Receding water levels disrupt vital launch services in Sharavathi backwaters

Bengaluru: The southwest monsoon is yet to breathe life into parched reservoirs across Karnataka. Amid receding water levels in the absence of sustained pre-monsoon rains, an iconic and vital water transport facility connecting Halke and Muppane — the launch service that operates through the 10 km scenic backwaters of the Linganamakki reservoir across the Sharavathi river in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga — has been stopped until further notice. The Inland Water Transport Department has suspended the launch service, effective June 2, citing safety concerns.For thousands of citizens from Karuru and Bharangi hoblis in Sagar taluk, the launch service has long been more than just a ferry; it connects them with Kargal, Jog, Tumari and Sigandur for governance-related work, markets and healthcare facilities. However, against the backdrop of receding water levels in the Linganamakki reservoir, Inland Water Transport officials who inspected the stretch on Monday decided to withdraw the services until further orders due to safety concerns.“Operation of launch services requires a sufficient amount of water with considerable depth. As water levels drop to as low as 10 to 12 feet at some points of the stretch during summer, it becomes difficult to operate the launch loaded with people, cars and passenger vehicles. Submerged sand dunes, tree trunks and shallow stretches along the route can impact the base of the launch, threatening its operation and jeopardising passenger safety. Hence, the officials recommended suspension of services with immediate effect,” an outsourced employee of the Inland Water Transport Department told The Times of India.Lokaraj M, a native of Muppane, said, “After the opening of the Sigandur bridge, even though major ferry services were suspended, the Muppane service had remained vital. Residents have to travel to Kargal and Jog towns on a daily basis, as most revenue and electricity-related offices are located in these urban areas. Besides, devotees from Uttara Kannada and coastal areas who visit the famous pilgrimage centre Sigandur depend on this ferry, as it reduces the distance by 35 to 40 km. In the absence of the launch service, citizens must take a detour via Tumari, which is not only time-consuming but also tiresome due to the poor condition of roads.”Inland Water Transport Department officials clarified that they would resume the launch service after the monsoon, once the depth of the backwaters increases by at least 40 to 50 feet. Every day, ferry services begin at 8:00 am and conclude at 5:30 pm. “On a normal working day, about 300 to 400 people along with cars and two-wheelers travel by the launch, and this number rises to nearly 1,000 during weekends due to the influx of tourists who arrive in tempo travellers,” explained another local resident.