Bengaluru:Chikkaballapur MP Dr. K. Sudhakar today urged Karnataka government not to abandon original Byragondlu reservoir plan under Yettinahole project, stressing that storage capacity of 5-6 TMC is essential for year-round water supply to drought-prone Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Bengaluru Rural districts.
Dr. Sudhakar was reviewing progress of Yettinahole project with Visvesvaraya Jala Nigama Limited (VJNL) officials. Meeting discussed land acquisition bottlenecks, funding requirements and measures to expedite water delivery to eastern Karnataka.,He directed officials to accelerate pending works, ensure timely fund release and clear outstanding payments to contractors. He also stressed need to fast-track land acquisition, saying people have waited for years and prevailing drought has aggravated water crisis.
Speaking to media after meeting, Dr. Sudhakar expressed serious concern over government’s decision to shift from original Byragondlu reservoir of 6 TMC capacity to a much smaller reservoir at Lakkenahalli in Doddaballapur with just 1.6-1.8 TMC.'”This is serious concern for farmers of three districts. Original design envisaged reservoir capable of storing 6 TMC, which could have ensured dependable supply throughout year. By drastically reducing storage, government is compromising very purpose of project. Original Byragondlu plan must be restored,” he said.
He said region’s dependence on rainfall and borewells has become unsustainable. Groundwater levels are depleting and even treated wastewater from HN Valley and KC Valley projects is insufficient for growing agricultural needs.Recalling that Yettinahole project was conceived to provide permanent drinking water and irrigation solution, he said project was initiated in 2014 when he was MLA but remains incomplete even after 12 years.
He noted Chikkaballapur and Kolar lie at tail end of project and are vulnerable to delays and inadequate storage. While government says water supply could begin next year, he cautioned it will be possible only if land acquisition and pending works are completed on war footing. “A smaller reservoir may help government claim project completed quickly, but it will not serve long-term interests of farmers. If water is to be pumped and distributed throughout year, sufficient storage is indispensable. Government must take farmers of Doddaballapur, Koratagere and other affected areas into confidence,” he said.
Dr. Sudhakar questioned project’s overall water distribution plan and demanded government clearly establish how available water would be shared among beneficiary districts and taluks.He said several regions including Madhugiri, Koratagere, Tumakuru, Pavagada, Arsikere, Kadur and Belur fall along project route, while Chikkaballapur’s Bagepalli and Chintamani taluks and Kolar district are at tail end. With proposed allocation of 24.1 TMC across these regions, he questioned feasibility when recent rainfall and water availability have been much lower.
“Over past two years, water availability has been only around 7-8 TMC. If available water is not scientifically assessed and distributed, there is real risk that very little will reach districts at tail end. Government must undertake realistic assessment and clearly specify how much water each district will receive, particularly during years of inadequate rainfall,” he said.
Dr. Sudhakar also raised concern over shortage of land acquisition officers. Appointing single Special Land Acquisition Officer for three districts will considerably delay process, he said. He suggested empowering respective Assistant Commissioners to undertake acquisition for faster execution.He stressed political announcements alone will not complete project without financial support.
“During BJP government’s tenure, despite COVID-19 pandemic, nearly Rs 9,000 crore was allocated to project. At my request, former CMs B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai ensured substantial annual allocations, amounting to nearly Rs 3,000 crore. Contractors cannot be expected to continue work when their bills remain unpaid. If government is genuinely committed, it must release adequate funds immediately,” he said.
He added HN Valley and KC Valley projects helped fill several lakes over past four years, providing relief to farmers. However, current drought has intensified crisis with borewells failing.Dr. Sudhakar reiterated project must be completed without compromising original objective of lasting water security.
“Water security for these districts requires adequate storage, scientific distribution and timely execution. Government must prioritise interests of farmers, restore original vision of Byragondlu reservoir and ensure every beneficiary district receives its rightful share,” he concluded
