Former Karnataka Chief Minister Calls for Lake Conservation Funding
In Haveri, Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has issued a strong appeal to the Karnataka state government, emphasizing that genuine protection for farmers necessitates the preservation and maintenance of lakes. He asserted that proper lake management serves as a critical flood prevention measure, directly benefiting agricultural communities.
Historical Precedent and Current Urgency
Addressing the media, Bommai recalled that during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, a substantial sum of Rs 200 crore was specifically allocated for lake desilting works. He urged the current administration to follow this example by earmarking separate, dedicated funds for the same vital purpose. The MP highlighted that regions like Shiggaon and Savanur taluks are particularly rich in water bodies, boasting around 500 lakes in total, with at least 100 being large in size.
"Efforts must be intensified to fill water in over 150 big and small lakes across these areas," Bommai stated. He provided context by noting that extensive desilting was carried out during the severe drought years of 2015, 2016, and 2017. While good rainfall in the subsequent two to three years reduced the immediate need, the current summer has seen lakes drying up again, prompting a resumption of desilting activities. He described the decision to desilt at least one lake in every Zilla Panchayat (ZP) as a significant and noteworthy step.
Integration with Central Schemes and Broader Implications
When questioned about the roles of the central and state governments, Bommai pointed out that Haveri district has already been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), with a prepared action plan. This scheme is expected to facilitate fund allocation for lake development in every taluk. Drawing a parallel to Yediyurappa's tenure, he stressed the necessity for the government to allocate fresh funds once more.
"Protecting our lakes is synonymous with protecting our land. These water bodies are an integral part of our natural ecosystem and function as effective flood mitigators," Bommai explained. He concluded with a firm assertion: "Proper lake management can prevent devastating floods. If the government is truly committed to the welfare of our farmers, safeguarding these lakes must be a top priority." His comments underscore the interconnectedness of water conservation, agricultural sustainability, and disaster prevention in the region.
