Karnataka to take up modernisation of Bhadra

Bangalore, May 26: Modernisation of Bhadra canal will be taken up from June one, Karnataka Water Resources Minister K S Eswarappa said today.

Speaking to newsmen here he said the first phase of work involving Rs 87 crore had already been done and the remaining work would be taken up in 12 packages amounting to Rs 700 crore. Water would be stopped from June one till December 30 for completion of work which among others included, channel repairs and plugging leakages at various points. If the leakage was plugged it would result in saving of five tmcft water, he explained.

He said similarly leakage at the Thungabhadra reservoir would also be plugged and modernisation work involved Rs 840 crore to be completed in four years. Tenders for works related to upper Bhadra would be invited and the proposal involved Rs 825 crore investment in three packages.

Mr Eswarappa said development of 100 tanks out of 373 would be taken up involving an investment of Rs 300 crore and a proposal was being given a final touch in this regard. He said the government would also take up construction of 207 check dams with an investment of Rs 200 crore.

UNI