The Arkavati (Arkavathi/Arkavathy) is one of the tributaries of the river Kaveri. It originates in Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapura and is one of the largest mountain rivers in Karnataka. Arkavati is joined by its tributaries Kumudavathi, Suvarnamukhi, Vrushbhavati before it joins Kaveri at Sangama.
Reservoirs
The river is important in that it supplies 20% of the water requirements of Bengaluru city. The Hesaraghatta and the Tippagondanahalli reservoirs built on the river helps to divert water for this purpose.
Arkavati Today
Sand mining, encroachment, and industrial pollution have affected the course of the river. The polluted waters of Arkavati have affected the ground water quality in many of the areas on the course of the river. And in certain instances, the polluted water has affected cultivation and local economy. In some cases, the course of the river has been changed due to sand mining.
This is one of the rivers in dire need of state intervention.
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