The British constructed the Rajakaluve in 1883 to provide water to surrounding villages. It has been constructed with a view to fulfilling the water requirements of as many as seven tanks in the region. Once the lifeline of the taluk, today the Rajakaluve is covered with weeds and has been converted into a drainage.
The TMC is not taking stringent action against those encroaching the area surrounding the Rajakaluve. Even though the TMC has funds it is not diverting the funds towards the maintenance of the canal.
Villages surrounding the Rajakaluve are so arid that water is not available even after borewell is drilled upto 1,200 to 1,400 feet. At a time when water scarcity seems to be plaguing the residents of villages in the taluk, maintenance of the Rajakaluve is the need of hour. Rajakaluve has turned out to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as it is covered with weeds and garbage. This has led to break out of contagious diseases among the people, who are housed next to the canal.
Elusive dream
Permanent irrigation remains an unfulfilled dream for Bagepalli people. The padayatra led from Bagepalli to Bangalore by G C Sri Rama Reddy, president of Shashwatha Neeravari Horata Samiti seeking permanent irrigation has been a futile attempt.
The Rajakaluve which has historical significance should be de-weeded and maintained, urged residents of several villages surrounding the canal.
DH News Service
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