Centre points out violations in K’taka drinking water project

The Congress’ election pitch for long has been centered around the completion of the Yettinhole drinking water project, however, the Union Environment Ministry, in a detailed report, has now flagged violations in it.

In its latest inspection report, which was accessed by The Tribune, the ministry said the state government had used 266 acres of forest for the project in Hassan district without the Centre’s nod.

“Blasting of rocks has resulted in the damage to houses in the vicinity of the project. Compensation to the affected has not been provided yet. Updated information on the cumulative ecological impact of the project on the Western Ghats is not in place. It is not clear if it is a drinking water project or a combination of irrigation and drinking water scheme. The user agency, in its justification, mentions the filling of irrigation tanks also,” Deputy Inspector General of Forests (Central) Praneetha Paul said in the report.

The Rs 23,252-crore integrated drinking water supply project envisages the diversion of tributaries of the Netravati to meet the drinking water needs of seven parched districts in Karnataka. However, the work that began in 2014 invited criticism from environmentalists who believe the project would be detrimental to the eco-sensitive Western Ghats.

Of the total 428 acres of the forest area proposed to be used for the project, 255 acres is for dumping muck only.

“Hence, more than 60 per cent of the forest area proposed for diversion is only for dumping of the muck generated. This is a non-site specific activity. Effectively, the forest area required for the canal construction is only 171 acres. Hence, revision of the project proposal is a must,” the report said.

The project mentions the construction of a tunnel in the forest area of Hassan. The report revealed that the area was rocky and blasting might be required for the construction of a tunnel.

The project involves the cutting of more than 7,500 trees and the region is prone to soil erosion.

The ministry has directed the Karnataka Government to submit a plan on how it would mitigate the project’s impact on wildlife.