Holy river turns a waste bin Kundapur

 Thousands of devotees throng the temple to have darshan of Sri Mookambika. The number increases on festivals and during holidays.
As per the belief, the devotees before entering the temple, clean themselves in river Sauparnika and Agnitheertha. Some wash their feet in the river Agnitheertha and some even consume it as ‘theertha’ (holy water). There are various reasons for such beliefs. It is believed that the river originated from the homakunda of mahamuni Athri, Angeerasa and others. As it originates from the Western Ghats amidst medicinal plants, the water has medicinal properties and devotees believe that it cures skin diseases.
In spite of all the beliefs and ‘holiness’ of the river, a situation has arisen wherein the devotees have to close their eyes to get immersed in the river. Heaps of waste is being dumped to the river. Moreover, the shops and hotels are disposing their waste to the river, causing staunch smell emanating from the river. In fact, it has become production centre of insects. Devotees are forced to consume the polluted water as ‘holy.’
Those who must have taken the responsibility to maintain cleanliness are under pressure from unseen hands.
The Gram Panchayat is keeping mum. In the past, with the effort of Managing Committee President Krishnaprasad Adyanthaya, about 50 volunteers of NSS of ITI College had cleaned the river. Locals allege that devotees are responsible for the deplorable condition of the river. The ‘holiness’ of the river Agnitheertha should be preserved. District administration, Gram Panchayat should take measures to clean the river.