Unpaid ₹25.22 crore power dues halt Tunga lift irrigation project, leaving farmers anxiously awaiting water supply to irrigation tanks
Shivamogga
The Tunga Lift Irrigation Project in Shivamogga has come to a standstill after electricity supply to its jackwell was disconnected over unpaid power dues of ₹25.22 crore, leaving thousands of farmers worried as irrigation tanks remain dry despite rising river flows.
Although the Tungabhadra reservoir has started releasing water into the river following increased monsoon inflows, water is not being pumped to the Barehalli, Puradalu and Gowdanakere tanks under the lift irrigation scheme due to the power disconnection.
The project supplies water to three major tanks, which in turn feed several smaller tanks benefiting nearly 20,000 acres of farmland across parts of Shivamogga taluk. Farmers say nearly 1,500 acres have already been directly affected, while delayed filling of the tanks could worsen irrigation prospects if rainfall remains below normal.
Farmer leaders alleged that the government had failed to clear the electricity dues despite repeated appeals. They warned that the project is crucial during drought-like conditions and said timely pumping of water is essential because it takes nearly a week for water to reach the tanks after pumping begins.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president H.R. Basavarajappa criticised the government for neglecting farmers’ concerns, stating that the lift irrigation scheme plays a vital role in supporting agriculture during periods of deficient rainfall.
Shivamogga Rural MLA Sharada Puryanayak said she would meet the concerned ministers within the next two days to seek immediate restoration of electricity. She said the project, inaugurated in 2018 after years of delay, has remained non-functional because the government has not cleared the pending electricity bill. The MLA urged the state government to release the outstanding payment at the earliest so that pumping operations can resume and irrigation tanks can be filled without further delay.
