SHARAVATHI RIVER

SHARAVATHI RIVER

Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Karnataka government to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in Sharavathi river.

Background:

• The NGT’s southern zone bench was hearing an application regarding damage caused to flora and fauna due to illegal sand mining.

About Sharavathi River:

• Sharavati is a river which originates and flows entirely within the state of Karnataka in India.
• It is one of the few westward flowing rivers of India and a major part of the river basin lies in the Western Ghats.
• The total length of the river is around 128 km and it joins the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
• On its way, the Sharavati forms the Jog Falls where the river falls from a height of 253 m.
• Jog Falls is the highest waterfall in India if the single drop water fall and the volume of water are considered for height.Otherwise, it is the third highest waterfall in India (after Kunchikal Falls and Barkana Falls); all three are located in Shivamogga district.
• The river itself and the regions around it are rich in biodiversity and are home to many rare species of flora and fauna.