Permanent solution for problems caused by Bennihalla soon: Minister
Navalgund (Dharwad): Bennihalla and Tupparihalla flowing in Dharwad district have the notorious sobriquet of 'streams of sorrow' as they wreak havoc during heavy rains.
Successive governments have talked about chalking out plans to ensure that the streams cease to cause damage but nothing concrete has been done to relieve the people from suffering due to flooding.
During monsoon, around 56 villages surrounding the streams live on the edge. Now Santosh Lad, minister in-charge of Dharwad district, has again assured of putting an end to the perennial problem in next two years.
"An essential plan for flood control and effective water utilisation in the two major streams of Dharwad district — Bennihalla and Tupparihalla — has been prepared. The government has already released an initial amount of Rs 200 crore to implement permanent solutions," said Lad during his visit to Bennihalla stream near Yamanaur in Navalgund taluk on Wednesday.
Bennihalla affects 56 villages across six taluks in Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri districts. It flows for about 148km through these three districts and covers a watershed area of around 4,800sqkm, the minister said.
In 2012, irrigation expert Dr GS Paramashivayya had submitted a study report on flood control and effective water usage of Tupparihalla and Bennihalla, which the government has reviewed. Based on that, the project is being implemented, he added.
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The tender for the project is in its final stage, and work will commence after the monsoon ends, the minister said.
He said developmental works for the benefit of the public and tourists will also be taken up near the Yamanur bridge.
As Bennihalla and Tupparihalla streams converge in Navalgund taluk and flow into Gadag district, flood risk is significant. To manage flood situations, the minister directed the formation of 10 dedicated teams for emergency readiness.
MLA NH Konaraddi said the chief minister has promised to provide necessary funds for a permanent solution to the problems caused by flooding in Bennihalla. Due to the seriousness of the monsoon, the work will start soon. An estimated Rs 1,600 crore is required for the flood control and efficient water usage projects of Bennihalla and Tupparihalla. A request will be made through Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to secure funding from the union government, Konaraddi added.
Mock Drill
A mock drill was conducted at Neelammana Kere in Navalgund town to demonstrate how to rescue people during flood situations and drowning incidents as part of public safety preparedness.
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