Varahi Irrigation Project to be modified

Udupi, Karnataka, Aug 3 (UNI) The Varahi Irrigation Project in this district, which was started 25 years ago, is all set to see another modification.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister K S Ishwarappa, who visited the project site to make an on-the-spot study, told reporters here today that he had directed to stop all ongoing works, except for dam and aquaduct work, as there was some technical problem in the channel work with frequent landslides.

He said that after a high-level meeting of the department here, it was decided to prepare a special modified project which would include the work on the left bank canal work. An expert committee had also been formed, which would visit the project site along with geological experts and experts from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka for surveying and preparing its report within a month.

Mr Ishwarappa said the Ministry would give final shape to it within a month of receiving the Expert Committee report so that work could be resumed soon after the rainy season. The left bank canal would irrigate about 2,000 to 5,000 acres of land of over 25 surrounding villages additionally, he added.

He said Rs 101.19 crore had been spent on the project and as per the present estimates, another Rs 569 crore was required to complete it. However, with the proposed modifications, the estimate might change.

The Minister announced that the Government was keen on taking up 'Soubhagya Sanjeevini Project' of connecting West flowing rivers of the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. A special meeting of experts and officials would be convened in Mangalore within a month to discuss the project, he added.

UNI MA GD SKB ARB RS2202