Netravati, Phalguni River banks to get retaining walls

• Estimated project cost Rs 400 crore
• Master plan modelled after Sabarmati, Brahmaputra River retaining wall

Mangaluru: The State Minor Irrigation Department has decided to construct a retaining wall along the banks of Netravati and Phalguni Rivers, which will be modelled after the retaining walls constructed to conserve Sabarmati, Brahmaputra River. The aim of the wall is to prevent the huge loss caused due to floods and erosion.  

Initially, the plan is to build the wall along the Netravati River from BC Road Bridge to the mouth of the estuary in Mangaluru and along Phalguni River, from Gurpur Dam to the point where the river meets with the sea. In this relation, Dakshina Kannada (DK) Minor Irrigation Department has sent a Rs 400 crore proposal to the government. The aim is to implement the project with assistance from the central government.

In relation to the proposal, a preliminary survey of the river route has also been conducted. The State Minor Irrigation Department secretary has notified the Deputy Commissioner to conduct another survey and submit its report. Sources from the Department have informed that minister CS Putturaj has given his approval for the survey.

What is the profit?

This time, due to the torrential rains, Netravati and Phalguni Rivers have overflowed. This has caused damage to the farms and residences on the river banks. The main aim of the project is to protect the people residing by the river banks from floods. This might also supplement tourism here.   

Only if necessary!

According to the proposed plan, there is no aim to construct the retaining wall along the entire length of the two rivers, but instead, the retaining wall will be constructed only at necessary location through concrete or other model.

Tourism friendly Sabarmati River Bank

Sabarmati River in Gujarat has been developed under the ‘River Bank Conservation Plan’. On one hand, the plan is for hydroponics and prevention of water from entering residential area, on the other, it converts coastlines for tourism and are environment friendly. Presently, under this plan, activities promoting tourism are being carried out. Concrete retaining walls have been constructed at essential points along Brahmaputra River. Even on Narmada River, retaining wall has been created at a few locations.

“A master plan is being created for the construction work on the conservation of Netravati and Phalguni River banks. The aim is to construct the walls at locations along the coast where water barges into farms and residential areas. Soon an appropriate survey will be conducted in this regard,” said Gokul Das, Minor irrigation Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Department, DK.

Road to connect river banks

On the occasion of implementation of construction of retaining walls for Netravati and Phalguni rivers, hope has been rekindled for the reanimation of the long waiting Mangala Corniche plan. This plan on creation of a river front road from Jappu Bridge to Kuloor Bridge only remains to be announced. If the retaining wall plan is implemented there is hope that Mangala Corniche may also be implemented give a much needed boost for tourism.

Article by Dinesh Ira translated to English by Aaron Dmello