Walk to Kankumbi, where the Malaprabha originates, marks World Rivers Day

Members of various orgs & environmentalists organised World Rivers Day in Belagavi, walking to Kankumbi village to launch “Malaprabha Saurakshan Abiyan”. They adopted a resolution to conserve the Malaprabha basin from origin to confluence. Resource persons spoke of conservation & police commissioner on pollution. Retired Navy officer & consultant with WALMI appealed to farmers & beneficiaries to work towards its conservation.

Members of various organisations and environmentalists organised World Rivers Day on Sunday, by walking to Kankumbi village in Belagavi district, where the river Malaprabha originates.

They launched “Malaprabha Saurakshan Abiyan: Ugam Se Sangam Tak” on the occasion, aimed at creating awareness about the need to protect the forests in the Western Ghats.

Members gathered at the Mauli temple in the village and took out a padayatra to the point of origin of the river in the midst of the thick jungle.

They adopted a resolution to continue sustained efforts for the conservation of the Malaprabha basin from its origin at Kankumbi to its confluence at Kudala Sangama, a stretch of 306 km. Efforts will be made to seek the support and guidance of Rajendra Singh, waterman of India, they said.

Resource persons spoke of the various aspects of conservation.

The former director of Water and Land Management Institute, Dharwad, Rajendra Poddar spoke of the need to build a people’s alliance to protect the environment and ensure that the rivers flow for eternity.

He asked farmers and environmentalists to don the roles of Jal Sakhi and Jal Mitra to lead the movement.