Leaders Seek Approval for ₹1,722 Crore Canal Modernisation Plan

CH NEWS

BELAGAVI

A high-level delegation from Karnataka, including Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna, Belagavi MP and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi to push for early approval of a long-pending canal modernisation project.

The Karnataka government has submitted a ₹1,722 crore proposal to modernize the ageing Ghataprabha Right Bank Canal (GRBC) and Chikkodi Branch Canal (CBCI), both of which are nearly 30 years old. Due to wear and tear, the canals have been unable to deliver sufficient water to farmlands, severely impacting agricultural productivity in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, Shettar and Jarkiholi emphasized that the canal upgrades would directly benefit lakhs of farmers in Belagavi and Bagalkot districts by ensuring reliable irrigation and boosting crop yields.

Union Minister CR Patil responded positively, assuring the delegation that the proposal would be given due consideration and implemented promptly. The assurance was confirmed by Minister Somanna, who said the project was crucial for the state’s irrigation infrastructure and rural economy.