Water From Malaprabha Reservoir To Be Released For Irrigation From Today
Malaprabha Irrigation Advisory Committee Chairperson and Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar announced the decision following a review meeting held at the Chief Engineer’s office of the Belagavi North Zone on Friday.
Belagavi: In a move aimed at aiding farmers during the current agricultural season, the Malaprabha Irrigation Advisory Committee has decided to release 4.5 TMC of water from the Malaprabha reservoir into the canal network over a period of 17 days starting July 18.
Malaprabha Irrigation Advisory Committee Chairperson and Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar announced the decision following a review meeting held at the Chief Engineer’s office of the Belagavi North Zone on Friday.
She said the reservoir currently holds 25 TMC of water, out of which 20 TMC will be reserved exclusively for drinking water requirements of both people and livestock until July next year.
“We all want to see our farmers happy. That is why water will be released into the canals immediately for their benefit. The flow will continue until it reaches the tail-end. There is no need for anyone to worry. We have received good rainfall so far, and with the blessings of Renuka Yellamma, we hope it will continue in the coming days as well,” she said.
"The release of water will greatly benefit farmers in the command area. We urge them to use the water wisely. If rainfall improves in the coming days, there will be no cause for concern regarding water scarcity," the Minister told reporters after the meeting.
Hebbalkar said the decision was taken in response to requests from legislators and farmers from the Malaprabha project region, who had been demanding water for standing crops.
The irrigation advisory committee meeting was also attended by Nargund MLA CC Patil, Badami MLA BB Chimmanakatti and other officials and stakeholders.
