Chitradurga branch canal under Bhadra Dam Project nears completion, set for trial water flow by February 2026
Chitradurga
The construction of the Chitradurga branch canal under the Bhadra Dam Project is nearing completion, with all previous hurdles resolved. The 114 km canal, extending from Veyjakshan near Ajjampura in Chikkamagaluru district to the Gonuru Aqueduct in Chitradurga taluk, is expected to carry water on a trial basis by the end of February 2026, stated Minister for Planning, Statistics, and District Affairs D. Sudhakar during a press briefing.
The minister inspected ongoing canal works at Chikkasiddavvanahalli and Gonuru Aqueduct with local legislators, representatives, and officials. Construction had been delayed for four years due to farmer objections near Abbina Holalu village, Ajjampura taluk, but consensus was reached in March 2025 under Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s leadership. Similar issues in Hiriyur taluk have also been resolved, aiming to complete the Bhadra Dam project within the current government’s tenure.
Once operational, the canal will supply 50% capacity water to 90 tanks across Kadur (22), Hosadurga (32), Holalkere (30), Hiriyur (3), and Chitradurga (3), benefiting 73,946 hectares of farmland in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, Holalkere, and Challakere taluks. The 1.94 km Gonuru Aqueduct, set for completion by August 2026, is the tallest in the state at approximately 120 feet.
The project has been allocated Rs. 2,600 crore for rainwater harvesting and tank-filling works across Holalkere, Chitradurga, Hiriyur, and Challakere taluks. So far, the state has spent Rs. 11,290 crore by November 2025, with Rs. 10,000 crore more required to complete the project. Funding has been supplemented by the state government after central support fell short.
State legislators N.Y. Gopalakrishna, Dr. M. Chandrappa, T. Raghumurthy, district officials, and farmer leaders attended the press briefing. Minister D. Sudhakar emphasized that continued budgetary support will ensure the timely completion of this vital irrigation infrastructure.
