At a time when most reservoirs, including the smaller ones, have gone dry in the State owing to deficient rainfall, the Chikkapadasalgi barrage, built by farmers with their own contribution, is filled to the brim.
Located in Jamkhandi taluk of Bagalkot district, the barrage, which is called the Shramabindu Sagar, is all set to supply water for farming and also drinking water needs of numerous villages that are dependent on the barrage.
Siddu Nyamgouda, MLA, who encouraged the farmers to take up the cause of building the barrage which was considered almost impossible, said that the barrage has now 4.4 tmcft of water that it received from the Krishna.
Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts face acute water shortage during summers. The government used to seek Maharashtra’s help in releasing water from the Koyna dam for monetary consideration.
“After the construction of the barrage, this problem has been largely solved mainly for farmers of Jamkhandi taluk as the barrage holds sufficient quantum of water,” said Mr. Nyamgouda.
It was in 1983 when Mr. Nyamgouda, with no political connection, wanted to have lasting solution to the water problem being faced by the taluk.
When the governments did not go to the rescue of farmers by constructing a barrage across the Krishna, Mr. Nyamgouda launched a campaign and he convinced the farmers of the need to share money and get the barrage constructed.
At that time farmers not only offered financial assistance but also worked hard to build the barrage within 11 months.
The barrage now supplies water to over 70,000 acres of land in 21 villages of the taluk.
Since the construction of the barrage, farmers have themselves borne expenditure on maintenance of the barrage.
With the barrage now filled to the brim, Bagina will be offered on Thursday. Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra and district in-charge Minister Umashree will attend the programme.
