From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 13: Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who is holding water resources and Bengaluru development portfolios, said the State Government will accord first priority to irrigation projects and filling water in tanks and then concentrate on development of roads.
Replying to Sakleshpur MLA Manju on the progress in the Yagachi dam development in the state assembly on Tuesday, he said work on the Yagachi dam canals had started and mud excavation has been completed up to 5.5 kms. Work on the remaining 1.5 kms is held up due to problems in land acquisition.
He promised to accord the same priority to Yagachi dam as is given to the Yettinahole project.
Replying to a question from Chikkanayakanahalli MLA Suresh Babu, the deputy chief minister said approvals for the Upper Bhadra Project has been given for Rs 856 crore. The project is facing problems in land acquisition in several places. The work was delayed due to Covid pandemic and also the failure of the centre in releasing the promised grant of Rs 5300 crore.
Answering a question from Belur MLA H K Suresh on the tardy progress in the Yettinahole project as well as Ranaghatta project, he said the Ranaghatta project needs a tunnel work for 5.24 kms, of which 2.4 kms has been completed.
The Yettinahole project is delayed due to land acquisition in 402 acres in the forest areas of Hassan and Tumkur.
He informed U B Banakar that the Madaga Masuru tank left bank canal and right bank canal development work is being carried out at a cost of Rs 60 crore.
No drinking water problems for Bengaluru citizens
The deputy chief minister promised to ensure that the people of Bengaluru will not have drinking water problems. The population of Bengaluru is increasing by 10 lacs annually and it is estimated that 6.5 tmc of additional Cauvery water is necessary. Efforts are being made to save 1.5 tmc of water.
He said the government will ensure that the citizens do not face any drinking water problems despite the growing population.
Shivakumar said the Bengaluru water supply and sewerage board has not increased the water tariff since 2013 despite rising electricity and other costs. The government has provided additional funds to supply drinking water to the slum areas.
He urged BJP leaders R Ashok and S Suresh Kumar to prevail upon the centre to grant approval for the Mekedatu drinking water project.