Uppinangady: Sharp drop in river water level sparks concern among residents

Uppinangady: Sharp drop in river water level sparks concern among residents

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 19, 2026: A drastic decline in the water level of the river flowing in front of the famed Sahasralingeshwara Temple at Uppinangady has raised concern among local residents, with photographs showing exposed sandbanks going viral on social media.

A comparison of photographs taken on June 15, 2025, and June 15, 2026, has highlighted the stark difference in water levels at the confluence of the Netravathi and Kumaradhara rivers, a site renowned as a sacred Sangama Kshetra. The images reveal a significantly depleted river this year, triggering anxiety among the public.

Last year, steady rainfall that began on May 17 ensured a healthy flow in the rivers, resulting in a full confluence near the Sahasralingeshwara Temple. However, the onset of the monsoon has been delayed this year, leading to a severe reduction in water levels.

The intense heat, more typical of the summer season, has further aggravated the situation, causing the rivers to dry up considerably and heightening concerns among farmers. The delayed arrival of rains has also affected agricultural activities, particularly paddy cultivation, which has been postponed due to inadequate rainfall.

Farmers are facing increasing difficulties as a result of the changing weather patterns. Experts and locals fear that such climatic irregularities could not only impact agriculture but also affect the population and breeding cycles of birds, animals, and other living organisms dependent on the region’s ecosystem.