By ETF Desk
Heavy rainfall over the last week has turned the once-dry Nethravathi and Kumaradhara rivers into flowing waters in the Uppinangady area of Udupi district, Karnataka. The sudden surge in water levels is expected to benefit local farmers and improve the ecological balance of the region.
The monsoon, which began earlier than usual, brought enough precipitation to raise the riverbeds to normal levels after months of low flow. Authorities reported that the increased water volume also helped in flushing out accumulated silt and improving water quality.
However, the rising waters had a detrimental effect on the Udbhava Linga, a revered stone idol situated near the banks of the Nethravathi. The idol, which had been a site of pilgrimage, was found submerged as the river swelled, leading to concerns among devotees and local heritage bodies.
Local residents and officials have expressed relief that the rivers have returned to their natural course, though they also point out the need for better flood‑management infrastructure to protect cultural sites in the future. Source: Google News – Udupi.