Bedti-Varada river-linking project gets a new eco-friendly design
The updated plan includes a new approach to channel water from the Bedti River to the Varada River through two routes.
As the project, which has been under discussion for nearly 25 years, faced considerable opposition from the residents in the Bedti basin, the govt showed no interest in implementing it. However, the project has garnered the support of Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has submitted a modified plan for the project from its Bangalore divisional office to Delhi for review.
The new design outlines plans to transfer 18.4 TMC of water from the Bedti River to the Varada River through two linkages. The first approach involves directly lifting water from the Bedti River to the Varada River without disturbing the surrounding area. The second approach entails storing water in the Dharma reservoir, which will then be channeled to the Varada River. The two routes are allocated 10.6 TMC and 7.6 TMC of water, respectively.
It is estimated that 18 TMC of water can be utilised from the Bedti-Varada River-Linking project. The primary objective of the project is to provide irrigation support to the districts of Haveri, Gadag, Koppal, and Raichur. Proponents argue that the water from the Bedti River, which flows through the Western Ghats and ultimately drained into the sea, is underutilised. The NWDA initiated a study on the Bedti River diversion project as early as 2003, but it was abandoned due to opposition from the locals.
"The Bedti-Varada River-Linking is a long-awaited project that was held up due to concerns about its environmental impact. Now, efforts are being made to implement the project in an eco-friendly manner. I will meet with Union minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil, next week to discuss the project. A public awareness meeting will be held in Haveri on Aug 10, followed by another meeting in Gadag district," said Bommai.
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