Bhatkal: The renowned Sarabi or Sharabi River, traversing through Chautni, Ghousia Street, Mushma Street, Khalifa Street, Daranta, Dongarpalli, Belni, and reaching Bundar before meeting the Arabian Sea, has long been a cause for concern among the public due to its unclean state.

A crucial meeting addressing this concern took place at the Cosmos Sports Center building, situated on the Daranta River banks. Active members from four sports centers – Cosmos Sports Center, Sunshine Sports Center, Moon Star Sports Center, and Lion Sports Center – participated in the meeting.

During the session, it was highlighted that the historical Sarabi River, which once witnessed the descent of Arab caravans to Bhatkal from Arab countries and hosted huge ships around 50 years ago, is now completely devoid of water. The river is currently filled with mud, soil, thorny bushes, and has turned into a cesspool due to the discharge of sewage. Consequently, hundreds of wells in the vicinity have become contaminated by drainage water. The riverbed is so overwhelmed with mud and silt that the water is no longer visible, only murky water is observed flowing.

To address this environmental crisis, the meeting proposed to approach Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya, along with the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and submit a memorandum to the Minor Irrigation Department, urging immediate cleaning efforts before the onset of the monsoon. Additionally, members agreed to resort to peaceful protests if cleaning initiatives do not commence before the monsoon.

All four sports centers joined forces during the meeting, committing to expedite the task of cleaning the river.

The attendees decided to initiate the process by seeking assistance from the century-old social organization, Majlise Islah wo Tanzeem. The next steps were discussed, including a detailed review of the actions taken by Tanzeem in this regard. The participants stressed the importance of working under the guidance of Tanzeem and agreed to plan the next course of action after a special meeting.

Ismail Anjum Gangavali Nadvi, the General Secretary of Cosmos Sports Center, led the meeting, presenting the current condition of the river. Other notable participants included Qaiser Mohtisham, the General Secretary of Sunshine Sports Center and former Vice President of Bhatkal Municipal Council, KM Ashfaq, former councilor, Legal expert Taimoor Gawai, and several executives and office bearers from various sports centers. The meeting was presided over by Cosmos President Maulavi Irshad Naite Nadvi.