Claiming that the Yettinahole water diversion project would not affect the interests of people in Dakshina Kannada district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday declined to set any timeframe for the completion of the project.
He also claimed that water, more than the quantity estimated (24 tmcft), was available in the Yettinahole. “Yes, there is more than 24 tmcft water,” he replied to a question as to whether he was confident of sufficient water being available at the site.
Speaking to presspersons on his arrival for a one-day tour of Dakshina Kannada district at Mangaluru International Airport here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that a corporation, announced in the budget for the optimum exploitation of the Yettinahole and other water sources, would be established soon. He said that the project is a large one and the corporation is required to efficiently handle the project as well as deliver water.
Responding to another question about concern expressed by environmentalists over depleting water-levels in the Netravathi, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Only excess rainwater during the four monsoon months would be drained out towards the arid regions. Activists in Dakshina Kannada who are opposing the project are misinformed; the project would not have any impact on Dakshina Kannada.” He is prepared to hold a meeting with the activists in Bengaluru to address their concerns, the Chief Minister said.
To a question as to who would be held responsible in the event the project fails, Mr. Siddaramaiah categorically said that the project would not fail at all. He also said that the government, as announced in the budget, was exploring other water sources, including the Sharavathi, for the needs of people in the arid regions. Yettinahole water diversion is only for drinking purposes, he added.
