Govt to prepare feasibility report to bridge water shortfall in Yettinahole project

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the state government has decided to appoint consultants to prepare a detailed feasibility report on water diversion strategies to address the remaining shortfall of approximately 6 tmcft to complete the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project. 

Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting on the progress of the project, Siddaramaiah said that Yettinahole has an average of 18.08 tmcft of water available, but there is a shortfall of approximately 6 TMC to complete the project. 

“Therefore the state government has decided to appoint consultants to prepare a detailed feasibility report on water diversion strategies,” he said.

Siddaramaiah revealed that the revised project estimate stands at Rs 23,251.66 crore, out of which Rs 17,147 crore has already been spent. 

A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared to facilitate the distribution of 14.056 tmcft of drinking water and 9.953 tmcft of water for rejuvenating tanks in the project-affected areas.

“The state government’s top priority is to supply clean drinking water to the seven districts within the project’s command area. Only after the completion of this component will we take up the task of filling tanks,” Siddaramaiah noted.

He added that the project is expected to be fully completed by March 2027. He directed officials to ensure that there is no disruption in drinking water supply and instructed them to address and remove all technical hurdles that may be delaying the work.

According to the chief minister, substantial progress has already been made. Under Phase 1, seven works in the river basin have been completed. In Phase 2, of the 33 scheduled works, 11 have been completed so far.

However, a 16-kilometre stretch of work is yet to begin, he noted. This includes land acquisition for 10 kilometres and the clearance of 6 acres of forest land, which are still pending.

The chief minister reiterated his government’s commitment to completing the project on time and providing sustainable drinking water to millions in drought-prone areas.