Sarabi River Horata Samithi flags delay in project initiation, urges Tanzeem to question Minister

Bhatkal: The delay in taking up the long-pending cleaning and rejuvenation of the Sarabi river has triggered fresh concern in the town, with the Sarabi River Horata Samithi questioning why work has not begun even nine months after ₹10 crore was sanctioned.

The issue was raised at a meeting held at the office of Majlis Islah wa Tanzeem, where members of the Samithi expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress. They urged the organisation to seek clear answers from the state minister it had supported.

While noting that the Karnataka government had approved ₹10 crore for the project following the minister’s announcement, the Samithi pointed out that there has been no visible activity on the ground so far. Members said sanctioning funds alone would not serve any purpose unless the work is started without delay, and questioned whether the concerned departments had taken any concrete steps.

With the monsoon approaching, the Samithi warned that further delay could lead to flooding in low-lying areas of Bhatkal, putting residents at risk.

Once considered the lifeline of the town, the Sarabi river has now turned into a polluted stretch filled with silt, sludge and sewage. The Samithi noted that the river, which flows into the Arabian Sea, once served as a route for Arab traders but is now struggling for survival.

Members also expressed concern over the underground drainage pumping station at Ghausia Street, from where wastewater is reportedly being discharged into the river, worsening the pollution.

The Samithi said the continued delay, despite funds being sanctioned, indicates possible administrative or procedural hurdles. It called for greater transparency from authorities, including a clear timeline for the commencement of work.

It may be recalled that the Horata Samithi, formed by local sports centres such as Cosmos, Sunshine, Lion, Moon Star, Royal and Sultani, has been actively campaigning for the restoration of the river and had staged protests earlier. Officials had previously indicated that work would begin after technical approvals and be completed before the monsoon, but no progress has been reported so far.