Wed Jan 22 15:03:05 UTC 2025: **Karnataka Government Defends Water Diversion Plan Amidst Belagavi Concerns**
Belagavi, Karnataka – January 23, 2025 – The Karnataka State government is facing criticism over its plan to divert water from the Ghataprabha river to industries in Dharwad. Farmers’ associations and Kannada organizations have voiced strong opposition, fearing that the project will deplete water resources in Belagavi, impacting both drinking water supply and irrigation. Initial reports suggested the government planned to divert up to 5 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water daily from the Hidkal dam.
However, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, has clarified that the actual water draw will be significantly less – approximately 0.58 tmcft per day, pumped from the river downstream of the dam, not directly from the dam itself. He justified the decision, stating it is crucial for the development of North Karnataka and is within the limits allocated by the Krishna tribunal verdict (4 tmcft for industrial use).
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, echoed these sentiments, calling the 5 tmcft figure an exaggeration. He emphasized that all water releases require Irrigation Department approval and that new central government guidelines on water usage will be implemented. He further committed to meeting with the local MLA and reviewing the project’s details. Despite the government’s assurances, concerns remain among Belagavi residents regarding the potential impact on their water security.
First Piper 