Kabini – Rally for Rivers

Bengaluru (8.42 million), Mysuru (887,446), Wayanad district (816,558)

• Water depletion: 27% (1972-2013)
• Dry season drought risk: Low
• Monsoon flood risk: Extremely High
• Seasonal variability of water levels: Medium to High

• The Kabini reservoir is the source of irrigation for around 45,000 hectares and provides 80MW of power.
• The Kabini flows through the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park, which are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to tigers, leopards, four types of deer, sloth bear, gaurs and elephants.

The Kabini is a major tributary of the Kaveri, and originates in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Wayanad faced a drought in 2016 and 2017, as the Kabini went dry after the monsoons. This has led to an ironic, unfortunate situation where those living along the banks of the river depend on water tankers for their needs. Researchers have blamed this situation on the destruction of the shola forests in the river basin. The removal of tree cover also leads to flood situations when rainfall gets heavy.

The Kabini is also known as the Kapila and derives its name from Kapila Maharishi. The famous Shree Kanteswara at Nanjangud is located on the banks of the river. Nanjangud is sometimes referred to as Dakshin Kashi

1. http://www.india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/index.php?title=WRIS_Publications#Basin_Reports
2. http://www.india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/HydroObservationStationApp.html
3. http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/79189/3/12_chapter2.pdf
4. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Kabini-dries-up-farmers-hit/articleshow/52101127.cms
5. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/inflow-into-kabini-dam-up-flood-alert-issued/article4881775.ece
6. http://waterresources.kar.nic.in/river_systems.htm
7. https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20170721/3151512.html
8. http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-kabini-reservoir-full-bangalore-can-now-get-more-water-1727484
9. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/152362/wild-encounters.html
10. Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chandanb/403616551/

▵ Kabini – Rally for Rivers (Isha)