Severe Water Crisis Hits Kodagu District: Lakshmana Tirtha River Completely Dried Up

Kodagu District, known for its scenic beauty, is facing a severe water crisis due to drought conditions and intense heat.

Drying up of Lakshmana Tirtha River

1. Background: Lakshmana Tirtha river is a crucial waterway in Kodagu District.
2. Origin: Originates from dense forests in Kutta of Ponnampet taluk.
3. Length: Stretches about 180 km before merging into the Cauvery river.
4. Current Status: Completely dried up due to drought conditions.

Causes of Drying up

1. Deficit Rainfall: Last year’s deficit rainfall in Kodagu (40% of average rainfall).
2. Depletion of Groundwater: Lack of rainfall leading to depletion of groundwater levels.
3. Reduced Inflow: Smaller streams drying up, reducing inflow into rivers.

Impact

1. Agriculture: Farmers, especially those with coffee plantations, struggling to irrigate crops.
2. Drinking Water Scarcity: Residents and livestock facing scarcity of drinking water.
3. Worsening Situation: More rivers drying up, intensifying the water crisis.

Urgent Need for Rainfall

1. Current Situation: No signs of rainfall since January.
2. Community Concern: Communities deeply worried about future water supply.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where does the Lakshmana Tirtha river originate?
   • A) Dense forests in Hunsur
   • B) Dense forests in Kutta of Ponnampet taluk
   • C) Dense forests in Madikeri
   • D) Dense forests in Mysore
   Answer: B) Dense forests in Kutta of Ponnampet taluk
2. What is the current status of the Lakshmana Tirtha river?
   • A) Flowing at full capacity
   • B) Partially dried up
   • C) Completely dried up
   • D) Flooded due to heavy rains
   Answer: C) Completely dried up
3. What is one of the main causes of the drying up of rivers in Kodagu District?
   • A) Excessive rainfall
   • B) Deforestation
   • C) Deficit rainfall
   • D) Industrial pollution
   Answer: C) Deficit rainfall
4. What impact does the water crisis have on farmers in Kodagu District?
   • A) No impact
   • B) Increased crop yield
   • C) Struggle to irrigate crops
   • D) Decreased production costs
   Answer: C) Struggle to irrigate crops
5. Why are communities in the Kodagu-Mysore region deeply concerned?
   • A) Due to excessive rainfall
   • B) Due to a surplus of water
   • C) Due to future water supply issues
   • D) Due to an abundance of resources
   Answer: C) Due to future water supply issues