Farmers in the Shivamogga and Davanagere districts of Karnataka have received a significant boost with the decision to release irrigation water from the Bhadra Reservoir for the upcoming summer crop season. The move, aimed at supporting agricultural activities, was finalized during a key committee meeting.
Key Decisions from the 88th IAC Meeting
The crucial resolution was passed unanimously at the 88th meeting of the Irrigation Advisory Committee (IAC) held on Friday. The meeting was chaired by District Minister S Madhu Bangarappa. The committee decided to provide water from the Bhadra dam for a continuous period of 120 days.
The water release will commence in a phased manner. Irrigation water will flow into the left bank canal starting from January 3 (Saturday), followed by the right bank canal from January 8 (Thursday). This structured release is designed to efficiently manage the water distribution across the command area.
Minister's Assurance and Directives
Addressing the gathering, Minister Bangarappa gave a firm assurance to the farming community. He stated that the authorities would ensure water is available for the 2025-26 summer crops in the Bhadra basin. He emphasized that this would be done without causing any disruption to existing agricultural operations or to the drinking water supply for urban areas.
The minister also issued a directive to the engineering teams. He asked them to prepare a proposal for works that can be undertaken by the irrigation authority. This instruction came in light of the fact that silt removal in town area canals and tanks cannot be executed under the current G RAM G scheme framework.
Farmer Concerns and Calls for Judicious Use
During the meeting, farmer leader Basavarajappa raised an urgent concern. He urged the authorities to regulate the water flow properly and ensure timely supply to farmers in both canal areas. He warned that any delay could potentially damage lakhs of areca nut plants, which are a vital cash crop for the region.
Echoing the need for careful management, Anshumant, the Chairman of the Bhadra Command Area Development Authority (CADA), stressed the importance of judicious use of water. He called upon all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the resolutions and guidelines set forth by the authority to avoid wastage.
The meeting saw participation from a wide range of officials and representatives. Attendees included MLA SN Channabasappa, Honnali MLA DG Shantana Gowda, and officials from the irrigation departments of Davanagere, Ballari, and Shivamogga districts, alongside numerous farmer representatives.
