Effective irrigation project vital for arid districts, says Yeddyurappa

Promises to speak to CM, water minister on the issue

Implementation of a permanent irrigation project is the only way to alleviate the problem of water shortage in arid areas, said former CM Yeddyurappa.

Joining the protesters sitting outside the additional commissioner’s office in the City on Tuesday, demanding such a project, Yeddyurappa said Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Tumkur and Bangalore Rural districts have already been identified as having intense water problem.

No water

“Borewells are sunk as deep as 1,500 feet, but without any result. Continuing agricultural activities is virtually impossible under such circumstances. Implementation of an effective irrigation project is therefore vital for districts in the arid areas,” he said, adding that the report presented by water expert Paramashivaiah was completely scientific and an apt choice for implementation in the districts mentioned.

“The members of the Permanent Irrigation Struggle Committee have submitted memoranda every time we have visited Chikkaballapur. I have attempted to fulfill the demands, but no major decision could be taken for want of time,” said Yeddyurappa.

‘Will urge CM’

He promised to urge the chief minister and the minister for water resource to provide an effective irrigation project for the district. They will also be urged to visit Chikkaballapur to inspect the situation.

Tumkur Parliamentarian G S Basavaraju, who spoke on the occasion, said the committee comprising three chief engineers appointed by the State government in relation to the implementation of the water degree channel has already submitted its report. “The government should therefore consider the report and bring in a project immediately,” he added.

Water expert G S Paramashivaiah, MLC Mumtaz Ali Khan, and Permanent Irrigation Struggle Committee leaders and members were present on the occasion.