The first phase of the Varahi Irrigation Project — envisaged way back in 1980 — was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Monday, with the promise that the second and final phase will be completed in two years. The first phase was built at a cost of Rs. 600.33 crore at Hole Shankarnaryana here.
Speaking after the inauguration, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the farmers, who had waited for the first phase of the project for 35 years, need not lose hope. Nearly 60 per cent of the work of the first phase was completed after the Congress government came to power in 2013, he said, adding that he had already directed officials to speed up the remaining work.
The foundation stone for the Varahi Irrigation Project was laid by the late Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao in 1980.
The project was to be completed at a cost of Rs. 9.43 crore. It progressed at a snail’s pace till 2004, owing to problems in environmental clearance, and work finally began in 2005. The first phase that is now complete will provide irrigation facilities to 6,185 acres including 773 acres under the right bank canal and 5,412 acres under the left bank canal.
When the Varahi project is completed, it will provide irrigation facilities to 15,702 hectares (38,800 acres) of land in the district.
Project’s initial estimate: Rs. 9.43 cr., completed at a cost of Rs. 600.33 cr.
First phase irrigates 6,185 acres; entire project to irrigate 38,800 acres
