Mangaluru
The first stage of the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Supply Project has been inaugurated by the Karnataka government. Concerns have been raised about the project’s ability to provide sufficient water to regions like Chickballapur. Environmental activists have claimed that the project may be intended to distract from political issues and that it poses ecological risks.
A report indicated that the actual water yield from the Yettinahole catchment is 9.55 TMC, significantly less than the 24 TMC initially reported. Criticism has been directed at the government for inaugurating the project despite these concerns.
The project’s budget has increased from Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 23,000 crore over 15 years. Questions about the water yield were previously raised by experts.
Recent test flows in the pipeline led to a landslide in Hassan district, raising fears about further environmental damage. Concerns were also expressed about the diversion of Sharavati River water, which could impact the Western Ghats’ forest areas.
Calls have been made for a public movement to address the potential environmental impact of the project.
