Karnataka to release Tungabhadra water in two days, Minister informs Assembly
In a move expected to ease the distress of farmers in the command areas, the Karnataka government has announced that some quantum of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir will be released to canals within a couple of days. Major and Medium Irrigation Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy made this statement in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday during Question Hour, responding to a query raised by Congress member Kampli Ganesh.
The Minister informed the House that he, along with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, had held consultations with the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister regarding the release. He recalled that the Irrigation Advisory Committee of Vijayanagara district, which met under the chairmanship of Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj S. Tangadagi on August 11, had decided to release an appropriate quantum of water for drinking water purposes and to canals. The Minister also noted that the decision would be reviewed again at the committee's meeting on September 9, taking into account any changes in inflows into the reservoir.
The Tungabhadra Dam, built across the Tungabhadra River, is a major multipurpose project that serves the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The water-sharing arrangement between the two states has been a subject of periodic discussions and agreements. The release of water is crucial for the kharif crops in the command area, and any delays often lead to hardship for farmers who depend on the canal network for irrigation.
Earlier during the proceedings, Mr. Ganesh expressed concern that farmers in the command area were in distress due to the delay in releasing water to their crops. He urged the government to act swiftly to mitigate the situation. The Minister's assurance comes as a response to these concerns, indicating that the government is mindful of the urgency.
This announcement is significant given the ongoing southwest monsoon season and the agricultural activities that hinge on timely water supply. The Irrigation Advisory Committee, which comprises officials and local representatives, plays a key role in assessing the water availability in the reservoir and recommending its judicious use. The decision to release water now appears to be based on the current storage levels and the immediate needs of the standing crops.
The development also highlights the cooperative approach between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in managing shared river waters. The consultations with the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister underscore the importance of maintaining cordial relations between the two states, which have historically had their share of disputes over river water sharing. The focus, however, remains on ensuring that water reaches the fields and drinking water supply schemes without further delay.
Farmers in the region, who have been anxiously awaiting the release, are likely to welcome this announcement. The government’s decision to review the situation again on September 9 ensures that the allocation remains flexible and responsive to the actual inflow conditions. This cautious approach is aimed at balancing the needs of the command area with the overall storage position in the reservoir.
