Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (JS)

Kundapur, May 3: The long-awaited Varahi irrigation project in the taluk will be dedicated to the nation by Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah at 10.30 am on May 4, informed Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday May 2, Oscar said that the inauguration will be done at a function to be organized in the premises of Siddapur high school in the taluk. Siddaramaiah will also be distributing various facilities sanctioned by the government at this function.

"Arrangements for the inauguration are going on in full swing. As many as 25,000 people are expected to join for the inauguration and all arrangements are in place to ensure that nothing goes wrong," Oscar said.

"Varahi is a project taken up to serve the agricultural sector. In 2005, it was planned to convert it into agricultural as well as power generation unit, which caused further delay in its completion. Due to protests by farmers' associations, the project gathered speed and the first phase has been completed and will be inaugurated on May 4.

"The second phase of the project is expected to be completed by next year. In the first phase we will give water to 2500 hectares. With this, the government will be supporting agriculture, and also promoting Brahmavara sugar factory.

Regarding undue delay in the project, he said that the government will take action on the misappropriation in the execution of Varahi project.

MLA Gopal Poojary said, "As we expect 25,000 to attend the inauguration, all arrangements have been done to ensure that the programme goes on smoothly. Chief minister will arrive at Hosangady stadium by helicopter and directly come here for the inauguration. After the inauguration, a stage programme will be held at Siddapur government high school hall, in which about 5,000 farmers will be given different government facilities."

MLC and Udupi zilla farmers' association president K Prathap Shetty, chief engineer Nataraj, Bramhavar sugar factory president Jayasheela Shetty, Vandse block Congress president S Sanjeeva Shetty, Siddapur gram panchayath president Sudhakar Shetty and Congress leader Ghafoor were present.