K'taka to complete irrigation projects on scientific basis

Hubli, Nov 16 (UNI) Karnataka Minister for Water Resource Basavaraj Bommai today stated that the government was more concerned about completing all irrigation projects on scientific basis.

Talking to newsmen here he said that existing irrigation dams have been facing several problems.

Tunga Bhadra reservoir has silt problems and in order to solve the problem, a sum of Rs 300 crore has been allocated and separate arrangement will be made to maintain the water level to supply equitable share of water to the farmers, he said.

He said that he had walked down the various reservoirs to personally know the problems and already he has located key issues dogging the projects.

A comprehensive plan is being worked out to solve the issues in the coming years, he said.

The government is keen to complete all the incomplete projects by the end of March and provide water to the fields to help the farmers, he said.

He said that he was not in favour of exploitation of the complete water resources as it will affect the eco system.

Construction of the dams is not the only solution to meet the water shortage.

"We have to solve the basic problems that have been affecting the natural rain water. Maintenance of eco system should be given top priority instead of blocking the rivers to flow towards the sea," he felt.

UNI XR SIV TS1757