River Aghanashini - The Lifeline Of Kumta

Western Ghats are the birth place of many rivers. The river Aghanashini originates in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada district.The birth place of Aghanashini river is called "Shankara Honda" and it is situated in Sirsi town. Aghanashini river flows westward towards Arabian sea and meets the sea in a small Village called 'Aghanashini' (named after the river) of Kumta taluk. On its way, the river has created many beautiful falls - Unchalli falls, Burude falls, Benne Hole Falls etc.

River Aghanashini

Aghanashini river is called as the lifeline of Kumta and it is the source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen who live along the bank of the river. They worship Aghanashini as "Destroyer of Sins".There are more than 150 varieties of fish in the river.  Many varieties of edible bivalves (shellfish) can be found in the river and they have high demand in the local market as well as from neighouring states. Bivalves harvesting and collection has provided direct employment for the people of Kumta.

Fishermen boats parked on the Aghanshini River

Aghanashini River as seen from Kumta Bridge

Aghanashini is one of the pristine rivers of Karnataka. There are no major dams and industrial establishments along the banks of the river. The river is surrounded by hills, valleys, paddy fields, arecanut and coconut farms, mangrove forests. The Mangrove forest surrounding the river is an important habitat and source of food for many birds, animals and reptiles.  These mangrove forests play an important role in maintaining the Eco system. As it is a rain fed river, Aghanashini looks even more beautiful during Monsoon season. It is a stunning sight to see the river with muddy water and high tides. 

Konkan Railway Bridge constructed across the river

Aghanashini is an ancient river, older than the river Ganga - considering the Western Ghats were formed around 88 million years ago while the Himalayas were formed around 50 million years ago. In 2014 February, Bangalore based company 'Eco Watch' had organized a fest called 'Aghanashini Sambhrama'. The aim of the festival was to celebrate the rich heritage of river Aghanashini, to promote tourism, to conserve the Western Ghats and to spread the awareness about Eco System and Bio diversity.

I feel that people of my native town Kumta are really blessed to have such a holy river in their life. Whenever I visit my home I make sure that I spend some time on the banks of Aghanashini and enjoy its serene landscape.