Upper Bhadra water release acquires electoral overtones in Karnataka
The experimental water release from September 6 has triggered a political debate, with the Opposition alleging an electoral motive.
The ruling Congress in Karnataka has released water from the Upper Bhadra Project (UBP) in the Chitradurga branch canal ahead of the upcoming Assembly bypoll in Hiriyur, sparking political debate and farmer protests. The decision, which began on September 6, has been criticized by opposition parties as an attempt to sway voters ahead of the election, scheduled for October 23.
Farmers in drought-prone Tumakuru district, including Chikkanayakanahalli, Sira, Madhugiri, and Pavagada, have accused the government of releasing water as a "gimmick" and have demanded that pending canal works be expedited to fill tanks in their region. The Congress-led government, however, points out that the UBP requires additional funds to complete the remaining works, which are targeted for completion in 2028.
The UBP, a multi-purpose project covering Chitradurga, Davangere, Tumakuru, and Chikkamagaluru districts, aims to irrigate 2.25 lakh hectares and fill 367 tanks with 29.9 tmcft of water. The project's cost has risen from ₹7,000 crore to over ₹23,000 crore, with the central government's promised ₹5,300 crore still pending.
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