Key Facts about Sharavathi River

About Sharavathi River:

• It is a river in western Karnataka state.
• It is one of the few westward-flowing rivers in India and a major part of the river basin lies in the Western Ghats.
• Course:
  • Rising in the Western Ghats, it flows in a northwesterly direction to the Arabian Sea at Honavar in Uttara Kannada District. 
  • The length of the river is 128 km, and the river basin covers 2,985 sq km.
  • On its way, the Sharavathi forms the Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India, where the river falls from a height of 253 m. 
• Diverse geological features mark the river’s course, including rocky outcrops, fertile plains, and deep gorges.
• Major Tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.

It is a vital source of hydroelectric power in Karnataka. Currently, the river generates a significant portion (40 percent or 1,469.2 megawatts) of the state’s hydropower using seven existing dams and five tunnels.

Q1: What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?

It has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.It comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and Expert Members. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

Source: Curb illegal sand mining in Sharavathi river: NGT tells Karnataka govt