DPR submitted for desilting work in Harangi dam

Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for Rs 130 crore to take up desilting work and other development works in Harangi reservoir.

During the natural calamity that hit Kodagu last year, several landslides had occurred in Harangi basin area. The landslides had led to accumulation of huge amount of soil in Kootuhole, Hattihole and Madapurahole-prime sources of River Harangi.

As a result, the water storage capacity had declined in the river.

The farmers had been urging the authorities to remove the silt to increase water storage capacity. Without desilting much of the water will run waste during rainy season.

Owing to pressure from farmers, the state government had earmarked Rs 75 crore for the rejuvenation of Harangi reservoir and river basin areas in state budget.

Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) had invited tender for survey work. Geo Marine Pvt Ltd. of Mangaluru had visited Harangi reservoir and watershed areas and completed the survey and submitted a detailed report to KERS.

According to the report, about 1 TMC silt is filled in the reservoir.

According to an estimate, in 2009, 0.67 TMC silt had accumulated in the dam. Owing to the natural calamity that hit the district in August last, the silt accumulation had increased.

Based on the survey report, the CNNL had prepared a detailed project for Rs 130 crore for removing silt, construction of check dam, retaining wall and other development work, Superintending Engineer J Prakash told DH.

“A meeting will be held in Bengaluru next week and the estimate is likely to get technical approval. Once the permission is granted, the work on removing silt will be taken up,” he added.

Farmers in Harangi command area have expressed discomfiture at the state government for failing to remove accumulated silt.

According to IMD report, the monsoon is likely to hit Kodagu in June. Still, the work on removing silt has not been taken up, said Hebbale Neeru Balakedarara Sangha President H T Dinesh.

Neeru Balakedarara Mahamandala, Harangi President H C Chowde Gowda said, “About 18 TMC water is required for a crop in Harangi command areas. In spite of Harangi reservoir getting filled two to three times during rainy season, the authorities are not able to supply water for summer crops. The accumulated silt should be removed at the earliest.”