Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday inaugurated Phase-II of the ambitious K.C. Valley project, which will supply treated sewage water to fill 30 lakes in Kolar taluk, with the larger goal of recharging groundwater and aiding farmers in drought-hit districts.
BENGALURU
The second phase of the K.C. Valley project was formally launched on September 4 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who said the initiative would significantly boost water availability in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, which lack major rivers. The project, executed at a cost of ₹446 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2025, ultimately filling 272 lakes through treated water pumped from Bengaluru’s sewage treatment plants via the Lakshmisagar Pump House.
Speaking at the inauguration, Siddaramaiah recalled that the project was first initiated during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister to address groundwater scarcity in drought-prone regions adjoining Bengaluru. “This project will enable farmers to irrigate more land, improve crop production, and enhance their livelihoods,” he said, noting that treated water is already being pumped into over 250 lakes daily.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minor Irrigation Minister N.S. Boseraju were present at the event. Officials said proposals have also been approved for new sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Bengaluru to treat an additional 583 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater, ensuring sustainable supply for lake rejuvenation.
Siddaramaiah dismissed criticism that treated water was unsafe for crops or animals, calling it “false propaganda by vested interests.” He stressed that the project is vital to recharge groundwater in regions otherwise deprived of perennial water sources.
