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Time of India
19 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
State cabinet clears canal restoration at 14th century dam site
Haveri: The Karnataka cabinet granted administrative approval for rehabilitating the primary canals of Madaga-Masuru lake in Rattihalli taluk, allocating Rs 52.2 crore. This historical water body, featuring a Vijayanagara-era dam, is situated across the Kumudvathi River near Masuru village. The reservoir, with a 0.056 tmcft capacity, services 715 hectares. Its infrastructure comprises a 11 kilometre left bank canal and a 13 kilometre right bank canal, supporting 243 and 427 hectares respectively. The canal system, constructed in 1862, experienced substantial degradation. Current issues include erosion, overgrown vegetation, and silt deposits. Damaged gates result in water seepage, affecting distribution to end-point fields. Local farmers and MLA UB Banakar subsequently sought govt assistance for canal upgradation. The Rs 52.2 crore initiative includes thorough renovation of the main canals and associated CD works at Madaga-Masuru lake. The project scope, aligned with agricultural requirements, encompasses the renovation of both canal banks, supplementary CD works, the suspension canal, and the restoration of road bridges, cattle ramps, and canal crossing structures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Karnataka Niravari Nigama Limited (KNNL) review committee presented a detailed modernisation assessment on Aug 22, 2024, endorsing the Rs 52.2 crore proposal for administrative sanction following board approval. KNNL's managing director confirmed that one-third of the project funding would be allocated this year, with incorporation into the 2025-26 fiscal year action plan. "This is a historic lake built under the Vijayanagar dynasty. We have a responsibility to protect this ancient lake. Thanks to district minister Shivanand Patil, CM Siddaramaiah, and water resources minister and DCM DK Shivakumar for sanctioning grants," said UB Banakar, MLA, Hirekerur. "The left and right bank main canals of Madaga-Masuru lake were in disrepair, making it impossible to supply water to the fields at the tail end. MLA UB Banakar aspired to modernise these canals and ensure proper water supply to the end sections as per the project plan," stated Shivanand Patil, district minister of Haveri. Ancient lake 'Mayadantha Male Banthanna, Madagada Kerege', (There was a mystical downpour at Madaga lake) says a renowned Kannada folk song, celebrates our state's heritage. Madaga lake displays its splendour during the monsoon. The origins of Madaga Masuru Lake are linked to a poignant tale. The lake, spanning 1,700 acres, was created through the sacrifice of Kenchamma, the daughter-in-law of the Masuru village chief (Goudru). Approximately 400 years ago, despite numerous attempts, the villagers struggled to fill the water body. Concerned by this situation, the village chief sought advice from an astrologer, who suggested sacrificing a newlywed woman. Subsequently, a decision was made to sacrifice his daughter-in-law, Kenchamma. The lake was named in her memory. It is widely believed that the lake dates back to the Vijayanagara rule. It is said that a Vijayanagara king witnessed the raising of the great single-stone pillars of the sluices. The sluices of the lake were built on the same principle as other old local sluices. According to an Arabic inscription, the tank was repaired by the Nawab of Savanur.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister Patil stresses on crucial role of journalists
Pic: Dignitaries inaugurated the district-level Press Day and talent award ceremony organised by the Haveri District Working Journalists' Association in Haveri on Monday Haveri: "The decline in investigative journalism and writers focusing on public issues has become apparent recently. The importance of maintaining active and dedicated journalists for the survival of investigative journalism," stated Haveri district minister Shivanand Patil. Speaking at the inauguration of the district-level Press Day and talent award ceremony, organised by the Haveri District Working Journalists' Association on Monday, Patil shared his observations. "In today's society, journalists serve as crucial agents of change. While print media maintains rigorous source verification practices, the rise of electronic media has affected the presence of analytical writers," said Patil, voicing his unease regarding electronic media's tendency to prioritise breaking news without considering its social implications. He declared a Rs 5 lakh allocation for journalists' welfare initiatives. KV Prabhakar, chief minister's media advisor, emphasised how academically curious children progress in society. He expressed concern about the impact of excessive mobile phone and tablet usage on personal connections. "Parents should encourage both academic excellence and human values, emphasising the importance of studiousness," he stated. Saying that proliferation of unverified journalism and misinformation has emerged as a significant issue, Prabhakar emphasised the necessity of accurate reporting over sensationalised content. He discussed the transition from print to AI technology, noting his concern about deteriorating professional standards. "The govt plans for fact-checking legislation, free bus passes, and health cards for rural journalists, encouraging them to utilise available benefits," he stated. The event was attended by legislators Basavaraj Shivannanavar, Prakash Koliwada, Haveri CMC Shashikala Malagi, DCC president Sanjeevkumar Neeralagi, Huda president SFN Gajigaudra, DC Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, ZP CEO Ruchi Bindal, and SP Yashoda Vantagodi.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
More such party convention will be organised in North Karnataka, says Minister
Minister for Textiles, Sugar, Sugarcane Development and Agricultural Marketing and Haveri district in-charge Shivanand Patil has clarified that the Congress convention in Mysuru is not a show of strength in favour of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to presspersons in Haveri on Wednesday, Mr. Patil said that similar party convention will be held in North Karnataka also. He said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already said that he will be the Chief Minister for the whole tenture and he will not comment on it. On the allegation of corruption in supply of milk power to anganwadi centres in Haveri, he said that at the outset it appears to be no scam but he will get it inquired. On the alleged illegal appointment of medical college staff, the Minister said that he has already spoken to the dean concerned on the issue and it appears to be because of technical issues. But if any illegality is found, action will be taken, he said. On the supply of fertilisers, he said that the Centre is not supplying adequate quantity of urea to the State as there is huge demand because of copious rainfall. 'Already, four cases have been filed against supply of poor quality fertiliser. Their licence has been cancelled and steps will be taken to arrest sellers of spurious fertiliser,' he said. 'No increase' Replying to a query, Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil clarified that there has been no increase in the number of deaths due to heart attacks in the last six months. 'People have been given wrong information. We have inquired into the issue and it is clear that deaths are not due to COVID-19 vaccine,' he said. To another query, he said that the Haveri medical college will soon get cardiologists and also a hi-tech MRI scan centre.
India Today
30-06-2025
- India Today
New housing scam in Karnataka: Contractors get funds, but beneficiaries get work
A large-scale housing scam has come to light in Karnataka's Haveri district, where contractors allegedly received payments from the Housing Department for the construction of homes, but made beneficiaries build the structures themselves. This came to the fore during a recent meeting held with Haveri district in-charge Minister Shivanand Patil, who then ordered an official inquiry into the matter. The findings, accessed exclusively by India Today, are based on an official inspection report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner in May Housing Department, acting on behalf of the Karnataka Slum Development Board, had been tasked with constructing housing units in Haveri district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Housing for All (PMAY-HFA) scheme. According to protocol, the department is meant to complete construction and hand over the homes to the Slum Development Board, which in turn allocates them to the inspection report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner in May 2025 reveals widespread irregularities across Savanur, Shiggaon, and Bankapur taluks. Many contractors reportedly informed beneficiaries that they would only be providing building materials and labour equivalent to 350 square feet, with the onus of actual construction falling on the beneficiaries. Even this support was only partially provided in many cases, with materials supplied only up to 50 per cent and labour charges left In Savanur, where 696 houses were sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 43.71 crore, 545 houses were completed while 151 were still in progress. Work began in October 2021 and was executed by M/s Nakshatra Infrastructure under contractor Selvi Shanmuga. Although Rs 28.97 crore has been released so far and Rs 10.54 crore disbursed to 527 beneficiaries under the Gruha Bhagya scheme, the report notes that many homes remain incomplete. During site inspections, officials found that plastering and electrical connections were still pending, and the actual construction was carried out by beneficiaries themselves with only partial Bankapur, 454 houses were sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 27.76 crore. Contractor G Chandregouda began work in October 2021. At the time of the inspection, only 100 houses were completed, 154 were still under construction, and 200 were pending due to site clearance issues. Financial progress stood at Rs 12.32 crore, of which Rs 7.57 crore had been released. Rs 3.74 crore was disbursed to 187 beneficiaries under Gruha Bhagya. Here too, the same pattern was reported: beneficiaries received partial material, no labour payment, and electricity was unavailable in several homes. Some beneficiaries had built homes beyond the approved size, reportedly without official had two packages of housing works. In the first package, 500 houses were sanctioned at a cost of Rs 26.54 crore, with work starting in July 2021 by contractor Krishnamurthy & Co. While 474 houses were completed and 26 remained in progress, only Rs 17.92 crore had been released out of a financial target of Rs 25.35 crore. Rs 3.42 crore was distributed to 171 beneficiaries. Here too, contractors were reportedly absent during inspections. Beneficiaries said they built the houses themselves with partial support and no labour cost provided. Despite construction, several homes had no electricity, with contractors unresponsive to the second package for Shiggaon, 350 houses were sanctioned with a budget of Rs 20.77 crore. Contractor TN Paramesh of Chair Ventures LLP began work in July 2021. As per the report, 160 houses were completed and 190 were in progress, with Rs 11.96 crore released and Rs 4.65 crore disbursed to 242 beneficiaries. The inspection found similar concerns: contractors were missing from the sites, beneficiaries reported incomplete support, and officials were informed on the spot of the lack of contractor the three taluks, the report identifies a consistent pattern of malpractice: contractors allegedly billed the full amount while providing only partial materials, failed to pay labour charges, and often remained absent or unresponsive. Beneficiaries were left to complete construction on their own, sometimes building beyond the approved area. Basic amenities such as plastering and electricity connections were often official report, dated May 8, 2025, was submitted by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Savanur along with Executive Engineers from the Public Works Department, Panchayat Raj Engineering Division, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department, and the Karnataka Slum Development Board. The report called for necessary action and was sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Haveri for further revelations come in the wake of a political storm triggered by a leaked audio clip purportedly featuring Congress MLA BR Patil in which he accuses officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation of large-scale corruption, including bribery in house the clip, Patil is heard accusing officials linked to the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation of widespread corruption, alleging that houses were allotted only to those who paid bribes. He also claims that recommendation letters from elected representatives were routinely ignored. The conversation is reportedly between Patil and Sarfaraz Khan, personal assistant to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.- Ends advertisementIN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Hans India
Karnataka Housing Fraud Exposed: Contractors Receive Payment While Beneficiaries Build Own Homes
A significant housing fraud has been exposed in Karnataka's Haveri district, revealing how contractors collected government payments for home construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana while compelling beneficiaries to build their own residences. The scheme defrauded the Housing for All program by transferring construction responsibilities to vulnerable recipients despite contractors receiving full compensation. The scandal emerged during a meeting with Haveri district minister Shivanand Patil, who subsequently ordered an official investigation. An exclusive inspection report from May 2025, obtained by authorities and submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, documents extensive irregularities across multiple administrative areas including Savanur, Shiggaon, and Bankapur regions. Under standard protocol, the Housing Department should complete construction projects on behalf of the Karnataka Slum Development Board before transferring finished homes to designated beneficiaries. However, investigation findings reveal contractors systematically informed recipients they would receive only building materials and labor equivalent to 350 square feet, with actual construction becoming the beneficiaries' responsibility. Even this limited support was frequently provided incompletely, with materials supplied at only 50 percent capacity and labor payments remaining unpaid. In Savanur taluk, authorities sanctioned 696 houses requiring Rs 43.71 crore in total funding. While 545 units reached completion status and 151 remained under construction, the project suffered from significant implementation failures. Work commenced in October 2021 under contractor M/s Nakshatra Infrastructure, managed by Selvi Shanmuga. Despite releasing Rs 28.97 crore in funding and distributing Rs 10.54 crore to 527 beneficiaries through the Gruha Bhagya scheme, numerous homes remained unfinished. Site inspections revealed missing plastering work, absent electrical connections, and evidence that beneficiaries had undertaken construction tasks independently with minimal contractor assistance. The Bankapur area presented similar violations, with 454 sanctioned houses requiring Rs 27.76 crore in estimated costs. Contractor G Chandregouda initiated work in October 2021, but inspection results showed only 100 completed homes, 154 under construction, and 200 pending due to site clearance complications. Financial disbursements totaled Rs 12.32 crore, with Rs 7.57 crore released and Rs 3.74 crore distributed to 187 beneficiaries. The investigation documented identical problems: partial material provision, unpaid labor costs, and unavailable electricity in multiple residences. Some beneficiaries constructed homes exceeding approved dimensions, reportedly without official contractor support. Shiggaon taluk operated under two separate housing packages. The first package encompassed 500 houses valued at Rs 26.54 crore, with construction beginning in July 2021 under contractor Krishnamurthy & Co. Although 474 houses achieved completion and 26 remained in progress, only Rs 17.92 crore had been released from the Rs 25.35 crore financial target. Rs 3.42 crore reached 171 beneficiaries, but contractors were frequently absent during official inspections. Recipients reported completing construction independently with partial support and no labor cost coverage. Multiple homes lacked electrical connections, with contractors remaining unresponsive to beneficiary complaints. The second Shiggaon package involved 350 houses requiring Rs 20.77 crore in funding. Contractor TN Paramesh of Chair Ventures LLP commenced work in July 2021, achieving 160 completed units and 190 in progress. Financial releases totaled Rs 11.96 crore, with Rs 4.65 crore distributed to 242 beneficiaries. Inspection findings mirrored other locations: contractor absence from construction sites, incomplete beneficiary support, and officials discovering lack of contractor engagement during field visits. The comprehensive report identifies consistent fraudulent practices across all three administrative areas. Contractors allegedly submitted bills for full payment amounts while providing only partial materials, failed to compensate laborers, and frequently remained absent or unresponsive to inquiries. Beneficiaries faced the burden of completing construction independently, sometimes expanding beyond approved specifications. Essential amenities including proper plastering and electrical installations were commonly missing from completed structures. The official documentation, dated May 8, 2025, was prepared by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Savanur in collaboration with Executive Engineers from various departments including Public Works, Panchayat Raj Engineering Division, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department, and the Karnataka Slum Development Board. The report recommended necessary corrective action and was forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Haveri for further legal proceedings. These revelations coincide with broader political controversy surrounding housing sector corruption, triggered by leaked audio recordings allegedly featuring Congress MLA BR Patil. The recordings suggest widespread corruption within the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, including bribery requirements for house allocations and systematic disregard for elected representatives' recommendation letters. The conversation reportedly occurred between Patil and Sarfaraz Khan, personal assistant to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, indicating potential systemic corruption extending beyond individual contractor misconduct.
