A Drop of Hope: Karnataka Acquires Land for Mahadayi Project

In a significant step toward implementing the long-pending Mahadayi river project, the Karnataka government has issued a land acquisition notification, reaffirming its commitment to move ahead with the project.

Issued by the Revenue Department on July 23, the notification pertains to the acquisition of nine acres and 27 guntas of land across villages such as Asoga, Karambal, Shedagali, and Rumewadi in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district. The Mahadayi project is intended to supply drinking water and irrigation to 13 towns and hundreds of villages in the Kittur Karnataka region—a long-standing demand, especially in the Hubballi-Dharwad area.

Although the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal awarded Karnataka 13.42 TMC of water in 2018 and the detailed project report (DPR) has been approved, the project has faced delays due to objections from Goa and pending environmental and wildlife clearances from the central government.

By initiating land acquisition, the Karnataka government has demonstrated strong political will and renewed its appeal to Union Ministers for expediting the remaining approvals. The move has revived hopes across north Karnataka that the long-awaited project will finally deliver critical water infrastructure to the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.