TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: Efforts by Karnataka to push ahead with the implementation of the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project may receive a major setback.
Even though Karnataka has so far spent Rs 124 crore on the project, a major technical hurdle has come up at the final 450-metres stretch which may need clearance from the Central Water Commission (CWC).
According to official sources, about 90 per cent of the work on the Kalsa section of the project covering a distance of 5.15 kms is complete. Karnataka Neeravari Neegam Ltd has spent Rs 124 crore on the project so far.
“Construction on the 450 metres stretch, that is to be taken up soon after getting a clearance from Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) later this month, has come as a major hurdle for Karnataka,” a source told Herald.
The source said that 1.5 tmc of water into Malaprabha could be diverted through the Kalsa nullah, only if an embankment is constructed in its centre to make an effective slope.
According to experts, since the end-point of the project falls on the uphill, execution of the task is technically difficult and an embankment needs to be constructed to ensure diversion of the proposed 1.5 tmc of water from Kalsa nullah.
Having submitted a fresh affidavit and a plea to vacate the stay by Goa, the Karnataka government is expected to soon seek permission of CWC for the construction of this embankment.
However, authorities fear that if Goa objects to the construction of this embankment, the CWC may not give clearance to Karnataka thus making it extremely difficult for the state government to complete the Kalsa phase of the Kalsa-Bhandura.
