Pics: The 500-acre govt land meant for the reservoir near Babanagar in Tikota taluk of Vijayapura district; Industries and district minister MB Patil discusses with officials about the proposal to construct a reservoir under the Tubachi-Babaleshwar Irrigation Project at Babanagar of Tikota taluk in Vijayapura district Vijayapura: To make maximum use of the water allocated under the Tubachi–Babaleshwar project, the state govt has planned to construct a reservoir with a capacity of 0.8 tmcft near Babanagar in Vijayapura district.About 500 acres of govt land is available for the project, so no funds will be required for land acquisition. The construction work is expected to be completed within six months, after which water will be supplied to the farmers’ fields.The Karnataka govt has taken the initiative to build a new dam in Vijayapura district.A comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the govt soon, said Karnataka minister for major industries and infrastructure development MB Patil who is also the minister of Vijayapura district.Speaking to TOI after inspecting the proposed project site near Babanagar, Patil said: “A detailed project report for the construction of a 0.8 tmcft reservoir near Babanagar to ensure maximum utilisation of our share of water allocated under Tubachi-Babaleshwar project, will be prepared and submitted to the govt.”Although 5.5 tmcft of water is available under this project, it has not been fully utilised. So far, only 2 tmcft of our share is being used. Even after the FID (final implementation design), only 3 tmcft will be used. Therefore, to store and make effective use of the remaining 2.5 tmcft, a plan has been drawn up to construct a 0.8 tmcft reservoir. We will take everyone’s suggestions and resolve any technical issues that arise,” he said.Currently, irrigation is provided only during the monsoon season through lift irrigation. A plan has been formulated to make use of this stored water during summer to supply it to ponds and streams. Since 500 acres of govt land is available near Babanagar, no expenditure will be required for land acquisition, Patl said. The area’s natural terrain and resources will be utilised to make efficient use of water, he added.Work to be completed in six monthsBetween 2013 and 2018, Rs 3,600 crore was spent under the Tubbachi–Babaleshwar project to provide 6.3 tmcft of water to 1.3 lakh acres in the high-altitude areas of Kanamadi, Babanagar, Bijjaragi, Tikota taluks, and 0.8 tmcft to the Savalaga region. Groundwater levels have already risen, bringing happiness to farmers. With the completion of the FIC (final irrigation channel) project, water is being supplied to lakes. The minister informed that the tendered works are in progress, and within six months, the project will be completed, supplying water to farmers’ fields.
