<div>At a time when the entire state is trying to preserve water, in the wake of a drought, the management of available water resources within the state is not up to the mark. Madagada Kere, in the drought-hit Kadur taluk, is full this year. There is, however, a need to wisely preserve this water source, which will prove helpful to recharge the groundwater. <br /><br />The catchment area of the lake was initially 5,033 acres and was meant to provide water to an agricultural land spread across 35 to 50 square miles. The lake was constructed to provide water to 5,000 acres of agricultural lands which was used to grow paddy, areca and other dry crops. But, today, the area of agricultural lands has increased to 15-20,000 acres. As paddy demands more water, the cultivation of paddy has decreased in the last two to three years. The water has been flowing into agricultural lands growing areca and vegetables. <div><br />Also, the drinking water needs of Kadur and Birur towns were met with the water of the lake, which, today, does not suffice to fulfil any such needs. The main purpose of groundwater recharging through water in canals is gradually moving to the background.<br /><br />Madagada Kere gets its own supply of water from the seepage of Avati River. It has a capacity of 347 million cubic metre (0.40 tmc and 64 foot). The lake has not been desilted since 1991. In addition, many agriculturists have constructed mini dams and installed pumps across the sources of water to the lake.<br /><br />The Public Works Department handed over the responsibility of the Madagada Kere to the Small Irrigation Department, after which, works of desilting and preservation of the lake have not been carried out. <br /><br />The only works on the lake are reconstruction of channels and minor repair works on the sides of the lake. Even farmers in the taluk show no concern about the development or preservation of the lake.<br /><br />The recent meeting chaired by the Tarikere assistant commissioner saw the authorities being instructed to utilise the water flowing out of Madagada Kere to rejuvenate the lake. Since around September 24, the ‘extra water’ from the lake has been flowing into the Old Madagada Kere, Bakina Kere, Tumbehonda, Devana Kere, Doddana Kere and Chikkangala Kere. While some farmers have already begun ‘transferring’ the water to their fields, others have opposed such moves.<br /><br />Birur Areca Growers’ Association president M R Somashekhar said the water should be used to recharge the groundwater level, which will help the farmers in future. “Instead, if the available water is used for other purposes, one may has to face serious water crisis in future. Illegal usage of water must be stopped,” he said.<br /><br /></div></div>
<div>At a time when the entire state is trying to preserve water, in the wake of a drought, the management of available water resources within the state is not up to the mark. Madagada Kere, in the drought-hit Kadur taluk, is full this year. There is, however, a need to wisely preserve this water source, which will prove helpful to recharge the groundwater. <br /><br />The catchment area of the lake was initially 5,033 acres and was meant to provide water to an agricultural land spread across 35 to 50 square miles. The lake was constructed to provide water to 5,000 acres of agricultural lands which was used to grow paddy, areca and other dry crops. But, today, the area of agricultural lands has increased to 15-20,000 acres. As paddy demands more water, the cultivation of paddy has decreased in the last two to three years. The water has been flowing into agricultural lands growing areca and vegetables. <div><br />Also, the drinking water needs of Kadur and Birur towns were met with the water of the lake, which, today, does not suffice to fulfil any such needs. The main purpose of groundwater recharging through water in canals is gradually moving to the background.<br /><br />Madagada Kere gets its own supply of water from the seepage of Avati River. It has a capacity of 347 million cubic metre (0.40 tmc and 64 foot). The lake has not been desilted since 1991. In addition, many agriculturists have constructed mini dams and installed pumps across the sources of water to the lake.<br /><br />The Public Works Department handed over the responsibility of the Madagada Kere to the Small Irrigation Department, after which, works of desilting and preservation of the lake have not been carried out. <br /><br />The only works on the lake are reconstruction of channels and minor repair works on the sides of the lake. Even farmers in the taluk show no concern about the development or preservation of the lake.<br /><br />The recent meeting chaired by the Tarikere assistant commissioner saw the authorities being instructed to utilise the water flowing out of Madagada Kere to rejuvenate the lake. Since around September 24, the ‘extra water’ from the lake has been flowing into the Old Madagada Kere, Bakina Kere, Tumbehonda, Devana Kere, Doddana Kere and Chikkangala Kere. While some farmers have already begun ‘transferring’ the water to their fields, others have opposed such moves.<br /><br />Birur Areca Growers’ Association president M R Somashekhar said the water should be used to recharge the groundwater level, which will help the farmers in future. “Instead, if the available water is used for other purposes, one may has to face serious water crisis in future. Illegal usage of water must be stopped,” he said.<br /><br /></div></div>
