Karnataka's Big Push for Irrigation: UKP Phase-3 Approved

In a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka government approved the long-awaited implementation of Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase-3 — one of the state’s most ambitious irrigation initiatives.

Project Highlights:

Estimated cost: ₹70,000 crore, Key feature: Raising the Almatti Dam height from 519.6 metres to 524.256 metres, Increased storage capacity: 100 TMCFT, Irrigation coverage: 5.94 lakh hectares

The project will require 1,33,867 acres of land, including:

75,563 acres to be submerged, 51,837 acres for canal networks, 6,469 acres for rehabilitation and resettlement

A total of 20 villages and 11 wards of Bagalkot town are expected to be impacted by land acquisition and submergence.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized that Karnataka plans to utilize only the excess water currently flowing into the sea, expressing confidence in achieving regional cooperation.

Calling the move "historic," CM Siddaramaiah urged the Union Government to expedite the long-pending Gazette notification for the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award, which has been awaiting approval for over 12 years.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.