Sat Jun 21 17:24:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text you provided:
**Karnataka Govt. Reassures Farmers on Yettinahole Project Compensation and Completion Deadline**
**BENGALURU, June 21, 2025** – Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured farmers in Koratagere, Tumakuru district, that no forced evictions will occur for the construction of the Byragondlu dam, a key component of the Yettinahole drinking water project. Shivakumar’s reassurance came during an inspection of the proposed dam site on Saturday, where he listened to concerns and suggestions from farmers who are facing potential land loss.
The Byragondlu dam is planned to store 5 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water and requires approximately 5,000 acres of land. Farmers expressed concerns about their small landholdings (one or two acres) and suggested an alternative site, a valley near Devarayanadurga, that could accommodate one or two dams. Shivakumar promised to inspect the alternate location and discuss its suitability with the Cabinet.
A key point of contention is compensation for land acquisition. While farmers in Doddaballapur taluk have been offered ₹32 lakh per acre, those in Koratagere taluk are receiving ₹20 lakh. Farmers demanded equal compensation across all affected areas.
The Yettinahole project aims to provide 24 tmcft of drinking water to seven water-scarce districts in southern Karnataka, including Tumakuru, Kolar, Chickballapur, Bengaluru Rural, and Bengaluru South. Shivakumar stated that the pipeline to Koratagere is complete, and work on the pipeline to Chickballapur and Kolar has commenced.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reviewed the project’s progress on Friday and directed officials to prioritize drinking water works before focusing on filling lakes. The entire project is scheduled for completion by March 2027. The government aims to balance the water needs of the region with the interests and livelihoods of the affected farming communities.
First Piper 