AAP calls for scientific review of Yettinahole project, raises ecological concerns

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has urged the Karnataka government to address critical doubts about the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Supply Project by conducting transparent scientific assessments and outlining protective measures for the coastal ecosystem before proceeding further.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Wednesday, AAP State President Vivekananda Salins said that experts have labelled the project unscientific and warned of severe damage to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. He highlighted growing fears that upstream pumping could drastically reduce water inflows, potentially drying up the Netravathi River during the lean season. According to Mr. Salins, the government has so far not carried out a comprehensive downstream analysis or proposed alternative water sources for the coastal region.

Mr. Salins drew a parallel with the Varahi Irrigation Project in Udupi district, stating that despite an expenditure of over ₹1,000 crore, the project remains incomplete even after 40 years. He cautioned that a similar pattern of delay and mismanagement could plague the Yettinahole initiative if concerns are not addressed promptly.

The Yettinahole project involves the diversion of 24.01 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water from west-flowing streams to meet the drinking water requirements of drought-prone areas, including Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and parts of Hassan, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru Rural and South districts. The state government has approved a budget of ₹12,912 crore for its implementation.

Environmental experts have repeatedly raised alarms about the project's potential impact on the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. The diversion of water from the Netravathi basin, they argue, could disrupt the delicate ecological balance and threaten the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river for agriculture and drinking water.

Local residents and activists have also expressed apprehension about reduced water availability during summer months. They fear that the project, designed to address water scarcity in eastern Karnataka, may inadvertently create a water crisis in the coastal belt.

AAP's demand for a rigorous scientific review underscores the need for evidence-based decision-making in large-scale infrastructure projects. Mr. Salins emphasized that the party is not opposed to development but insists that environmental safeguards must be prioritised. "We urge the government to release all relevant environmental impact assessments, conduct public consultations, and explore sustainable alternatives before causing irreversible damage to the region," he said.

The Karnataka government has yet to officially respond to these concerns. Officials from the Water Resources Department could not be reached for comment. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, has faced multiple legal and regulatory hurdles, including challenges in the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court.

Experts note that while the project aims to supply drinking water to parched districts, the long-term ecological costs must be carefully weighed. A study by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, had earlier recommended a detailed cumulative impact assessment of all water diversion schemes in the Western Ghats, a recommendation that remains unimplemented.

As the monsoon season approaches, concerns about river health and water security are likely to intensify. The Yettinahole project, if executed without addressing these critical doubts, could set a precedent for how India balances developmental needs with environmental preservation.