KERS asked for report on river level dip

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil has allayed fears over the sudden decrease in the level of major rivers in the district and said they have approached experts in Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) to submit a report on the phenomenon.

The DC told media persons at his office that an expert team will study all factors behind the sudden dip in level of rivers and submit a report at the earliest.

He confirmed that the gates of Thumbe vented dam have been lowered in September as against the convention doing so between November and December.

He felt that the inflow in River Netravathy reduced due to hydel companies, operating upstream, generating electricity to their full capacity.

Senthil, in response to a query, said NITK-Surathkal, with the help of satellite technology, has been identifying structures encroaching upon storm drains upon their request.

“A final report is awaited. But on the NITK’s recommendation, we will take up deweeding of a stormwater drain in Bengre-Kulur,” the officer added.