Upper Bhadra Project begins trial water release in Chitradurga

A trial release of water from the Upper Bhadra Project into the Chitradurga branch canal has been initiated to bolster irrigation and water security in drought-prone regions. Karnataka Minister T. Raghumurthy and MLA T.B. Jayachandra led the ceremony at the Lakavalli Dam intake point.

The project aims to distribute a total of 29.9 TMC of water, including 17.4 TMC from the Tungabhadra and 12.5 TMC from the Bhadra rivers. Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide irrigation to approximately 225,000 hectares across 12 taluks in the Chikmagalur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davanagere districts, while aiming to fill 367 lakes.

The revised cost of the project is estimated at 21,500 crore rupees, with approximately 11,500 crore rupees spent to date. Officials noted that the completion of two towers required for the Tungabhadra water transfer is expected within two months. The project seeks to reduce reliance on rainfall and stimulate the rural economy by improving agricultural productivity.