BIJAPUR: M.B. Patil, Tikota MLA, has urged the State Government to approve the project aimed at filling 97 minor irrigation tanks with water from the Krishna and the Bhima. Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, he said the Department of Minor Irrigation and the BLDE Association's Pa. Gu. Halakatti Engineering College prepared the project in November 2004 and sent it to the Government for approval. The project has not been approved owing to lack of political pressure.

The Congress MLA said if the project is commissioned, drinking water scarcity in 130 villages could be overcome. Besides, the project could irrigate 50,000 acres of land and improve the water-table. Mr. Patil said according to an official estimate, production of foodgrains in the district will increase to 8.08 lakh quintals from 2.8 lakh quintals if the project is implemented. It will fetch an additional income of Rs. 63 crores. Apart from foodgrains, horticulture will also get a fillip. Further, the tanks will help in taking up fisheries. He said the project has eight sub-schemes and it needs Rs. 202 crores. If implemented, the project will be a permanent solution to drought in the district. Referring to doubts over water allocation, he said 17.34 tmcft. has been provided for minor irrigation projects in the region under the Scheme A of the Bachawat Tribunal Award. However, the water allocated has not been used.

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