Villages affected by Upper Bhadra project get water

Water was released from the Bhadra reservoir to the lakes that were affected by the Upper Bhadra project.

MLA G H Srinivas said that the water released to the lakes will not only improve the groundwater table but will also turn out to be beneficial for farmers.

He said that despite his efforts to sanction irrigation project to the constituency, the file was pending. He later persuaded Irrigation Department officials, respective ministers and also the Chief Minister to approve the project to release water to affected villages.

No apprehensions

He further added that there were criticisms on the Upper Bhadra project, saying that it is an eyewash. Some people including the farmer association members had predicted that the project will be a failure and water will not flow into the lakes. But the water which is now flowing to the lakes for the last two days has put an end to all apprehensions in the matter. Srinivas said that measures will be taken to supply water to the lakes from June to December.

The date of the release of water was advanced according to the demand of the farming fraternity even though January 31 was the last date to release water.

'Lakes rejuvenated'

Farmer Tippeshappa said that it is not easy to get water in summer. "However, the arid land is getting water now. The lakes are being rejuvenated. Animals and birds may quench their thirst. The farmers are happy. The people are getting water from the lake now."