Chikkamagaluru: In a major relief to farmers and residents of the Malnad region, the state govt has approved a Rs 40 crore project to fill 26 lakes under Muthinakoppa gram panchayat in Narasimharajapura taluk under the Bhadra Upper Bank project, MLA TD Rajegowda said.He said the approval was granted at the Vishweshwarayya Jala Nigam Limited board meeting. Under the project, lakes in Muthinakoppa, K Kanaburu, Kusuburu and Madaburu villages will be filled with water from the Bhadra reservoir to provide sustainable irrigation and drinking water facilities.“Once the lakes are filled, nearly 1,500 hectares of agricultural land will get assured irrigation facility. It will also address the drinking water problem and help in groundwater recharge,” Rajegowda said.He noted that most lakes in the Malnad region retain water only till September or December before drying up. During summer, groundwater levels also fall drastically, triggering drinking water scarcity for people and cattle.“The filling of lakes will ensure water availability till the next monsoon and improve the water table. It will be a permanent solution to the water woes of Muthinakoppa hobli,” he added.Rajegowda said he has written to water resources minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, thanking him for approving the project, and sought early release of funds and commencement of work. He added that a proposal has been submitted to take up the project in 2025-26 itself.
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