Study team assesses silt quantity at Harangi

A study team launched a survey on Thursday to measure the quantity of silt to be cleared from the Harangi Reservoir and its catchment areas.

The state government had set aside an amount of Rs 75 crore in the budget for the rejuvenation of the Harangi catchment area and the river basin.

Tenders were invited in this connection by Karnataka Engineering Research Station at Krishnarajasagara, Mandya. The contract was bagged by Geo Marine Solution Pvt Ltd, a Mangaluru-based company, to conduct the survey.

Owing to landslides and flash floods in August 2018, huge quantity of silt has collected in the catchment areas of Harangi Reservoir. The accumulation of silt had resulted in a sharp dip in the water level impounded in the reservoir. Farmers in the region had urged government to complete desilting work at the earliest.

Farmers’ demand

The farmers had warned that the reservoir will be damaged if it is not desilted. A huge quantity of top soil had entered the water and had accumulated in Kootuhole, Hattihole and Madapura streams. These streams were the major sources of water for Harangi Reservoir. An eight-member team from the Geo Marine company conducted a study in Harangi, Garaganduru, Heruru, Harangi backwaters, Madapura and nearby areas for past four days.

A hydrographic survey was also conducted with help of boats in Harangi Reservoir. Drone camera technology was deployed in dry areas. The study team was accompanied by the Harangi Irrigation Department executive engineer Rajegowda, assistant executive engineer Dharmaraj, and assistant engineer Nagaraju.

Assistant Engineer Ravishankar said that the survey will be completed by February 25. A report on the quantity of silt accumulated in the region and the team’s recommendations will be submitted to the government.