CH NEWS, KALABURAGI
The proposed Ainapur Lift Irrigation Project in Chincholi taluk, aimed at providing irrigation to farmlands in 17 villages and tandas, continues to face delays, leaving farmers disappointed.
Though the tender process for the first phase of the project was completed several years ago, and the Karnataka Irrigation Corporation entered into an agreement with the contractor in August 2025, work is yet to commence even after around 13 months. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 204 crore. The first phase, estimated at Rs 111 crore, is intended to provide irrigation to around 3,710 hectares. Officials have reportedly completed the required preliminary procedures, but the actual execution is still awaited.
Sources associated with the project said the Deputy Commissioner’s office had recently sought details regarding the Ainapur Lift Irrigation Project ahead of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s participation in the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav on September 17. The required information has been submitted, they said. The demand for irrigation in the Ainapur region dates back several decades. When the detailed project report for the Lower Mullamari Project was prepared on the directions of former Chief Minister Veerendra Patil, both left and right bank canals had been proposed. However, only the left bank canal was eventually taken up. A canal extending nearly 80 km was constructed to irrigate about 25 villages, and was later renovated.
Farmers in the Ainapur region have continued their struggle for a dedicated irrigation facility, citing the area’s chronic drought conditions. The Ainapur Lift Irrigation Development Committee has been pursuing the demand for years. Former MLA Dr Umesh Jadhav and incumbent MLA Dr Avinash Jadhav have also raised the issue several times in the Assembly and pressed the government to implement the project.
Under the first phase, the State government proposes to take up the jackwell, Rising Mains 1, 2 and 3, and Main Canal 1 and 3 works.
