Former minister and president of Krishna rivulet irrigation committee T B Jayachandra has welcomed the government’s decision to implement K C Reddy Committee Report, after modification, to construct Tumkur branch canal, with regard to Bhadra Upper project.
“Bhadra Upper project has been under consideration since the past ten years.
 The committee is of the opinion that the water has to be directed to Kallambella tank, through Tumkur canal, via Ajjampura-Kadur-Hosadurga-Chikkanayakanahalli- Shira taluks. Also, we also demand that 19 tmc water reserved for the first stage of the project should be completely utilised and irrigate a minimum of 3 lakh acres. The government is already looking into the feasibility and will invariably implement it”, he said.
“According to Bachawath Report 734 tmc water has been ear-marked and the project has to be implemented.
The Andhra Pradesh government had submitted an application  to the Krishna Tribunal, strongly protesting against the Bhadra Upper project. However, it has withdrawn the application and has facilitated the implementation of the project”, he said.
Partly acceptable
The K C Reddy Report on Bhadra Upper bank is partly acceptable. However, the committee submitted a feasible report after making certain modifications. It is a matter of relief that the government is taking the suggestion put forth by the committee, he said.
“ The government’s decision to establish at Shira, 9 offices, a circle office and project divisions, headed by the Superintending Engineer,  for implementing Bhadra Upper project.  Officials must be appointed to  these offices at the earliest”, he appealed.
Keeping the Kallambella tank as the centre, water can be naturally flown into it through and by lifting from it at only one point,  tanks Madhugiri, Koratagere, Pawagada and Madakashira. Water can also be supplied to Bangalore rural and Kolar district. Hence the government should immediately sanction administrative permit and facilitate State to utilise its share of water, he said.