrastructure Pressure: Proposals for large-scale ports and dredging threaten to destroy fragile mudflats and fish nurseries.
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