Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru

Mysuru, July 20: In a traditional gesture marking the onset of the monsoon season, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday offered bagina to the Kapila River, a major tributary of River Kaveri, at the Kabini reservoir in Beechanahalli, H D Kote taluk. Accompanied by deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, the CM also laid the foundation stone for dam rehabilitation works worth Rs 32.25 crore.

The Kabini reservoir, which reached near full capacity early this monsoon, is the first in the state to fill up this season. On Sunday, the water level stood at 2,283.33 feet—just shy of its maximum capacity of 2,284 feet—with an inflow of 15,000 cusecs.

As per tradition, the offering of bagina was made to Goddess Kapila, seeking blessings for a good agricultural season. The Kabini dam plays a crucial role in irrigating around 1.13 lac hectares of farmland in the region.

“This reservoir is our farmers’ lifeline. Like every year, we’ve offered bagina and prayed for a good harvest,” the CM said, adding that the area opposite the dam will be developed in the style of Brindavan Gardens to enhance tourism.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the Mekedatu project, stating, “If the Centre gives its nod, we will build a parallel reservoir. The BJP governments at the Centre and in Goa must show the same urgency in clearing the Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects.”