Bantwal: The dry river bed of Nethravathi has turned into a playground for the youth of Bantwal. Some people were spotted playing cricket on the dried up river bed on Sunday, May 15.

At certain pockets where there was very little water, a few visitors were seen walking across leisurely.

The water level in the river has hit rock-bottom from the last month and half which has led to the water crisis in Mangaluru. The situation forced the district administration to direct the agriculturists, industries and builders not to use water from the river. The remaining water in the almost drying Nethravathi was directed to be used only for drinking purpose.

Water for the ongoing work at Thumbe dam was supplied from AMR dam in Shambhoor. Now the water level at both the dams has gone down drastically, there is a possibility of complete stoppage of water supply to Mangaluru city. Lack of rain has also added to the trouble.

Meanwhile, activists have decided to intensify the ‘Save Nethravathi’ campaigns and also the protest against the Yettinahole project.