Published Jul 20, 2025 | 5:18 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 20, 2025 | 5:18 PM
Dam repairs to begin after safety report: DCM DK Shivakumar
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that repair works on Karnataka’s dams will commence on a priority basis following the submission of a report by the state’s Technical Committee on Dam Safety.
Speaking to reporters after offering bagina at the Kabini reservoir, he said, “We constituted the committee after a gate at the Tunga Bhadra reservoir was damaged. Necessary action will be taken once we receive their findings.”
Highlighting the importance of the Kabini reservoir, Shivakumar noted that while it hadn’t reached full capacity in the last two years, this year it has, thanks to good rainfall. “Kabini has been a lifeline during drought years. Our MLAs have proposed developments in the area, and during the Cabinet meeting at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, we cleared projects worth ₹35 crore. A DPR for a drip irrigation project worth ₹88 crore has also been submitted,” he said.
On the possibility of holding a Kabini Utsava, he said discussions were ongoing with the district in-charge minister. “Kabini Utsava and Cauvery aarti are planned. Our government is committed to generating employment through tourism.”
Responding to questions on a long-pending botanical garden proposal, Shivakumar remarked, “We need investor participation. At present, our priority is reservoir safety and efficient water use.”
