Flood control project launched to help 37 villages in two north Karnataka districts

The Bennehalla Flood Control Project is expected to benefit residents of 37 villages in Dharwad and Gadag districts, officials said in Dharwad on February 8.

The Bennehalla stream originates near Dhundasi in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district and flows through Kundgol, Hubli, Navalgund and Rona taluks of Dharwad district, and Nargund and Rona taluks of Gadag district, all within Karnataka. It flows for a total length of 148 km and joins the Malaprabha river near Menasagi village. A total of 15 major tributaries of Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag and Belgaum districts join this river.

During the monsoon, flash floods occur in villages on the banks of the river, causing immense damage in 37 villages of Dharwad and Gadag districts.

On February 8, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a flood control project in Siraguppi village.

This follows an appeal by MLA N. H. Konaraddi and other leaders.

The flood control project was prepared based on the report of G.S. Paramashivayya and as per the guidelines of the Central Water Commission. A detailed project report was made possible by a government grant of ₹90 lakh.

The then Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil had instructed the Karnataka Irrigation Corporation to conduct a survey for Bennehalla permanent relief in 2017, and prepare a DPR. An expert consultant was appointed through a tender on December 11, 2017 to prepare a comprehensive project report.

It includes flood control of tributaries and construction of a bathing ghat near Yamanur in Navalgund taluk along with implementation of Yamanur Aarti.

A comprehensive detailed report, with a total project cost amounting to ₹1,610 crore, was presented by the corporation to the Central Government.

While the Centre is yet to approve the project, in the State budget, Mr. Siddaramaiah announced a grant of ₹200 crore under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) for select projects — flood control, construction of barrier walls, and permanent relief work of Bennehalla stream flowing in Dharwad and Gadag districts. Following administrative approvals, the tender process for the ₹200 crore work was completed.

“An estimated cost report of ₹1,610 crore was submitted to the Central Government. But since the Central Government delayed approvals, we decided to take up the first phase at a cost of ₹200 crore. Due to flash floods in the stream, about 37 villages and 20,000 hectares of land were flooded. This will be avoided by the restraining wall and other structures,” the CM said.