Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jan 4: Mangaluru City Corporation mayor, Harinath denied the allegations made by former chief minister Yeddyurappa about the injustice meted out to the farmers affected by the new Thumbe Vented Dam project.

Addressing media persons here at the City Corporation office on January 4, Harinath said, "The Thumbe Vented Dam project commenced in 2007 and proceeded at a slow pace. When the Siddaramaiah government came to power, progress on the project was upto foundation level only. It was only once Siddaramaiah's government took charge that the project picked up speed with pressure from the local MLAs and district in-charge minister. Now work on the dam is complete at a cost of Rs 71 crore, all costs bourne by the state government."

"When the project was initiated it was sanctioned as one third joint contribution from state, SFC and corporation. As far as acquisition is concerned the farmers have extended total cooperation. This year we will store water at 5 metres as against 4 metres in the previous years. This elevation can accommodate 40 days of the city's requirement of water at zero flow. About 51 acre of land will get submerged by this elevation. Out of 51 acres only 18.1 acres is private land and the rest is government land. We have already paid rent of total Rs 2.81 lac to the 8 farmers whose land is submerged whereas the remaining 8 acres will be paid rent for once the tahshildar submits the report."

"If we have to store water at 7 metres, then about 371 acres of land needs to be acquired. The district in-charge minister had convened a meeting with the chief minister and he has positively responded to pay the compensation to the affected. The principal secretary and UD secretary will be here for the survey. We are aiming to store 7 metres of water for the next year. Thus I urge the opposition not to politicize the developmental issues. We will not store water to 7 metres without paying compensation to the affected farmers. If water is stored at 7 metres, then it can accommodate about 90 days of water to fulfil the city's requirement at zero flow."

"We have also planned to supply the 2 mgd line to the four panchayats which lie between Thumbay and the city. A purified unit will be built and water will be supplied to Thumbay, Arkula, Pudu and Adyar panchayats. The project costd Rs 10 crore and will be placed under ADB second phase. A decision will be taken on this regard at the council meet."