According to him, this scheme is altogether different from the controversial Netravathi diversion scheme. It involves lifting excess water from the tributaries of the river and hence it is not the same as diverting the river.
If all the concerned people join hands with him in implementing the scheme, the area surrounding Sira will witness ‘the union of Krishna and Cauvery,’  he said.

Taking to task those who made fun of the idea of bringing Cauvery water to Krishna valley, that is, Sira-Kallambella area, he questioned, while it is possible for the Tamil Nadu government to introduce a number of new projects to address the drinking water problem, why is it not possible in Karnataka.

Lack of political will is the main stumbling block in connecting Netravathi river to Hemavathi, he opined. The consequence is that the once fertile Chikkanayakanahalli taluk is now desperately craving for water.

 “It is due to the efforts made by us that Sira is now getting Hemavathi water. Chikkanayakanahalli is now desperate for water. If Netravathi water is made available to this taluk, lakes including Borana Kanive and Hagalawadi will be brimming with water. I don’t know why our officials are not contemplating on this,” Jayachandra remarked.

The plan
Jayachandra’s ambitious plan goes like this. Three tributaries including Nayakana halla and Yettina halla near Sakaleshpur flow in the western ghats and join Netravathi.

From there, their destination is nothing but the sea. At least 24 tmc water is getting wasted in these streams because this water is not being lifted. Hence the water that gets wasted in these streams and joins the Netravathi river can be made to join Hemavathi canal in Tumkur. This will solve the problems of the people of Sira region to a great extent.

He exuded confidence that the new scheme will not have to face opposition like in the case of Netravathi diversion scheme. Because, “this is not a plan to divert Netravathi,” he says.

“In fact we do not even need 24 tmc water. We will be content even with 8 tmc water from these tributaries.
That will be enough to solve water problem in Sira and Chikkanayakanahalli taluks permanently.

According to the studies done along with expert help, Jayachandra said, water can be lifted from these tributaries at only one place with minimum expenditure. Once lifted this water can be made to flow towards Tumkur driven by the gravitational force. Jayachandra said he is meeting the Prime Minister next week and will submit a proposal of Rs 1 crore for the project.

WHICH CONSTITUENCY?
“I have an emotional bonding with Kallambella constituency for the last 30 years. Today it has become inevitable for me to detach myself from it. But one has to accept inevitabilities and go ahead in life,” expressed Congress leader T B Jayachandra emotionally, here on Friday.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, he said, “For the last 30 years I have been facing elections from this constituency. Sometimes, I won, sometimes I lost, I was also elected as a Minister, thus I have a very close connection with this place,” he added.

He said he would contest from whichever constituency, the high command would decide upon. Though nothing yet has been finalised in this regard and even if it is finalised, it has not been revealed, he explained.

However, sources close to the Congress leader said that there were chances that Jayachandra might contest from Sira. Though most of the people who were present at the press conference, belonged to Chikkanayakanahalli, it also gave an indication that Jayachandra might as well settle for Chikkanayakanahalli. Groupism, dissidence, difference of opinion, etc all these are trademarks of Sira Congress and if these things were going to come down, then Jayachandra would sure chose Sira.

And in case these issues were not settled, then he might as well turn to Chikkanayakahalli, sources stated. However, Jayachandra will be able to give a definite reply within a few days.