VIJAYAPURA:
In a significant move benefiting farmers, the Irrigation Advisory Committee (ICC) of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) has decided to release water from July 8 into all canals within the Krishna Achukattu command area for 120 days during the monsoon season to support agricultural activities.
The decision was made during an ICC meeting held at Vikas Soudha, Bengaluru, under the chairmanship of Minister R.B. Thimmapura, who noted that this is the first time canal water will be released as early as July.
Thimmapura stated that while the release is planned for 120 days, a 14-day open and 10-day closed cycle will be implemented once the reservoir inflow decreases. Hence, the exact duration of water availability will depend on reservoir conditions.
Officials have been instructed to clean the canals, repair pumpsets at lift irrigation points, and complete all maintenance work within a week to ensure smooth water flow from July 8. Thimmapura emphasized that all precautionary measures must be taken so that farmers do not face any disruption.
The meeting was attended by Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapura, KKRDB President Ajay Dharmasingh, and several MLAs including J.T. Patil, Chennareddy Thunnur, Rajavenugopal Nayak, and others, along with KBJNL MD K.P. Mohanraj and Bagalkot DC Sangappa.
BOX:
"Water will be supplied as long as inflow continues. Prepare canals by July 8. Ensure water reaches the tail-end areas of all canals in the Krishna Achukattu zone." – Minister R.B. Thimmapura