Yettinahole project site in chaotic situation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 24, 2018: The machinary and system of the Yettinahole project site in the Western Ghats is in a chaotic statusdue to the recent rains and landslips in the area. The pipelines laid to carry water from the ghats are stuck in the rubble, project sites flooded, and heavy machinery stuck in the mud.

 

But while locals say the damage to the project site is huge, officials are under cover.

The Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water project, planned on an estimated cost of Rs. 13,000 crore, is intended to carry water from the tributaries of the Nethravati river to dry areas in Kolar, Chickballapur and other districts.

The construction of weirs, pump house and laying pipeline has been going on in Sakleshpur taluk. Locals have noticed pipes submerged in rubble due to landslips and some machinery is entrenched in deep mud. “Not hearing opposition, the government bulldozed in to the controversial project. Now, one can see how the project site has been affected by the landslides,” said  president of Malenadu Janapra Horata Vedike, who moved the National Green Tribunal against the project.

A  planter of the area and theater personality, went around rain-hit areas of Sakleshpur taluk along with his friends and noticed flooding and landslips, besides machinery stuck in the mud in the project area.

Yet, officials maintain that there was no serious damage caused to the project works. Superintendent engineer on the project, told media August 23,  Thursday: “The project is still far from any form, there were a few instances of landslips covering the pipelines. It is expected in heavy rains. However, measures to avoid landslips are part of the project, which would be done once the pipeline work is over. We will put walls, grow grass and plant saplings to avoid any damage to the infrastructure,” he said.

He also ruled out reports blaming the Yettinahole project for the landslips in Shiradi Ghat. “Reports blaming the project for the landslips in a section of the media, is not conclusive and true. Landslips occurred on the road in Shiradi Ghat, but we have not taken up any work close to the road,” he maintained. Regarding the progress of the project, he said 70% of the work is over and the remaining would be completed before the 2019 monsoon.