Netravati to cater to the drinking water needs of Bengaluru: KJ George

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru , Aug 31,2017: Considering seriously  Karnataka government has opted of getting floodwaters from the Netravati to cater to the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and Mangaluru says  Minister K.J. George .

Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George along and  Minister for Urban Development R. Roshan Baig  held a meeting to discuss the feasibility report prepared by Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) on harnessing floodwaters from Netravati. The report is prepared by scientists led by T.G. Seetharam. Top officials from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) participated in the discussion.

Mr. George told presspersons that after a consultation with stakeholders, the detail project report (DPR) would be finalised and sent to the Cabinet for approval. The approximate cost of the project would be 2,500 crore. A complete picture of the project would be available after the DPR is prepared.

The feasibility report suggests construction of a reservoir in Mangaluru to impound floodwaters and make the water available for drinking purpose after treatment. Around 240 tmcft of water from the river flows into the Arabian Sea every year. It could be possible to store an average of 24 tmcft of water required for Bengaluru city and 2.1 tmcft for Mangaluru city, the Minister said. These kind of projects were successfully being implemented in seven countries, including Hongkong, he said. According to the report, it is possible to prevent erosion, address ecological concerns, besides displacement of people. The government was seriously considering this project to provide a permanent solution to drinking water shortage of growing Bengaluru, Mr. George said.

In view of opposition from people in coastal Karnataka for harnessing water from west-flowing rivers and streams, including Yettinahole, all communities would be taken into confidence before implementing this project, the Minister said.