Lok Sabha Question No. 1795 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-01
Subject: Upper Bhadra Project
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Shreyas M Patel

## 1795.  SHRI SHREYAS M PATEL

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the Upper Bhadra Project's irrigation component, worth Rs. 3388 crore,  aimed at drought-prone areas in Tarikere and Kadur taluks (Chickmagalur district) in Hassan Lok Sabha Constituency;

(b)  if  so,  the  details  of  the  project  including  its  cost,  timeline  and  beneficiaries  (number  of  farmers  and acres of land);

(c)  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  timely  completion  of  the  project  and  to  include additional areas in the project; and

(d) the action taken against officials responsible for any delays?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) Yes, Sir. However, water being a State subject, mandate for planning, implementation and funding of irrigation projects lies in the domain of the State Government concerned.

(b) Upper Bhadra project is a lift irrigation scheme being implemented by Government of Karnataka. The project  targets  to  provide  irrigation  to  5,57,022  acre  in   drought-prone  districts  of  Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Davangere of Karnataka by micro irrigation. In addition, the project would also augment water in the existing Vani Vilas Sagar reservoir.

Government of Karnataka has, in the year 2020, accorded administrative approval to the re-revised detailed project report of the project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 21,473.67 crore (2018-19 price level). Total number of beneficiaries under the project is estimated to be about 74.26 lakh. The project is targeted for completion by March, 2026.

(c) Work  on  the  project  is  reported  to  be  in  advanced  stage.  The  works  for  lifting  water  from  Bhadra reservoir to Ajjampura tunnel in two stages, and thereafter conveying water to Chitradurga and Tumkur branch canals, are reported to be completed. Further, work for lifting water from Tunga river to Bhadra reservoir in two stages, is presently under progress. It is also reported by the State Government that water is being released to Vani Vilas Sagar reservoir since 2019-20.

However, it is informed by the State Government that the project work is being carried out as per the approved detailed project report, and as such, no additional area has been considered for irrigation.

(d) Project implementation, including identification of lapses and deciding on penal action against erring Officials,  lies  entirely  in  the  domain  of  the  State  Government.  However,  Government  of  Karnataka  has informed that the key reasons for delay in the project include slow pace of land acquisition process, higher compensation  demand  by  land  owners,  and  requirement  of  funds.  Hence,  the  delay  is  generally  not attributed to the laxity of Officials.

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1795

## ANSWERED ON 01.08.2024

## UPPER BHADRA PROJECT