Minister for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj on Tuesday directed the Deputy Commissioner to get two vented dams constructed under the Varahi Project investigated through the Civil Rights Enforcement Cell. He was a chairing a review meeting on various issues concerned with the Varahi Irrigation Project, here. Mr. Madhwaraj was responding to complaints that these two vented dams were constructed at a cost of ₹90 lakh and ₹50 lakh for the sake of Dalit colonies in Nadpal, Jeddinagadde, and Kelsank hamlets under Amasebail Gram Panchayat. “Hardly any water is getting stored,” said Krishna Poojary, GP member.
Ramachandra Mendon, farmer, said owing to non-controlled explosions used for canal works, his house had cracks and he had been seeking compensation for three years. Padmanabha, Chief Engineer, Varahi Project, said a team from an engineering college had visited the spot and their report was expected. After that compensation would be given.
Mr. Madhwaraj directed Mr. Padmanabha to ensure that compensation was given to Mr. Mendon and a report was submitted to him (Mr. Madhwaraj) in a fortnight.
Many farmers complained that excess land had been included for acquisition for the project. They were shown as required for the Project in records but were not acquired. So they could not construct houses, repair them or sell their lands. Mr. Madhwaraj directed Assistant Commissioner Shilpa Nag to remove the excess lands.
Rajalaxmi Rao, a farmer from Ulloor, said she had lost about 1,000 arecanut trees because the water from the Varahi canal flooded it four years ago. The water never got drained owing to faulty design. She had made several trips to the Irrigation Department, but to no avail. Since her field got destroyed, she was forced to work as a server in wedding halls. Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said she had inspected the spot and a compensation of ₹12.62 lakh to Ms. Rao had been recommended to the Project Engineer. Mr. Madhwaraj spoke to the higher officials in Bengaluru and directed them to clear Ms. Rao compensation immediately. He also directed the Project officers to construct a drain channel to clear the water from Ms. Rao’s field.
