Karnataka to request IISc for a scientific study of Hemavathi link canal

Tumakuru: The state government has decided to request the IISc to conduct a scientific study on the feasibility of Hemavathi link canal project, which has embroiled in a row following a stiff opposition from the farmers bodies and politicians of Tumakuru district.

A meeting, chaired by Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar, with the legislators of Tumakuru district at Vidhana Soudha on Friday, resolved to urge the India’s premier institute to hold a scientific study. Shivakumar had convened a meeting of the legislators of the district after the agitation against the said project intensified.

MLAs B Sureshgowda, G B Jyothi Ganesh, M T Krishnappa, joined by Union minister and Tumkur MP V Somanna, sternly opposed the project in the meeting.

Diversion through pipeline opposed

No one from the district, including the farmers, are opposed to taking Hemavathi river water to Kunigal through a canal. But diverting Hemavathi water through pipeline will not be allowed at any cost, the legislators clarified.

Shivakumar told the meeting that he would visit the work site at Sunkapur in Gubbi taluk and take stock of the canal works.