Karnataka home to 274 springs; Belagavi district tops list with 59

The Karnataka Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department has successfully completed the state’s first spring census.

The census counts 274 springs in 31 districts, with Belagavi reporting the highest number at 59.

Spa

The census also stated that there was a spa at Bendru Theertha in Dakshina Kannada district.

BK Pavithra, Secretary, Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development, said that despite the logistical challenges posed by the monsoon, field enumerators leveraged a digital framework to successfully identify and document a total of 247 sources.

Highlighting the regional distribution and ecological health of these water bodies, he added: “Our data reveals that Belagavi district ranks first in the state, reporting the highest number of 59 springs. Moreover, a significant majority of these vital water bodies remain active; 144 springs are classified as perennial and 114 seasonal, while 16 have dried up over time.”

key rivers

The census report matched the origins of major rivers with these sources, stating that the Cauvery originates from the Talacauvery in Kodagu, the Hemavati originates from the Javali in Chikkamagaluru and the Sharavati originates from the Ambutheertha in Shivamogga.

This digitized data will now serve as a key database for future spring conservation, rejuvenation projects, groundwater management and comprehensive water resource planning in Karnataka.

Springs are natural outlets through which groundwater flows to the surface through openings in the earth’s crust. It typically occurs when the water table intersects the ground surface or when groundwater is forced out through fractures, faults, or permeable rock layers.

Western Ghats and Malnad

“The Western Ghats and Malnad regions, which include areas like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi and Shivamogga, are primary centers for spring formation due to high rainfall and favorable geological conditions. Due to its unique hydrological feature, a hot spring in Bendru Theertha is located in Dakshina Kannada district,” said the Karnataka Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department.

Karnataka Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department received certificate of appreciation from Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for the first sprint census.