Rs 100-crore proposal to develop Yagachi river basin

A proposal for Rs 100 crore has been prepared towards the development of the Yagachi river basin in Chikkamagaluru, on the model of Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad, said MLA C T Ravi.

Speaking during the progress review meeting of Karagada project, district administration complex and Mini Vidhana Soudha works here on Monday, the MLA said an estimate has been drawn towards developing the river basin as a tourist spot. The draft is prepared by the Minor Irrigation Department as a part of the ‘Vision -2023’ project.

The proposal will be submitted to the Union Ministry for Water Resources and River Development through the state government, seeking special grants from the Central government, he added.

The work will be implemented in various stages. The concerned department has been directed to complete the survey of the river basin by the end of August. The encroached lands, illegal layouts and other illegal establishments on the river basin will be cleared by the district administration after marking the borderline, said the MLA.

He further said that the 7.5 km stretch between Rameshwar lake and Kote Chennapura bridge will be developed by constructing protective walls on either side of the river, erecting chain link fences and building check dams.

Stating that an inspection has been carried out on the work of Karagada canal, Minor Irrigation Department Executive Engineer Kumaraswamy said that mud on the bank of the canal has slithered down. An estimate of Rs 16.5 crore has been prepared towards the restoration work. Another Rs 3.5 crore will be required for the foundation and wall construction works.

MLA C T Ravi instructed the officials to take proper measures to make the water flows in the canal.

He said that the work under the first phase of Karagada project has been done unscientifically. Misappropriation of funds has been alleged. It was resolved during the Taluk Panchayat KDP meet to initiate a Lokayukta probe in this matter. Therefore, urgent steps should be taken towards filing the case with the Lokayukta, said the MLA.

Students having no access to bus facilities and also students from faraway locations must be given preference while admitting them into hostels. The next preference should be those pursuing technical courses and the students pursuing B Sc, B Com and B A courses. Backward Classes Welfare Officer said that there are four BCM boys’ hostels and there is an intake of 160 pupils. A total of 359 applications have been received towards admission into the hostels. There are four girls’ hostels and the intake is 170 seats. 359 applications have been received. Considering the increase in the number of students, there is a requirement of another hostel building, he said.

Taluk Panchayat President Nettekerehalli Jayanna, Vice President M Ramesh, TP member E R Mahesh, ZP members Ravindra Belavadi and Vijayakumar were present during the meet.