Lake in Guttal in Haveri dist fills up after 25 yrs

Since two months, the Upper Tunga canal water is being released into the historic big lake of Guttal town and the lake has filled upto the brim after 25 years.

On October 10, State Water Resource Minister M B Patil and Panchayatraj and Rural Development Minister H K Patil will offer Bagina to the lake.

As the lake is full, the underground water-level has increased and more than 600 borewells and open wells have rejuvenated. This has cheered the farmers, shepherds and dairy farmers of the area.

Due to drought since three consecutive years, water shortage problem was intensive in Guttal area even in June. But water is being constantly released from the Upper Tunga Project canal since two months and this has filled the big lake spread over 189 acre.

“With the lake being full, there is less possibility of water shortage in summers. Also, the water yielding capacity of the wells and borewells has improved and this will further ease the situation”, said District In-charge Minister Rudrappa Lamani.

“Due to consecutive droughts, the dried borewells and wells have got back life. Now there is no water problem”, said Hanumantappa Lamani.

Previously, the lake had filled upto the brim in November 1992 as a result of five days continuous rain. From then to now, the lake had never filled. After 25 years, the lake has once again filled and this is pulling local people who are thronging to see the lake.

“Guttal town which was shattered due to drought since three years, is now relieved. This year, we are hoping of growing crops even in summer”, said farmer leader Siddappa Chindi.

He said that to save his withering crops, he had dug four borewells two months back. But he could not get water even after digging upto 400 feet depth. Now with increase in inflow of water, the borewells are yielding water. Water-level has also increased and so, the underground water may cater to more number of months.