The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has officially commenced the Vrishabhavati Lift Irrigation Project, marking a significant step towards addressing the longstanding water scarcity issues in Bengaluru, its rural vicinities, and the Tumkur districts. The foundation stone laying ceremony took place in the Nelamangala Assembly Constituency, where the Chief Minister highlighted the project’s aim to replenish 70 lakes in its initial phase, thereby bolstering groundwater levels across four districts.
With an allocation of Rs 2240 crore towards the Vrishabhavati project, following previous investments of 3000 crore rupees in the KC Valley and MN Valley projects, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in the project’s capacity to provide a lasting solution to the region’s water troubles. “This project will not only enhance groundwater levels but also empower the economic status of the local population through improved water availability for agriculture,” he stated.
During the event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also lauded Congress MLA Srinivas for his relentless efforts in securing over 850 crores in developmental funds for the constituency within a mere 9 months of the government’s tenure. The Chief Minister’s commendation underscored MLA Srinivas’s dedication to the development of Nelamangala and urged the public to ensure his continued representation from the Congress party in future elections.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah criticized the central government’s refusal to supply rice to Karnataka at subsidized rates and condemned the BJP’s attitude towards the state’s initiative to transfer funds directly to citizens’ accounts instead of providing rice. “Insulting the poor has become a habit for the BJP,” he remarked, reflecting on the central government’s response to Karnataka’s requests for assistance.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, various ministers including KH Muniyappa, Zamir Ahmed Khan, NS Boseraju, and other dignitaries such as former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily and former Minister ST Somasekhar, showcasing the project’s significance and the state government’s commitment to resolving Karnataka’s water scarcity issues through substantial infrastructural investments.