CM inspects river rejuvenation work under NREGA

BELAGAVI: CM Siddaramaiah visited Ambewadi village near Belagavi on Monday morning, where the rejuvenation work of Markandeya river has been taken in large scale under national rural employment guarantee act (NREGA).
Around 400 NREGA workers from Ambewadi and Sulaga villages are working on this ambitious rejuvenation and de-silting programme. It is said to be the first work of river rejuvenation taken under NREGA.Once the lifeline of Belagavi taluk, the river has been converted into small rivulet in the course of time, following the silt formation and encroachment by farmers.
In the backdrop of drought, district administration has taken this work which create thousands of days of work under NREGA, besides rejuvenate solid source of water for drinking and agriculture purpose. ZP CEO Bagadi Goutam brief CM about the project and its importance.
Jayawant Salunkhe, head of Mission Markendeya appealed the CM to clear the encroachment of river. He said some people have dug wells in the middle of river and pumping water for their crops. This should be stopped immediately. Salunkhe also urged that soil is being throwing onside of the river banks after de-siltation which will again enter into river base during rainy season. Measures must be taken that soil should not enter into river again. Salunkhe also brought to the notice of CM that, the work couldn’t complete just under NREGA and needs funds under different heads.
Responding to him, CM said measures would be taken to stop soil entering into river base from upper side by making plantation. Meanwhile, he instructed officials to clear all encroachments of the river and maintain its width during work. CM also assured that funds would be made available for work under some other head if required. Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah appreciated the officials of district administration for taking this work.
Markandeya river having length of about 45 kms originates at Bailur village of Bailgongal taluk and ends at Nandani village of Shirol taluk of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, passing through Kallehol, Sulaga, Ambewadi, Hindalaga, Alataga, Kangrali, Kadoli, Jafarwadi and Honaga villages in Belagavi taluk.
District in charge minister Satish Jarkiholi, MP Prakash Hukkeri, state women Congress president Laxmi Hebbalkar, MLAs Ashok Pattan, Firoz Sait, Sanjay Patil and DC N Jayaram were present.