New DPR for drinking water scheme to be prepared soon;Minister

A new Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 'Paschima Vahini' scheme, envisaging construction of check dams across West-flowing rivers in coastal districts would be prepared soon, according to state Forests and Environment Minister B Ramanath Rai.
The DPR on the project, with an estimate of Rs 300crore, would be discussed in the cabinet, he said at aKarnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting atthe Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat office here.
The government had earlier sanctioned Rs 100 crore for the scheme, a major step towards solving the drinking water problem in the region and to help farmers.
The main objectiveof the project was to ensure drinking water to people ofcoastal Karnataka throughout the year, he said.

The department of minor irrigation had suggested construction of 11 vented dams under the scheme in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The minister, who said more than20 dams would be required, instructed officials to submit anew DPR with projects worth Rs 300 crore, a release said today.
Of Rs 100 crore sanctioned by the government forthe scheme,Rs 38 crore was earmarked for Dakshina Kannadadistrict district.
As per the new DPR, more works would be taken up inthe two districts.