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Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
RTI revelation exposes massive over-allocation of Hidkal dam water to industries
Belagavi: In a significant development that could intensify the ongoing opposition to the diversion of Hidkal Dam water to industries in Hubballi-Dharwad, activist and whistleblower Sujit Mulgund unveiled official documents revealing that industrial units received nearly 22 times more water than the original allocation. Mulgund shared a letter from the assistant executive engineer of the Karnataka Niravari Nigam Limited (KNNL), CBC subdivision No. 2, dated July 6, 2024. The letter, addressed to the executive engineer, discloses that only 0.1 tmcft of water was initially allocated to industries under the project report. However, the allocation surged to 0.2 tmcft gradually, and there is an additional fresh demand of 0.5 tmcft under the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project, part of the Suvarna Karnataka Corridor initiative. Crucially, the letter indicates that the excess allocation already far surpassed the sanctioned limit. If the additional 0.5 tmcft is approved, it would come at the cost of irrigation water meant for farmers, a point likely to fuel further unrest among farming communities. Last month, the Karnataka govt approved the controversial diversion of 0.5 tmcft from Hidkal Dam to industrial areas in Hubballi-Dharwad, sparking widespread protests across Belagavi and neighbouring districts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Farmers and civil society groups decried the move, arguing it threatens their livelihood and violates the dam's original purpose. Earlier, water resources minister MB Patil claimed that the water being diverted was within the allocated limits. However, Mulgund's findings—obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act—contradict the minister's statement. Pipeline construction for the water diversion began over four months ago—without formal approval, tenders, or even informing the local administration, including district minister Satish Jarkiholi. The work only came to light when local farmers discovered pipelines being laid across their fields. In response, several organisations launched protests under the slogan 'Namma Neeru, Namma Hakku', prompting the Belagavi DC to halt the work temporarily. Despite the opposition, the project resumed following a green signal from the state cabinet. Activist Mulgund sought further details under RTI—including the tender cost, official approvals, and progress reports—but KNNL denied the information, citing confidentiality. Constructed in 1961 and named after former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Hidkal dam was built to provide irrigation and drinking water. Though it has a storage capacity of 51 tmcft, effective availability is only around 44 tmcft due to siltation and unusable reserves. Speaking to the TOI, Mulgund criticised the lack of transparency. "The RTI documents clearly prove that more water has already been diverted to industries than originally sanctioned. Any additional diversion will directly impact farmers in Belagavi, Bagalkot and Vijayapura," he said.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Our Water Our Right' campaign: Greens, forums to hold protest
Belagavi: Environmentalists and leaders of various organisations, who are fighting for the survival of Mahadayi and the Western Ghats under the slogan 'Our Water Our Right' campaign, decided to take up a massive protest in Belagavi on June 3 to raise awareness. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The leaders, who held a meeting at the Maratha Mandir in Belagavi on Tuesday, reached a unanimous decision in this regard. Dilip Kamath, an environmentalist, said that the Gadgil Report and Kasturirangan Report were submitted to the central govt in the past. The Gadgil Report, which meticulously analysed the extinction and survival of the Western Ghats, warned that no activities that could harm the environment should be carried out in the vicinity of the Western Ghats region. The report also highlighted the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region and the immense benefits it brings to the country, providing a detailed report on the protection of the Western Ghats. Everyone needs to join hands for the survival of the Western Ghats by abandoning the Kalasa Banduri project. Sujit Mulgund, a social activist, said that water is already being supplied to Hubballi-Dharwad through Malaprabha reservoir. Farmers in Bagalkot and Ramdurg taluks are using water from the Malaprabha reservoir to grow two crops, while farmers in Navalgund, Nargund, and Dharwad are using this water for more than two crops. The amount of water used from the Malaprabha reservoir has increased, with claims that this project is for drinking water. Representatives and officials of the area informed that the areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, Navalgund, and Nargund will not face any shortage of drinking water till 2041. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They expressed concern that work is now underway to transport more water to the twin cities through a pipeline, which could lead to a shortage of drinking water in the Belagavi area. The Mahadayi diversion project will be abandoned as it will harm the Western Ghats. Captain Nitin Dhond, an environmentalist, stated that the Mahadayi River travels approximately 1,500 kilometres from its source to the sea. The Malaprabha River plays a significant role in environmental protection by providing habitat for numerous plants and trees. It is a good move to supply drinking water to Hubballi and Dharwad from the Malaprabha reservoir. Belgaum may face drinking water problems in the future as more water is lifted from the Malaprabha River to supply water to industrial areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, and sugar factories of politicians. Therefore, it is not appropriate to implement any projects here which will harm the Malaprabha River and the Western Ghats. Advocate Nitin Bolbandi, farmer leader Chunappa Poojeri, Sidagouda Modagi, Mallesh Chougale, environmentalists, farmer leaders, and Dalit leaders were present.
