KALABURAGI
Once considered a model irrigation system in Kalaburagi, the Chandrampalli Irrigation Project is now facing severe deterioration, with farmers demanding urgent revival of canals, infrastructure, and water distribution systems.
Developed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Veerendra Patil, the project transformed agriculture across Chincholi, Chandapur, and surrounding villages by providing reliable irrigation support to thousands of hectares. Farmers say the system once ensured stable cultivation of crops such as jowar, pigeon pea, Bengal gram, chilli, onion, and turmeric.
However, over the years, the canal network has significantly degraded. Farmers in the command area report that main canals, distributaries, and field channels are damaged or missing in several stretches, leading to heavy water losses through seepage and leakage. As a result, irrigation efficiency has dropped, and water that earlier lasted nearly two years in the reservoir is now reportedly depleting annually.
The project, designed to irrigate about 5,223 hectares, includes a 21-km left bank canal, a 14-km right bank canal, and a reservoir fitted with multiple crest gates. Farmers say the ageing infrastructure urgently requires bund strengthening, canal repairs, and replacement of outdated mechanical systems, including a generator.
Despite calls for modernisation, progress has been slow. A ₹50 lakh allocation for conducting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and survey has been delayed for over a year due to tender-related issues. Officials say repeated attempts to float the tender have failed because of low bidder participation, and the file is currently pending approval with the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam.
Farmers also pointed out that the last major renovation of the system was carried out more than a decade ago during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, when then MLA Sunil Valyapure secured funds for improvement works. Since then, no comprehensive upgrade has been undertaken.
With another irrigation season approaching, farmers warn that continued delays could further weaken the project’s ability to support agriculture in the region. They have urged the government to fast-track the DPR survey, complete the tender process, and initiate full-scale modernisation without further delay.
They caution that unless urgent action is taken, one of Kalaburagi’s most successful irrigation projects risks losing its long-standing role in sustaining rural livelihoods.