Mangaluru: The Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised ‘A Morning by the River’ on Sunday to mark World Rivers Day. Held on the Gurupura River, the programme began at Sultan Bathery ferry point and brought together nature lovers, artists and citizens to reflect on the river’s ecological, historical and cultural significance.The event highlighted the gradual loss of traditional knowledge associated with the river, including the seasonal formation of temporary islands known as Palke, which once supported the livelihood of traditional fishermen.INTACH Mangaluru chapter convener Subhas Chandra Basu said the Gurupura River played a crucial role in Mangaluru’s development, with ports, forts and water transport shaping the region’s history. He, however, expressed concern that the river was increasingly being used as a dumping ground for waste.Social activist Yatish Baikampady recalled that natural debris carried during the monsoon would accumulate to form temporary islands. These served as breeding grounds for fish and provided an important source of income for fishermen when they could not venture into the sea. He said dams and other interventions had led to the disappearance of the phenomenon and the loss of associated traditional knowledge.Chartered accountant Giridhar Kamath said the river was once an integral part of everyday life, with children swimming and bathing in its waters. He noted that people earlier knew how to live with floods and attributed many present-day floods to human intervention.Participants later shared memories of boat journeys, swimming lessons and childhood experiences by rivers, while discussing the need to protect river ecosystems and preserve the knowledge and lifestyles linked to them.The one-and-a-half-hour boat journey offered participants an opportunity to observe the river and its banks. Yatish Baikampady, Giridhar Kamath and artist Kishore were felicitated during the programme.
