The proposal to divert excess water from Netravathi River has met with stiff opposition from many quarters. Vidya B R presents the case The proposed diversion of the ‘excess’ waters of the west-flowing Netravathi river, to the east has met with opposition from many quarters. The local people and environmentalists are worried about its feasibility and long term environmental consequences. The State government, through a series of garland canals plans to divert excess water in the river during the monsoons. This water is to be used for drought relief and provision of drinking water. There are two projects: (a) Diversion of water to east, to meet the needs of 40 drought-affected taluks, and Bangalore City; (b) diversion of water to north and east, to cater to the needs of 22 drought -affected taluks and Vanivilas Sagar Reservoir. According to reports released by the State government in March 2001, this is a novel scheme in which there will be no human displacement. But Nagarika Seva Trust, a voluntary organisation doubts this. Mr Parameshwara Rao, Secretary of the trust asks if there are no villages in the proposed path of the canals or the reservoirs. The State has also mentioned that 2166 hectares and 5,550 hectares of land will be submerged for the reservoirs to be built under the two projects. This land however, is part of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Much of it is thick foliage which will be destroyed. The micro-organisms here help maintain soil fertility and if the forests are destroyed, the ecology of the region will be upset. This region is also home to many wildlife species and the destruction of these forests may be the beginning of a vanishing habitat for them. The State even plans to develop tourism along the canals and at the reservoirs, thus opening the vulnerable zone to human activity. The Western Ghats are a very sensitive region.The soil here is weathered and if canals and check-dams are constructed along its slopes, the soil may not be able to withstand the pressure of water. This may lead to landslides and other natural calamities. There is also the possibility of Reservoir Induced Seismicity (RIS). The soil may also be unable to withstand the pressure of the check-dams (to impound water) and there may be seismic activity like minor shocks or even earthquakes. Aquaducts to carry the water across valleys need pillars with deep foundations. This implies disturbing the mountains. A river can be trained in its older stages, but not when it is young, because of its greater velocity. The Netravathi is a young river and therefore the scientific basis of this study is debatable. The river rises in the Western Ghats, reaches the sea near Mangalore and is the lifeline of the region. Its water is used for drinking, irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes. This river feeds many minor springs and streams in its course. Many farmers construct mud embankments to store and use this waters in the dry months. They argue that if the water is diverted near the catchment area, the quantity of water that flows downstream will be affected; so will irrigation. The entire project is dependent on rainfall during the monsoons, and if there is a decrease in the annual rainfall, the purpose of the project will be defeated. Many environmental experts are also questioning the State’s ability to deliver all that it has promised through the proposal. There is a strong sentiment against this project. While a few question the reasoning behind this proposal, others are worried that this will shatter the fragile ecology of the region. This proposal also comes at a time when the Centre has plans to link rivers across the country as a solution to the water problems caused by droughts and floods. Whether this proposal will be implemented remains to be seen. ÿ