Bhatkal: Once celebrated as the lifeline of Bhatkal and a key hub of maritime trade along the coastal belt, the historic Sarabi River today stands as a symbol of neglect, with its deteriorating condition drawing growing concern among local residents.

The river also holds historical significance, as it is believed that Queen Rani Chennabhairadevi travelled through this waterway from the Arabian Sea to her palace during her reign.

However, the present condition of the river paints a grim picture. Large stretches of the riverbed have dried up and remain exposed, while the waterway has been heavily choked with mud, silt, garbage and untreated wastewater, particularly from nearby residential areas including Ghausiya Street. In several parts, stagnant sludge and accumulated waste are visible, with barely any flowing water remaining in the channel.

Originating in the Western Ghats, the Sarabi River flows nearly 20 kilometres through Bhatkal town before merging with the Arabian Sea near the Bunder area. Over the years, unchecked dumping of waste, encroachment and lack of desilting have significantly deteriorated the river’s condition.

Taking note of the worsening state of the river, Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya had approved Rs 10 crore nearly a year ago for an ambitious river rejuvenation project. The proposed works included deepening the river by up to 10 feet, removing accumulated mud, silt, bushes and thorny vegetation, and restoring the natural flow of water ahead of the monsoon season.

The minister had also instructed the Minor Irrigation Department to take up the cleaning and restoration work on priority. However, despite the announcement and allocation of funds, the project has reportedly not commenced so far, triggering questions from locals over the delay in execution.

Residents say immediate intervention is necessary to restore the historic river, warning that continued neglect could further damage the ecosystem and increase flooding and sanitation risks in surrounding areas during the monsoon.