India Today ground report: What is killing the Cauvery?

The sacred river Cauvery flows through two states -- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu -- and sustains thousands of communities.

The once mighty river Cauvery has lost nearly half of its volume in the last five decades and continues to diminish at an alarming rate.

In Kodugu's Betri, the once roaring river is a little more than a big stream. Kodugu district is the largest catchment area of Cauvery.

A river which has become the subject of fight between two major states of India, is in an appaling state itself.

Watch India Today's special ground report for more.