Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 8: If what the state water resources minister, Basavaraj Bommai, told the assembly on Monday March 7 is to be believed, the execution of the controversial Netravati River Diversion Plan will begin this year itself.  The minister said that the scheme, aiming at providing irrigation facilities to central Karnataka and Kolar region, will be initiated this year.

He was replying to a question raised by Congress MLA, N Sampangi, during the question hour. He also pointed out that the Chief Minister has set aside Rs 200 crore for this project in the budget for the current year.

“Through Netravati diversion, 200 tmc of water can be brought to this region. We need to execute this plan in a way that it does not harm the environment. Tender has been called for preparation of the project report in tune with G S Paramashivaiah Report,” the minister explained.

He noted that districts like Chitradurga, Tumkur, Kolar, Chikballapur, and Bangalore Rural face acute shortage of water. He said that the government plans to improve the underground water level in these districts through Netravati River diversion, Bhadra Upper Bank Project, Ettinahole rivulet diversion, etc. He revealed that the government is thinking of making use of the newly introduced Wider Technology for the first time in the country, in implementing these projects.

Water diverted from River Netravati will be used to fill 19 minor irrigation tanks in Kolar districts. 19 tanks in Kolar taluk will be rejuvenated with the help of water received through Bhadra upper bank project. Funds will also be set apart for the water needs of these districts in the annual programme of Karnataka Irrigation Corporation too, the minister explained.