Karnataka plans to wrap up drinking water, irrigation project on time

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa directed officials on Tuesday to complete the Upper Bhadra and Yettinahole irrigation and drinking water projects as quickly as feasible. During a review meeting with officials, Yediyurappa requested that the first phase of the Yattinahole project be completed by the end of July, with water being released into the Vedavathi valley. The Chief Minister's office stated that Rs 9,003.86 cr has been spent so far. The project will provide drinking water to more than 68 lakh people living in 6,557 villages across 29 taluks in seven districts in southern Karnataka. According to the statement, the declaration of the Upper Bhadra project as a national project is in the final stages, and approval from the central cabinet is pending. The project will benefit the districts of Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davangere. Yediyurappa cited that the irrigation projects must be completed without any flaws, and warned to take harsh action against officials if there were any discrepancies. The Upper Bhadra Project is a major lift irrigation scheme being implemented in Karnataka's central region. The project's primary goal is to provide a sustainable irrigation system during the Kharif season, as well as to recharge the groundwater table and dilute chemical contaminants, the most prevalent of which is fluoride. Image Source Also read: Odisha to bring Covid-hit waterway projects on track Also read: Karnataka govt to deliver tap water connections to 25 lakh houses