Mangaluru: Dharmasthala gram panchayat has imposed restrictions on the use of soaps and shampoos at the Nethravati bathing ghat near the famous Dharmasthala temple in Dakshina Kannada district.

Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the water scarcity at the bathing ghat.

Dharmasthala gram panchayat president Jaya Monappa Gowda said the panchayat has asked shops near the Nethravati river not to sell soaps and shampoos as the water at the bathing ghat is drying. “The decision was taken about a week ago and will be in place till the region gets rains,” she said.