A file photo of K. Jaiprakash, Technical Advisor to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
The technical committee formed to study the feasibility of the Sriranga tank filling scheme, part of the Hemavathi project, has “endorsed the justification for the ongoing project”, said K. Jaiprakash, Technical Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The State government granted administrative approval for the project aimed at addressing the drinking water needs of Magadi and Kunigal taluks with an estimated cost of ₹986 crore on January 12, 2024. However, when the work commenced in March, it faced interruptions as protests erupted against it. Local representatives and farmers opposed the project, prompting Mr. Shivakumar to form a technical committee during a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting Tumakuru district to review its feasibility and necessity.
Recommendations
The committee conducted field visits, consulted local representatives and organisations, and held seven meetings before submitting its report, which “endorsed the justification for the ongoing project”, Mr. Jaiprakash said in a press conference on Saturday (December 7, 2024).
The recommendations in the report include the adoption and maintenance of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to prevent unauthorised water tapping, in line with the Karnataka Irrigation Act 1965 amendment, dated August 16, 2024. Additionally, the committee advised implementing an on-and-off water management system for the Tumakuru branch canal to ensure efficient utilisation.
Published – December 08, 2024 11:44 am IST