Many mini hydroelectric projects and diversion project have been set up on this river, causing damage to environment of this ecologically sensitive region; and more projects are in the planning stages and some are implemented. A recent controversy has arisen, from a proposal to change the path of the river so that the dry land areas above the Western Ghats can be irrigated. Changing the path of the river might lead to unforeseen environmental disasters according to some experts. For example, it might affect the marine life due to reduced outflow of freshwater and the subsequent decline of nutrients flowing into the sea. This apart from the loss in contiguity of rainforests in Western Ghats. Also some opposition has arisen to the proposed hydro electric projects on Netravati river.