Karnataka CM Hails Historic Consensus On Tungabhadra Reservoir

– Copal: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have reached consensus on measures to protect the interests of farmers dependent on the Tungabhadra reservoir, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday, terming it a “historic decision” taken after discussions between the three states.

Speaking at the inauguration of 33 newly installed spillway gates in the Tungabhadra Dam near Munirabad, Shivakumar said leaders of the three states held detailed discussions on the future of the reservoir and the need to ensure water security for farmers in the Tungabhadra basin.

“Coming together is the beginning, discussing together is progress, working together is success. The three states have come together to protect the interests of farmers and the future of the reservoir,” he said.

“We discussed various options, including farmer leaders’ demands for conservation of 33 TMC of water in the reservoir, the proposed Navali parallel reservoir and desilting works. After extensive discussions, we reached a unanimous decision. Details will be announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil,” Shivakumar said. he added.

Calling this an important moment for south India, Shivakumar said the collaboration between Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana reflects a common determination to protect the interests of farmers.

Recalling the damage to Gate No. 19 of the reservoir last year, he said officials had alerted him about the situation at night and expressed concern over the safety of the dam.

“I was the minister of water resources at that time. I took the helicopter at 6 in the morning and reached the dam at 8.30. Then we decided what to do. Within 15 days, we replaced gate 19 and saved the crop there,” the Prime Minister recalled.

“The opposition criticized me. But with the blessings of Sharada Devi, the miracle of Ajjayya, the grace of Hampi Virupaksha and the strength provided by Raghavendra Swamy, we were able to achieve this important task,” he said.

Describing farmers as the backbone of the country’s food security, he said governments were committed to protecting the livelihoods of those dependent on the Tungabhadra basin.

The state government then decided to replace all 33 spillway gates to strengthen the reservoir infrastructure and ensure its long-term safety, the CM said.

Referring to Thursday’s meeting of leaders from the three states, Shivakumar said the discussions will be remembered as an important step in inter-state cooperation on water management.

Shivakumar also recalled the history of the Tungabhadra project, stating that the idea of ​​building a reservoir along the river was proposed by British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton in the nineteenth century before the project took shape after Independence.

Among those present at the inauguration program were Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.