Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jan 29: Former union minister B Janardhana Poojary said he opposes the Netravati River Diversion or Yethinahole Project and favours pumping of water from Yele Mallapa Reservoir of K R Puram to Palar Reservoir of Kolar.

Addressing a press meet at district Congress office on Wednesday January 29, Poojary said, “During June, the people in the district will face tough times in obtaining drinking water. There are several industries in the district and a few more are yet to come. The underground water level has reduced. If water is given to Kolar by diverting Netravati river, the district will face water shortage and farmers will have to suffer. Moreover, our future generations will curse us. We are not against providing drinking water to Kolar but Netravati diversion is not the right way.

"There is also an alternative to provide drinking water to Kolar, that is to lift water from Yele Mallapa Reservoir from K R Puram through a 32 km pipeline to Palar river of Kolar district. The government has to spend Rs 10,000 crore for Netravati river diversion and it may increase up to Rs 20,000 crore and hence this project is not feasible.”

He added, “An alternative to this project has been initiated by U T Khadar, state minister for health and family welfare who is also district in-charge of Kolar district, and the deputy commissioner will prepare a report on this project which will be immediately handed over to the chief minister for his approval. The project will be feasible as it will cost Rs 232 crore, by laying pipes besides the road without acquiring of land. Farmers may commit suicide if the Netravati river is diverted.”

On this occasion, Harikrishna Bantwal, Arun Colhe, and corporator Appi were present.