Siddarth Sethia
Apolitical struggle needed for Bedti–Varada river linking: MP Basavaraj Bommai
Union Ministers Give Positive Assurances on Bedti–Varada River Linking:Basavaraj Bommai
Haveri:Public support has surged for the Bedti–Varada river linking project, and nothing is greater than people’s power.
Just as small streams join to form a river, the farmers’ small streams will merge into a great river and this project requires an apolitical struggle, opined former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
Speaking today at an important meeting on the Bedti–Varada river linking project organised at Shri Hukkeri Mutt premises in Haveri on Sunday,he said water is a great blessing given by God.The importance of water lies in the fact that it never perishes.
Though it changes forms, it remains within this environment. In school, they were taught about the water cycle — water evaporates, becomes clouds, falls as rain, and flows again as streams and rivers.Both humans and animals need water to quench their thirst.
They need water for livelihood, employment, and for manufacturing goods. Every river has given rise to a unique culture. Water is also a medicine,” he said.
Water belongs to all:
The MP said when he attended the Davos conference, where the World Bank president and prime ministers of 117 countries were present, hev was given ten minutes to speak.
He spoke on who water belongs to — an individual, society, or a nation? There must be clarity in water management. Water belongs to everyone, and water issues range from local to global levels.
Tanks and streams are connected by rivers. By managing rivers properly, water can be utilised efficiently. Many rivers do not reach the sea; many dry up completely.
That is why, in summer, the Tungabhadra region — including Haveri, Gadag, Shirahatti, and Ranebennur towns — faces acute water shortages. Even the second crop does not get irrigation water.
The former CM said nature has been kind to Karnataka — most rivers originate in the Western Ghats. Krishna and Tungabhadra originate in the west and flow eastwards; Kali and Netravati originate in the west and flow westwards.
This presents a challenge for humans — sometimes their words should solve problems, not create them. Utilising rivers that flow westwards to the west is a big challenge. This raises environmental, forest, and biodiversity concerns.
If about 100 acres are submerged, opposition arises, and cases reach the Supreme Court. Even in the Mahadayi issue, it was not just Goans who opposed it, but also environmentalists from Karnataka.
Positive response from centre:
Bommai said the Bedti River generates large quantities of water. The river linking project has been on the agenda for many years.
It was former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who made river linking a national issue. There are river linking projects elsewhere too.
Projects south of the Vindhya mountains face major challenges. River linking helps control floods and makes water available where it is scarce.
The Varada–Bedti river link is among the first prospective projects. In 2005, when Manjunath Konnur and Karajol moved to implement it, there was strong opposition.
The MP said when he was Water Resources Minister, he examined the environmental issues and made some changes in 2017.
Another modification was made in 2022. There are two proposals — one for Varada–Bedti and another for Bedti–Dharma–Varada link.
The DPR (Detailed Project Report) is not yet ready, but a pre-feasibility report exists. Bengaluru has approved it. He has met Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil and State Minister V. Somanna and held discussions. They have assured a positive response within a week.
Irrigation Knowledge must :
The former CM said once the DPR is ready, they will know exactly how much water can he used. There are streams like Hirehalla, Bedti, and Shalmala.
They will know how much water Varada can supply for use in Haveri district. They must also plan where to store this water so that fertile lands are not submerged.
They need to work with awareness at every stage of this project. Once they know what happens at each stage, they will know what to do.
“We must convince people in Uttara Kannada district that the revised project will not harm them. With sincerity, every problem can be solved.We must think about how to utilise approximately 26 TMC of water.
This cannot happen in a day; it is a long process, and we must be prepared. We must engage in politics to demand water for our district, but the struggle must be non-partisan.
When Maharashtra opposed raising the Almatti dam height, all party members united. In the Cauvery issue, all political leaders in Tamil Nadu stand together.
Likewise, to ensure drinking water for our farmers, everyone must unite. We must form a committee with all MLAs, farmer leaders, and the blessings of Swamijis to take this forward,” he said.
Beginning of positive politics:
He said when building the main irrigation canal, there will be height and levelling challenges. Of the 2.15 lakh acres of uneven land, they have levelled 1.25 lakh acres, thereby saving 20 TMC of water.
Water management is very important. He have started this effort with sincerity and good intentions. There must be discussions on this. People must know how government officials work.
The state and central governments are one in this matter.The farmers need irrigation guidance just like the farmers of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have.
The MP said obstacles will come, but they must overcome them to reach the goal. Nothing is greater than people’s power.
That people’s power has emerged here. Just as small streams join to form a river, Bedti’s stream will merge with Tungabhadra to become a great river — just as their farmers’ streams will merge into one.
Former MP Manjunath Konnur has played a big role in the Bedti–Varada struggle. Though he has faced political difficulties, God will bless his stand for the cause.
Even if our views differ, their goal is the same — and they must achieve it together. Positive politics will begin in Haveri district. The Bedti–Varada linking must happen.
Shri Sadashiva Mahaswamiji of Hukkeri Mutt,Haveri;Shri Basava Shantalinga Mahaswamiji of Hosamath, Haveri; Shri Shivabasava Mahaswamiji of Viraktamath, Akkialur; and Shri Kumar Mahaswamiji of Adavi Swamimath, Savanur.
Former MPs Manjunath Kunnur, former MLAs Virupakshappa Ballari, Shivaraj Sajjan, Arunkumar Pujar, D.M. Sali; farmer leaders A.S. Ballari, Ramanna Kencheller, Mallikarjun Ballari; City Municipal Council President Smt. Shashikala Malagi, Vice President Mallikarjun Satenahalli, and other prominent persons were present.
