Bhatkal: The Sarabi River, once a scenic and historically significant waterway, is now turning into a polluted drain—a sad reflection of neglect and mismanagement. This river, which played a crucial role in trade and cultural exchanges over a millennium ago, now finds itself choked with sewage, its legacy fading under the weight of urban waste.

A river of historical significance

Centuries ago, Arab traders sailed into the Arabian Sea and navigated along the Sarabi River in smaller boats, bringing prized Arabian horses in exchange for local spices, particularly pepper. The region was then under the reign of Rani Chennabhairadevi of Gersuppa, famously known as the "Raina de Pimento" (Pepper Queen) by the Portuguese, whom she twice defeated in their attempts to seize control of the coastal ports.

Chennabhairadevi ruled for an impressive 53 years, making her the longest-ruling queen of 16th-century India. She maintained a strong trade relationship with Arab merchants, who found safety and prosperity in Bhatkal. Such was the influence of these traders that an Arab marketplace emerged in the town, and granite slabs inscribed with Arabic prayers (though now weathered) still stand by the banks of the river, marking places where traders once offered their prayers.

The significance of this trade route continued into the 18th century when the kings of Mysore, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, sourced horses from Arab traders in Bhatkal for their cavalry, riding them to Srirangapatna, their military headquarters.

The tragic decline of Sarabi river

Fast forward to today, and the Sarabi River no longer reflects its glorious past. The Bhatkal municipal authorities have allowed urban sewage to be freely discharged into the river along its six-kilometer stretch before it meets the Arabian Sea. This is despite the existence of two sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the area.

For years, untreated sewage has contaminated the river, affecting the drinking water supply and forcing many families to abandon their homes. The once-thriving lower and historical Bhatkal area has now turned into a foul-smelling and disease-infested zone, as polluted waters have seeped into hundreds of drinking water wells, rendering them unusable. The Ghausia Street, Qazia Street, Mushma Street, Khalifa Street, Daranta, and Dongarpalli areas continue to bear the brunt of this environmental catastrophe.

Recent attempts to control the situation, such as installing a new motor at the Ghausia Street treatment plant, have halted the direct discharge of sewage into the river. However, the damage has already been done, and the stagnant pollution accumulated over decades remains untouched.

A call for action

The elders of these areas now ask, "Should we endure this in the land where Chennabhairadevi ruled and our Arab ancestors traded?" Their question highlights the deep historical and cultural loss tied to the river’s degradation.

The Sarabi River Horata Samiti had earlier staged a protest demanding the cleaning and restoration of the river, but authorities have yet to take meaningful action. The river, once a lifeline of trade, history, and culture, now serves as a stark reminder of the neglect that threatens both Bhatkal’s environment and heritage.

It is imperative that the local administration, municipality, and Archaeological Department come together to restore the Sarabi River to its former glory—before it is lost forever.