|
|
An inter-district water dispute is
generated by the proposed Upper Bhadra
Project (UBP) that seeks to dam 23
thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of
water to irrigate 250,000 acres of
land in Chittradurga and Kolar
districts at the cost of USD 450
million. The lower riparian districts
of Chickmagalur, Shimoga, and
Davaganagere are opposing this move,
as it will deny them water that they
have traditionally been used to.
The proposed UBP is only 30 kilometers
from the source of the Bhadra and has
seen varying levels of fortunes
depending on who has been power.
Karnataka has appointed a committee
led by K.C. Reddy to evaluate water
management in the state. While varying
groups are vying for their interests,
the Water Minister, who comes from the
beneficiary districts, says that he
has an open mind and will abide by the
Committee’s report.While the
Government says that 20,000 acres of
land will be submerged, non-Government
Organizations disagree and estimate
the area to be more like 50,000 acres.
Besides, the full environmental impact
is still being studied. Given the lack
of consultation process and a detailed
river water management system in
India, people whose lives are
threatened by the project are loudly
protesting the plan.
|
