Water to be released from Malaprabha dam to avoid flooding in backwater areas

Minister Hebbalkar directs water release from Renuka Sagar dam to prevent flooding, ensure drinking water and aid farmers.

Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar has directed Irrigation Department officials to reduce the water level in the Renuka Sagar dam on the Malaprabha by releasing 5,000-8,000 cusecs of water in order to reduce flooding in the backwater areas.

She was responding to a request by MLA Vishwas Vaidya at the inter-district Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting in Saundatti of Belagavi district on Tuesday.

The Minister asked officers to fill all lakes and tanks in the Malaprabha basin districts to mitigate drinking water scarcity and also, help farmers.

She asked officers to consult experts before deciding to release water from the dam as part of the routine action.

“Unlike last year, we have had adequate rainfall this year. This has led to increased inflow into the reservoirs. There is enough water for drinking and for irrigation. The Malaprabha dam has been completely filled only five times in 50 years. Officers tell me that it is likely to be full this year too. However, officers shall open the gates and release water after consulting experts,” she said.

She said that a traditional Bagina ceremony will be held soon.

She asked officers to prepare a monthly calendar of water release and release only that amount of water that is necessary.