Hassan: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the first phase of the Yettinahole drinking water project on September 6, in Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district. The ceremony will take place at Doddanagar, where the CM will switch on pumps and motors, marking the commencement of water-lifting operations. Following this, a traditional ‘bagina’ offering to ‘Gange’ will be held at Hebbanahalli, symbolising the dedication of the project to the public.
Project Overview
The Yettinahole project, with an estimated total cost of ₹23,251 crore, aims to address the drinking water needs of drought-prone regions in Karnataka. As of July 2024, ₹16,152 crore has been spent on its construction. The project, which has faced delays, is expected to be fully completed by March 31, 2027, according to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Scope and Benefits
This massive project is designed to benefit seven districts, including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, and Tumakuru, along with parts of Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. However, these districts will need to wait another three years for the full completion and distribution of water.
Upon completion, the project aims to provide 24.01 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of drinking water. Additionally, 14.056 TMC of water will be supplied to 38 towns across 29 drought-affected taluks and 6,657 villages, potentially benefiting 75.59 lakh people, along with their livestock.
Construction Progress
Under the Yettinahole project, eight check dams (weirs) have already been constructed. The initial phase faced delays due to power supply issues, but these have now been rectified. The first phase of the project is complete and ready for operation.
Conclusion
The Yettinahole project is set to transform the water availability in several drought-hit districts of Karnataka. While it promises significant long-term benefits, the full impact of the project will only be realised by 2027.