'Rs 20 crore spent for construction of vented dams'

Youth Empowerment and Sports and District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said that Rs 20 crore was spent for the construction of vented dams in Udupi Assembly constituency limits during his tenure as legislator.

Speaking after performing the ground-breaking ceremony for vented dams in Angadinettu and Ulluru on Wednesday, he said, "The work on vented dams has been taken up on priority, so as to provide water for agriculture. The groundwater levels are on the rise after the construction of vented dams. Also, the amount of salinity on water has decreased."

Complaints on dams

The minister further said, "Complaints have been received from the public on the poor quality of planks used in the vented dams. Strict instructions have been given to the officials concerned to repair such faulty vented dams immediately. No compromise will be made in the quality of construction."

Madhwaraj inaugurated and performed the ground-breaking ceremony for 15 various vented dams worth Rs 4.25 crore.

Chantaru Gram Panchayat president Saraswathi Nayak, Neelavara Gram Panchayat president Asha Kotian and Minor Irrigation Department engineer Palanna were present among others.