Netravati

The Netravati River, also spelled Netravathi, is a major river in the coastal region of Karnataka, India. It originates in the Western Ghats in southern Karnataka and flows generally southwest through the Dakshina Kannada and parts of Udupi districts before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Mangaluru. The river basin supports agriculture and settlements along its course.

Course and geography. The Netravati collects water from multiple tributaries in the Western Ghats and coastal plains, forming a long estuarine system as it approaches the sea. The estuary supports mangrove stands and backwaters that are important for fisheries and biodiversity.

Human use and infrastructure. The river provides drinking water, irrigation and aquaculture for coastal communities. Several small dams and check dams are built on its tributaries to meet water demands, and portions of its water are used for municipal supply, especially for Mangaluru. The river also supports fisheries in its estuary.

Ecology and environment. The Netravati basin hosts freshwater fish and bird life; the estuary and mangrove habitats are important for biodiversity and act as natural buffers against floods and coastal erosion. Notable species include various fish, prawns, and resident birds.

Environmental concerns and management. The river faces challenges from pollution, industrial and domestic effluents, riverbed siltation, and encroachment of floodplains. Climate variability and urbanization have increased flood and drought risks in different years. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality, watershed management, and sustainable use of the estuary.