Hosapete: Offering Bagina to the Tungabhadra River on Sunday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that farmers of three dependent states will receive water from the reservoir for the second crop season as well. Concerns arose when the dam’s 19th spillway gate was washed away on August 10, causing anxiety among farmers about their crop irrigation. Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other cabinet colleagues offered Bagina to the brimming Tungabhadra Dam and also honored the engineers and staff involved in the installation of the stoplog. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to recognize their efforts, particularly the work led by expert Kannaiah Naidu.“When the gate broke, farmers were worried about their crops. Thanks to immediate action by DK Shivakumar and the in-charge ministers of Koppal and Vijayanagara and the team of engineers and staff who completed the gate installation within just one week, saving 20 TMC of water,” the Chief Minister said. He extended his gratitude to all involved in the restoration.Siddaramaiah also recalled his confidence during his previous visit in August to the reservoir when the gate was washed away. He had assured farmers that the dam would refill. “I was confident that we would have good rains in August, and today, as promised, we are here offering Bagina. The storage capacity of the dam is 105 TMC, and currently, it stands at 101.773 TMC. Farmers need not worry; they have ample water for their first crop, and I am optimistic they will also receive water for their second crop. More good rains are expected in the coming days,” he added, thanking both nature and divine blessings.Siddaramaiah highlighted the Tungabhadra reservoir’s significance, stating it irrigates 9.26 lakh acres in Karnataka, 6.25 lakh acres in Andhra Pradesh, and 87,000 acres in Telangana, and is now filled to capacity for the second time this season.In response to political criticism, Siddaramaiah urged the public not to be swayed by opposition parties. “BJP and JD(S) cannot digest the fact that we are in power. But we have fulfilled our promises. I cannot forget the support of the people from this region in the elections. Your blessings have been crucial,” he said.Stressing the importance given by the government to the North and Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad Karnataka) region, the Chief Minister spoke about the formation of the Govind Rao Committee to address regional imbalances. He stated that the committee’s findings would guide a new development plan for North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka. “Our government has already allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the region’s development, and we are urging the central government to release an additional Rs 5,000 crore,” Siddaramaiah added.
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