20 cusecs water released from Yagachi to Hassan

Twenty cusecs of water is being released into the river from Yagachi dam in Belur, following directions from the regional commissioner, to meet the drinking water needs of Hassan, beginning Tuesday. Water will be released for the next 20 days.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Regional Commissioner M V Jayanthi in Bengaluru on Monday. Officials of Yagachi reservoir have been directed to release 20 cusecs of water into Haluvagilu Katte in Hassan to solve the drinking water problem of the city.

The decision to release water to Hassan city has however, been opposed by the people of Belur. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty faction) warned of staging a protest against the decision saying that it amounts injustice for the people of Belur.

“We will block the jackwells that supply water to Chikkamagaluru and Arsikere towns on March 1,” the members said. The Sangha members are on an indefinite hunger strike till the authorities stop release of water. They said they would lay siege to MLA Y N Rudreshgowda’s residence.