Bhatkal: The long-awaited desilting and deepening of the historic Sarabi river, which flows through the ancient quarters of Bhatkal, is set to begin soon after the monsoon, following the sanction of ₹10 crore by the Karnataka government.

In preparation for the project, a four-member team from the Minor Irrigation Department in Karwar visited Bhatkal on Saturday to conduct an inspection and prioritize the necessary works. The team included Assistant Executive Engineer Prashant C.N. and Rajni, who, along with representatives from local social organizations Majlise Islah wa Tanzeem and the Sarabi River Horata Samithi, surveyed key locations such as Ghausia Street, Khaleefa Street, Daranta, and Dongarpalli—areas through which the Sarabi river flows before meeting the Arabian Sea at Bhatkal Bunder.

Speaking to the delegation, Advocate Imran Lanka, representing Tanzeem, emphasized the urgent need to desilt the river, pitch its banks, and construct a barrage at Dongarpalli to help store clean water and improve groundwater levels. He noted that the Sarabi river, which stretches approximately five kilometers from Chautani to Bunder, plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and must be restored to its original state.

Given that the ₹10 crore allocation may be insufficient for desilting the entire 5-kilometer stretch and constructing a barrage, the visiting delegation agreed to begin the project by focusing on building the barrage at Dongarpalli and desilting around 2 to 3 kilometers of the river initially.

Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandari explained that the initial funds were secured after Tanzeem brought the issue to the attention of Uttara Kannada District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya. He added that Tanzeem will soon meet the minister again to request additional funding for the remaining work. If needed, a memorandum will also be submitted to the Chief Minister of Karnataka to ensure the project’s completion.

It may be recalled that a protest was organized last year by the Sarabi River Horata Samithi, demanding the desilting and cleaning of the river, including deepening it by at least two meters and removing mud and thorny bushes. Following the protest, delegations from both the Samithi and Tanzeem met with Bhatkal MLA and Minister Mankal Vaidya, who then facilitated the approval of ₹10 crore for the initial phase of the project.

Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi, Azeezur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi, Adam Panambur, Bhatkal TMC in-charge President Altaf Kharuri, Councillor Qaisar Mohtisham, Sarabi River Horata Samithi members Taimoor Gawai, Ashfaque K.M., and several others were also present during the inspection.