Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar offer Bagina to Kapila river at Kabini Dam

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar offered Bagina to River Kapila at Kabini Dam in Beechanahalli, H D Kote taluk of Mysuru district as a gesture of thanksgiving during the auspicious 'Kanya lagna' at 11.17 am on Sunday morning.

Later speaking to media persons he said, "By offering Bagina, we have offered pooja to Kapila river. It filled up early this year. The river evolves in Wayanad in Kerala and it joins Cauvery river near T Narsipura taluk. Every year Kabini reservoir fills and we offer Bagina to it each time. It meets the irrigation needs of 1,13,000 acre land."

"Work of the dam started in 1959 and concluded in 1974. It has been 51 years since the dam was built. In order to strengthen it, we are modernising it and rejuvenating it. We have given cabinet approval for Rs 32.25 Crore. for it. We have plans to develop a garden on the lines of Brindavan around this dam also. There is a proposal to modernise Taraka reservoir canal and others around Kabini in H D Kote taluk." he said.

When asked about excess water flowing to Tamil Nadu than the amount stipulated by the final order of Cauvery water dispute tribunal with no balancing reservoir at the down streams of Cauvery basin, he said, "It is true. We are ready to build Mekadatu balancing reservoir. But Centre is not giving permit. We took Padayatra too for the Mekedatu project. Once they permit, we will do it."

Deputy Chief Minister and Water resources minister D K Shivakumar said "We have also sent a proposal to the Central Government to take up work worth Rs 88 Crore under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) for the rejuvenation of the Kabini dam to ensure its safety. Kapila river is also our lifeline. It has helped us release our share of water with Tamil Nadu, without giving scope for inter-State water dispute. Except for 2022 and 2023, when there was not adequate rain, the dam has always filled."

With good pre-monsoon showers and early South West Monsoon the Kabini Dam filled by the end of May itself. On Sunday, the water level stood at its full capacity of 2284 ft.

When asked about few industries being invited by Andhra CM Chandrababu's son after land being denied at Devanahalli, CM Siddaramaiah said, "no matter what politics Chandrababu Naidu or his son do, no industries will go out of Karnataka."

Not insulted DKS: CM

Speaking to media persons at Helipad near Kabini dam, DCM D K Shivakumar said that he had been to Delhi on Saturday for private reasons not for any political reason. He had an appointment with an advocate in Delhi, so only after informing the CM, he left in the middle of Sadhana Samavesha held in Mysuru on Saturday. There was no political reason. ."BJP leaders love me a lot. Stronger we, they love us more. Hence they are commenting on this matter.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also clarified that he did not mention D K Shivakumar's name in the beginning of his speech during the Convention in Mysuru on Saturday as he left after informing him and he has not insulted him in any way. BJP leaders are in the illusion of creating misunderstanding between him and DKS, but they will be in such illusion and it will not be a reality. "BJP leaders have never accepted a challenge to come for debate on development we have taken up as they lie," he said.