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AAP demands scientific review of Yettinahole project, citing environmental concerns, water security issues, and need for updated hydrological assessment before implementation decisions.
Mangaluru
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a comprehensive scientific survey of the Yettinahole Project, raising concerns over its long-term environmental and ecological impact on the water-scarce regions of Karnataka.
The demand comes amid ongoing debates over the project’s feasibility and its ability to meet the drinking water needs of drought-prone districts such as Chikkaballapura and Kolar. The party has urged the government to reassess the project using updated hydrological data and independent environmental studies before proceeding with further expansion or implementation phases.
AAP leaders argued that large-scale water diversion projects must be backed by transparent scientific assessments to ensure sustainability and prevent unintended ecological damage. They stressed that river ecosystems, groundwater levels, and forest regions in the Western Ghats must be carefully studied before making irreversible interventions.
The party also highlighted concerns raised by environmental experts and local communities regarding the potential reduction in downstream water flow, which could affect biodiversity and the livelihoods of people dependent on river systems. They said that any major infrastructure project involving inter-basin transfer should prioritize ecological balance alongside human water requirements.
Officials and activists supporting the demand have suggested that a neutral expert committee be formed to conduct a fresh impact assessment using modern data collection techniques, including satellite mapping and long-term rainfall analysis. They believe that earlier studies may not fully reflect current climate variability and changing monsoon patterns.
The Yettinahole project, designed to divert water from west-flowing rivers to eastern districts of Karnataka, has been under discussion for several years and remains a subject of political and environmental debate.
AAP reiterated that sustainable water management should be the guiding principle and that scientific validation is essential to ensure both environmental protection and equitable water distribution for drought-affected regions.