Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inspecting the tunnel that is being constructed as part of the ₹540-crore Cauvery drinking water project, near Sattegala in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday announced that the ambitious Cauvery drinking water project, aimed at supplying water to Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Magadi taluks, will be completed by December this year.
Speaking to reporters at Sri Hirenagaradamma Temple in Belakawadi, Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, Mr. Shivakumar said the project is being executed at a cost of ₹540 crore. The Deputy Chief Minister’s visit included a spot inspection of the works at Sattegala, where he also performed a guddali puja to mark the beginning of a new phase of the project.
“We had promised to provide drinking water to Ramanagar during the Channapatna byelection, and we are committed to fulfilling that promise,” Mr. Shivakumar said. “This project will supply 3.30 tmcft of water at a minimal cost, meeting the drinking water needs of the people.”
Mr. Shivakumar reviewed the progress with officials and engineers from the Hyderabad-based firm that is implementing the project and sought clarity on delays and any hurdles in execution.
During the inspection, he also reviewed the construction of a tunnel for water supply to the Iggalur Barrage, as well as the ongoing tunnel lining work. Former MP D.K. Suresh, MLAs C.P. Yogeshwara and K. Uday, and MLCs S. Ravi and Sudham Das were present on the occasion.
Addressing concerns over land acquisition, Mr. Shivakumar assured that only the land essential for the project would be acquired and said he has directed the Mandya Deputy Commissioner to ensure proper compensation for farmers willing to part with their land. “This project not only improves groundwater levels but also addresses drinking water shortages,” he added.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 10.82 lakh people and 9.03 lakh livestock across the taluks, which are prone to rainfall deficits.
From Sattegala near Belakawadi, 220 cusecs of Cauvery water will flow to the Iggalur Barrage over a 25.4-km stretch for 180 days every year. The route includes a 12.5-km tunnel (with a 4-metre radius) and a 13.5-km pipeline. Water from the barrage will then be lifted to Mogenahalli Lake, and subsequently to Kanva dam, Manchanabele dam, and Y.G. Gudda Anekattu.
According to the project updates, 11.33 km of tunnel work has been completed, with 670 metres still under construction. Concrete and steel lining have been finished for 4.15 km of the tunnel. Of the 13.35-km pipeline, 5.5 km has been laid.
The integrated network of tunnels, pipelines, and lift irrigation systems as part of the project is expected to ease drinking water shortages in the taluks. Deputy Commissioner Kumar and senior officials were present.
Published - May 05, 2025 08:15 pm IST
