Complete Karagada project by June 16, says Parameshwara

 Home and District In-charge Minister G Parameshwara said the work on Karagada drinking water project should be completed by June 16 and the officials should ensure that water flows in the canal.

Speaking after inspecting the canal work taken up under the project at Hanike village, he said the work is in the final stage.

He said the contractors and engineers have said that the work will be completed at the earliest. “There is no shortage of funds for the work. The government is ready to release more funds, if required. Strict action will be initiated against the engineers and contractors if they fail to complete the work by June 16,” he warned.

Earlier, farmer leaders and Yojane Horata Samithi members expressed displeasure at the poor progress of the work.

Horata Samithi leader Raveesh Kyathanabeedu and H M Renukaradya said, “We have been fighting for the completion of the project for the last 15 years. How many more years are required to complete the project? The protest will be intensified from July if the project is not completed.”

MLA C T Ravi said the work will be completed at Malenahalli within 15 days. The contractors should complete the work at Hanike within 20 days, he added.

In Belur in Hassan district, Parameshwara said the project was taken up to fill water to 20 lakes, including Belavadi and Kalasapura, in Chikkamagaluru district.

The minister said, though the works had commenced several years ago, it had not been completed. The officials claim that due to boulders and lack of manpower they could not complete the works. The minister directed Minor Irrigation Executive Engineer Nagaraj and contractor Rajesh to complete the works by June end to avoid disciplinary action against them.

Chikkamagaluru MLA C T Ravi, former MLA Gayathri Shantegowda, Neeravari Horata Samiti president Ravi Kyathanabeedu and Superintending Engineer Santhosh were present.