Good showers fill Shimsha river after 12 yrs

 Rains in the recent past have brought the Shimsha river back to life. There has never been an ample flow of water to the river in the last 12 years, but this time it’s been a different story.

The development comes as a shot in the arm for farmers in the region.

The Shimsha river, which takes birth in Devarayanadurga Hill in Kunigal taluk of Tumakuru district, flows up to a length of 282 km. The river enters Maddur taluk from Kunigal taluk and joins River Cauvery at Muttathi.

River Shimsha has received 1,500 cusecs of water, following heavy showers in Kunigal taluk.

More than 15 checkdams in the area, including Iggalur reservoir, have been filled as a result of the good inflow. The Benki Falls near Ganalu is flowing in all its glory.

A total of 18 lift irrigation projects coming under Shimsha river have been revived following increased flow in the river. A number of tanks in the taluk are also full now. Funds have also been earmarked for these projects. Most tanks in the taluk can be filled with water once these projects are completed, thereby improving the water table. A few drinking water projects are also under implementation.

Even as the copious flow comes as a good news, reports of contamination of the river water have caused concern as the sewage water of the water are let into the river. A proposal has been submitted to the government to set up a sewage treatment plant.

The flow in the river has put brakes on illegal sand mining in the river basin.