Rs 170 cr water project proposed under Paschima Vahini: Khader

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader has said that the minor irrigation department has prepared an integrated drinking water project for Rs 170 crore under Paschima Vahini project in Mangaluru constituency.

Briefing mediapersons here on Friday, he said that the proposal will be placed before the next Cabinet for approval. Under the project, a barrage will be constructed across river Nethravathi from Harekala Kadavu to Adyar Kadavu, to store water. The barrage will be multi-purpose as it will be used for storing water as well as movement of vehicles from Harekala to Adyar, connecting the National Highway 75. Under the project, a seven metre wide road will be constructed above the barrage. It will also become a tourist destination, he said.

The proposal will not only aim to supply water to the villages in Mangaluru constituency but also improve the ground water table in the region. "Without creating sources of water, the laying of pipelines and construction of overhead tanks would be a waste. Once the sources of water is created by constructing the barrage, then water can be lifted and supplied to the villages through various schemes.

The project is separate from 53 check dams that will be constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore to mitigate water crisis in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts under Paschima Vahini project.