Arkavathy rejuvenation to begin in April

Replying to a query by S R Vishwanth of BJP in this regard, he said, administrative approval had been given to take up the work at a cost of Rs 15.95 crore.

The work will be taken up in the first and the second stages, covering Hesaraghatta and Kumudvathi sub- catchments.

Rejuvenation of the Arkavathy sub- catchment from Hesarghatta reservoir to Thippagondanahalli reservoir will be taken up in the third stage. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam is preparing a detailed project report for the  purpose, he said.

Bangalore will then get additional water as the inflow into the Thippagondanahalli reservoir will increase, the Minister said.

The catchment area from Nandi Hills to Hesaraghatta will soon be declared  a notified area to regulate development activities. The Deputy Commissioners are directed to clear all encroachment in the entire Arkavathy catchment area, he added.

Earlier, Vishwanath, who headed a campaign for the rejuvenation of the river, urged the government to take up the work on priority.