Work on Bhadra project to begin in November

Work on the much-delayed Bhadra lift irrigation project, which is aimed at supplying water to central parts of Karnataka, is expected to commence from November this year. The project is estimated to be around Rs 4,050 crore.

Karnataka water resources minister K S Eshwarappa told reporters here on Tuesday that the state government was committed to implementing the project to ensure water for irrigation and domestic requirements.

"I am confident that the government will accord the required clearances before implementing the project," he added.

He said that chief minister H D Kumaraswamy had agreed to release enough funds to take up the project work through the Karnataka Neeravari Nigama Limited (KNNL).

"If we face any shortage of funds, the required amount will be raised by floating bonds," he stated.

The project will be implemented based on the expert report submitted by K C Reddy. "We have also taken into consideration the views expressed by elected representatives, and farmer leaders from the region. It will be implemented without hurting the interests of people in Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Kolar and Tumkur districts,'' Eshwarappa stated.

On other projects, the minister said that the government will soon release Rs 450 crore to upgrade and modernise Bhadra Dam and its canals to prevent leakage. Work on the Kalasabanduri canal at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore will commence from October 2 this year, he added.

On the river water sharing disputes, the minister expressed confidence that the state would get a favourable judgment from Krishna and Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunals.

"We are awaiting the final verdict on the long-pending river water disputes in about six months. Going by the interim orders of the tribunals, the judgment is likely to be in our favour,'' he said, and added that the government was ready to utilise its full share of water in a time bound manner.