The census report mapped the origins of the key rivers to these headwaters and noted that the Cauvery originates from Talacauvery in Kodagu. | Photo credit: file photo
The Department of Minor Irrigation and Ground Water Development in Karnataka has successfully completed the first spring census of the state.
According to the census, 274 springs were counted in 31 districts, with Belagavi reporting the highest number with 59.
Hot spring
The census also noted that there is one hot spring 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, the field enumerators used the digital framework to successfully identify and document a total of 247 springs.
Highlighting the regional distribution and ecological health of these water bodies, he added, “Our data reveals that Belagavi district leads the state and reports the highest number with 59 springs. Furthermore, a significant majority of these vital water sources remain active, with 144 springs classified as permanent and 114 as seasonal, while 16 have dried up over time.”
Key rivers
The census report mapped the origins of the key rivers to these headwaters and noted that the Cauvery originates at Talacauvery in Kodagu, the Hemavati at Javali in Chikkamagaluru and the Sharavati at Ambutheertha in Shivamogga.
This digitized data will now serve as a basic database for future spring protection, rejuvenation projects, groundwater management and comprehensive water resource planning across Karnataka.
Springs are natural outlets where groundwater flows to the surface through openings in the earth’s crust. They usually occur when the groundwater table intersects the earth’s surface or when groundwater is forced through faults, fractures, or permeable rock layers.
Western Ghats and Malnad
“The Western Ghats and Malnad regions including districts like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi and Shivamogga are the primary centers for spring formation due to high rainfall and favorable geological conditions. Due to its unique hydrological feature, the hot spring in Bendru Theertha district is located in the development area of Irriga Karnada and Greenland Kannada in Irriga Karnada Kannada has been added.
The Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development in Karnataka has received a certificate of appreciation from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for its first sprint census.
Published – 24 March 2026 21:55 IST
