Ettinhole Project Launch: A Silver Lining for the Government Amidst Controversies

Sakaleshpur: The long-awaited Ettinhole project is finally taking shape, bringing hope to drought-prone areas and providing a much-needed boost to the government’s image. Despite controversies and scams surrounding the administration, this project is being seen as a “silver lining” of development. It aims to supply water to seven districts, including the Bengaluru countryside, where drinking water is scarce.

The first phase of the project will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday at 1 pm at the Nade Yuva Brihat ceremony near Hebbanahalli in Sakleshpur taluk. Later, the Ettinhole Integrated Drinking Water Project will be officially launched at 2 pm by offering water to Ganga at the Hebbanahalli distribution tank. This marks a significant milestone in the project’s journey, which was initially proposed in 2010.

The project has undergone several revisions, with the foundation stone laid in March 2014. The cost has been revised from ₹8,323 crores in 2012 to ₹23,252 crores in 2022. Despite these changes, the project is expected to be completed by March 2027. The launch is seen as a political victory for the Congress party and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar is also expected to gain politically from the project. It may influence the upcoming Channapatna by-election. Shivakumar has invited all leaders and parties who have contributed to the project, setting aside partisanship, and is expected to benefit politically from the launch.

The project was initially proposed by former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily in 2010. Moily, who hails from the coast, had promised to provide water to his constituency. Now, during the same Congress tenure, the most crucial phase of the project is being launched, highlighting its significance and the government’s commitment to its completion.