Karnataka’s state government is embarking on an ambitious project to construct a new reservoir with an approximate impounding capacity of 0.8 tmcft. This initiative aims to ensure the optimal utilization of the state’s allocated water share from the crucial Tubachi Babaleswar irrigation project.
Minister M.B. Patil, who is also the Vijayapura district in-charge, announced these plans on Sunday following an inspection of the proposed project site near Babanagar. He confirmed that a comprehensive project report (CPR) would be meticulously prepared and submitted to the government, outlining the construction of this vital reservoir on readily available government land in the area.
During his visit, Minister Patil engaged with various officials and prominent farmer leaders from the surrounding regions. He emphasized that all intricate details would be thoroughly ironed out, and any minor technical challenges would be addressed and resolved after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, particularly the farming community.
Minister Patil highlighted the critical need for this new reservoir. “Despite the Tubachi Babaleswar project having a capacity of 5.5 tmc of water, we haven’t been able to fully utilize it,” he explained. “Our strategy is to efficiently store this water during the monsoon season and then distribute it to lakes and streams during the drier summer months. This new 0.8 tmcft reservoir is essential to achieving that.” He further noted that approximately 500 acres of government land are available in Babanagar, eliminating the need for land acquisition. The design will leverage the natural land gradient for gravity-fed water storage. “We have successfully persuaded both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to allocate the necessary funds in the upcoming budget,” he added.
Reflecting on past efforts, Mr. Patil recalled that the State government had previously invested over ₹3,600 crore in the Tubachi Babaleshwar project between 2013 and 2018. This investment was instrumental in filling numerous tanks and lakes, directly benefiting more than 1.3 lakh acres of agricultural land across areas like Kanamadi, Babanagar, Bijjaragi, Tikota, and Savalagi taluks. A significant positive outcome was the increase in groundwater levels, greatly assisting local farmers.
The inspection was attended by several key personnel, including KNNL Superintending Engineer B.R. Rathod, Assistant Executive Engineer Ambanna, irrigation expert Huggi, and other relevant officials.