JOIN USCoastal reservoir at M'luru could quench Bengalureans' thirst
For the second time this month, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) made a presentation to the state government on how to bring water from Karnataka’s west-flowing rivers to Bengaluru.
Prof T G Seetharam, of CISTUP, IISc, who prepared the report, also submitted a feasibility report to Bengaluru Development Minister K J George and Urban Development Minister R Roshan Baig.
The report suggests construction of a coastal reservoir at Mangaluru to impound the river flood water, treat it and supply it for drinking purposes. Around 240 tmc (thousand million cubics) of water flows into the sea from west-flowing rivers every year. The proposed reservoir can store an average of 20-24 tmcft of water required for Bengaluru and 2.1 tmcft for Mangaluru.
Baig said: “We have not promised anything. We only went through the presentation. The proposal will be discussed with the chief minister and other departments. Suggestions of all departments and stakeholders will be taken before any decision is taken.”
During the meeting, Seetharam said the technology had been adopted in Hong Kong, China, Britain and Germany. He said the technology had several advantages, such as prevention of soil erosion, no damage to the environment, no displacement of people and no disturbance to the flow of rivers. It can even generate electricity, boost construction of bypasses and can be used in irrigation. It will be an alternative source of pure drinking water, he added.
P Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment and Ecology Department, who was present at the meeting, said the pros and cons of the proposal would be studied in detail before any decision was taken. The environmental impact is a major cause for worry and will be thoroughly assessed, he added.