Row Over Karnataka’s Proposed Bridge cum Barrage on Tungabhadra River
Local leaders opposing Karnataka move and urging AP to intervene
Kurnool: Politicians and farmers here are opposing the proposed barrage on the Tungabhadra river in the Mantralayam constituency.
They allege that the Rs 397 crore project, which aims to store 0.34tmc of water, will reduce the water flow to Kurnool district. Local legislators say most of the KC Anicut, located in Nandyal district, would be severely affected by this project.
The proposed 'bridge-cum-barrage' is being planned by Karnataka near Chikala Parvi, close to the Mantralayam constituency, with a budget of Rs 397.50 crore. The tender process has been completed.
Karnataka officials are proceeding with the construction plans. However, any project on the Tungabhadra requires approval from both states. People’s representatives in Kurnool have already rejected the proposal. The project has a capacity to store 0.34tmc-ft of water.
Nandikotkur legislator G Jayasurya voiced public concern by saying the barrage could obstruct water flow to Rayalaseema. The issue should be discussed by both state governments. As of now, the Karnataka authorities are acting on their own without consulting the local representatives, he alleged.
Since a large portion of the KC canal anicut is located in Nandyal, local MLAs, including Gowru Charitha Reddy and Bhuma Akhila Priya, are strongly opposing the project. Tension may arise as Karnataka has rejected AP's proposal to take control of some of the sluices associated with the barrage.
Telugu Desam leader Thikka Reddy criticised the Karnataka plan, especially the construction of two bridges/barrages—one in Kumbalanur-Chikalparvi with a 0.35tmc-ft capacity and another at Mantralayam-Chinna Manchala with 0.31tmc-ft. He said the Kumbalanur-Chikalparvi barrage, located 144km from the Tungabhadra dam, could allow illegal diversion of river water through lift irrigation to Karnataka.
He flayed Karnataka’s irrigation officials for bypassing protocols and negotiating directly with Kurnool district engineers.
Further, senior officials of the irrigation department confirmed that they have received a letter from Karnataka government officials, seeking permission for the construction of a bridge-cum-barrage. They acknowledged that this matter should not be handled or finalized by local officials and must be decided by the state government.
