Kundamestri project may be delayed
There are all possibilities of delay in the implementation of the ambitious Kundamestri project in Madikeri. The reason: Finance department has failed in releasing Rs 6.5 crore for the first phase of the project.
The project is being implemented through Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board. The contract of the project has been given to Sai Sudheer Construction of Hyderabad. Though the State government has approved the project, finance department is yet to release the amount.
In this background, the project is likely to be flagged off after monsoon. During the reign of former District-in-Charge Minister Krishna Palemar, foundation was laid for the implementation of Kundamestri project. However, in the backdrop of revising the estimated cost of the project from Rs 7 crore to Rs 23 crore, the first tender process was suspended. Accordingly, the CMC had to call for the tender process again. The Government had decided to implement the project in three phases.
In this background, government had given contract for the first phase of the project to Sai Sudheer Construction of Hyderabad. With the delay in releasing funds, the work will be commenced in October-November, said Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board Mysore Division Engineer. He said “a proposal has been sent to finance department to release the funds. The funds will be released at the earliest.”
“At present, we will conduct survey of the land and action plan will be prepared. Unfortunately, we can not undertake works during monsoon. The work will be likely to be flagged off by October-November.” “The project will take 18 months to complete. At present, we are undertaking work at an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crore. The next two phases will require three years to complete.
A minor dam will be constructed at Onachalu. From Onachalu, water will be pumped to Kootuhole through pipeline. In the next stage, filter house will be constructed to supply purified drinking water to Madikeri town. Owing to the affect of Laila cyclone, Kootuhole had received additional four feet water. With this, CMC was able to supply water till month end.
