DC reviews progress of Karagada project

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah said that the estimation for the second phase of Karagada Lift Irrigation Project will be submitted to the government shortly.

Tenders for the work will be invited after the government's approval, he said at a progress review meeting of the project in Chikkamagaluru on Saturday.

The first phase of the project is 90% complete. However, the work is not up to the mark. Directions will be given to the contractor to stop the work. The pending work will be included in the second phase, he added.

MLC Gayatri Shanthegowda said that a team of experts from Bengaluru had conducted an inspection of the work. The deputy commissioner should also conduct an inspection himself and should submit a report to the government explaining the reality, she said.

CPI district coordinator Renukaradhya said the work was marred by inordinate delay due to the mistakes done by officials. Action should be initiated against those who are responsible for the fault, he demanded.

He requested the DC to submit a report in connection with crop loss and also request the government to waive the farm loan.

"The areca and coconut trees have dried up due to inadequate rain," he said.

Farmer leader Gurushantappa said that the collection of 25 cusec of water in the dam should be ensured. The sources, from where water is being supplied to Karagada canal, need to be preserved, he urged.

Water from Kavikalgundi in Mullaiahnagiri hills should be supplied to the lakes in Hirekolale and Rameshwara, he said.

Zilla Panchayat member Prema Manjunath, Taluk Panchayat President E R Mahesh and CPI leader B Amjad were present in the meeting.