Drone Journal • Cauvery Basin • 16–18 December 2025
Seeing the Cauvery Basin from the ground and above
Over the years, our work has taken us to different parts of the Cauvery Basin. We had a drone with us on one of these field trips, which gave us a chance to see the Cauvery River, her tributaries and landscapes from a very different perspective.
Here are a few glimpses from that journey.
Shimsha River, a tributary of the Cauvery, near Maddur. December 2025.
A river visibly burdened by sewage and solid waste. Though cleaner than the urban Vrishabhavathi, she still reflects the pressures we place on our rivers.
Shimsha River, a tributary of the Cauvery, downstream of Maddur and Mandya towns. December 2025.
This location lies on a river stretch identified by the Central Pollution Control Board as a Priority III polluted stretch in 2025 (BOD between 10 and 20 mg/L). In 2018, the same stretch was classified as Priority IV (BOD between 6 and 10 mg/L), indicating a decline in water quality over time.
Local residents shared that the river was once used for temple activities, but not anymore.
Standing here, it is difficult not to wonder what has been lost within a single generation. Hopefully, as citizens, governments and industries, we can still come together to reduce the burden we place on this river and improve her health.
The Paddy Fields by the Cauvery River. Near Sargur . December 2025.
The Cauvery is clearly a lifeline here, sustaining the fields and communities around her. Yet one cannot help but wonder – while she takes care of us, do we take care of her? Her riparian zones, so important to the river’s health, appear degraded and encroached upon in many places.
Cauvery at Ramanakatte. December 2025.
The Cauvery may appear clear at this location, yet it is part of a river stretch identified by the Central Pollution Control Board as a Priority III polluted stretch. Researchers have detected pollutants in the Cauvery that are invisible to the naked eye but dissolved in her waters.
What do these pollutants mean for the fish, otters and other life that depend on the river?
Honnuhole, Tributary of Cauvery just before it meets Cauvery. December 2025.
Local residents shared that river flows have reduced significantly since the construction of the Chikkahole Dam for irrigation. Signs of local pollution entering the river were also observed. The river was barely flowing in December, which is barely a few months after a good South-West monsoon season (June to September)
Confluence of Kabini River with Cauvery River. December 2025
Visible degradation and encroachment of the riparian zones of both rivers. Increasing domestic, agricultural and industrial pressures continue to erode the very spaces that help rivers remain healthy and resilient.
The Cauvery and Kabini are considered sacred rivers. But if we truly revered them, would we not protect their banks, restore their riparian zones, and give them the space they need to breathe?
Kabini River, Tributary of Cauvery at Kallahalli Bridge. December 2025
The river looked serene in the December sun, and it was easy to see why she is a lifeline for the communities around her. Yet this stretch is also identified as a polluted river stretch. Despite that, she still allows one to experience the river beyond the pollution and reconnect with what has been lost in many urban rivers.
Kabini River, Tributary of Cauvery near Water supply point for KIADB industrial area, Nanjangud. December 2025
At this point, fresh water from the Kabini is pumped for industrial purposes. Standing by the river, I found myself wondering whether some of this demand could be met through the reuse of treated effluent, reducing the pressure on the Kabini’s waters.
While regulations exist to promote water reuse, not sure how much of this translates into action on the ground and how much remains on paper.
Lakshmanthirtha River, Tributary of Cauvery, Upstream of KRS Dam. December 2025
I was lucky to catch this beautiful sunset with the river in the frame. But beneath the beauty lies a concern – despite a good monsoon, she was barely flowing in December. Not a good sign for the health of the river.
Lakshmanthirtha River, Tributary of Cauvery, At Hunsur Town. December 2025
A familiar pattern emerged as rivers passed through towns and cities – neglect, though in varying degrees. Yet it was heartening to hear many passersby still refer to her as a river. In Bengaluru, rivers like the Vrishabhavathi are often remembered only as a mori (drain).
