Residents in Bagepalli and their livestock depended on the river water for drinking purpose. Lack of maintenance of the Chitravati barrage has left the water contaminated, triggering various diseases among the residents due to its high content of fluorosis.
The river which is a tributary of Pinakini, is supplemented by the rainwater flowing from the Karaganapalya Hill, situated 14 km away from Nandi Hills and other small streams and rivulets at the bottom of the hill.
The Chitravati downstream reaches Bukkapatnam tank after traversing 70 km through the town.
The river, named after Goddess Chitravati, was considered as holy by the residents who believed gods and goddesses roam on the banks of the rivers.
Temples on the bank
Several temples were built along the banks of the river. They include: Rama Temple at Ramasandra, Anjaneyaswamy Temple in Devaganahalli, Chandramouleshwara Temple at Sadali, Anjaneya Temple near Mangasandra Tank, Panchalingeshwara Temple of Paragodu which dates back to the Chola period and the Jadala Bhairaveshwara Temple on the outskirts of Bhairaveshwara Temple.
The river irrigates fields where mango, coconut, jamoon and other trees are grown.
Historic connection
Captain Chem Ken Kington, who was secretary of the Publi Works Department built a barrage to store the Chitravati water near the Bhairaveshwara Temple on outskirts of the town.
On December 20, 1959, then PWD minister H M Chennabasappa laid a foundation stone for a 24-foot wide and 130-foot long bridge and the work was completed in 1962. The water from the Chitravati barrage fed the livestock and the residents here.
Now, the barrage is in a dilapidated state with garbage piled up on its bridge. The residents have urged the authorities to act on the problem immediately.