The rate of rainfall in the catchment of Sharavathi River has been badly hit due to large-scale deforestation, said Dr. T.V. Ramachandra, noted scientist from the Indian Institute of Science.
He delivered a special lecture on the Western Ghats, organised by Ninasam Rangashikshana Kendra in memory of its founder, K.V. Subbanna, at Heggodu in Sagar taluk on Sunday, July 16.
As per research conducted by his team, Mr. Ramachandra said the rainfall had decreased substantially in the areas that witnessed large land use changes since the Sharavathi Reservoir was constructed in 1964. “The places where thick forest native vegetation continues to prevail have been receiving 3,000 to 4,500 mm of rainfall per year. However, in other areas where there has been large deforestation, rainfall has come down to 1,800 mm per year. We need to educate people about the importance of trees and their role in the water cycle,” he said.
