Rs 150 crore sanctioned for Tungabhadra barrage-cum-bridge

Haveri

The Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) sanctioned Rs 150 crore for building a barrage across the Tungabhadra River near Kancharagatti. The project received approval during the KNNL board of directors' meeting.  The board advised submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR)to obtain govt administrative approval.

KNNL allocated Rs 50 crore initially for the project and set aside Rs 50 lakh for DPR preparation.The initiative will support 17 tanks under the Budapanahalli Lift Irrigation scheme while addressing drinking water requirements in Guttal and Haveri city.

Despite 28 years since the  district's establishment, the city continues to face severe drinking water shortages. Although the Haveri City Municipal Council maintains water lifting facilities at the Tungabhadra River near Kancharagatti and Karjagi from the Varada River, both sources run dry during summer. The request for a barrage across the Tungabhadra River for drinking water has persisted for 20 years, with previous administrations taking no action. Currently, with support from deputy speaker and MLA Rudrappa Lamani and   district minister Shivanand Patil, residents are optimistic about their longstanding request being fulfilled.

Shivanand Patil said, I will direct the officers concerned to call a tender for fixing an agency to prepare the DPR for constructing a barrage across the Tungabhadra River. The Chief Minister also agreed to move the project in the cabinet for getting administrative approval.