Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Bommai urges Karnataka to expedite Varada-Bedthi river-linking DPR
Basavaraj Bommai wants Karnataka to prepare a report quickly for a river-linking project.
The report is called a Detailed Project Report, or DPR.
He wants the report sent to the central government.
Bommai says the project could help areas that often face drought.
He says water flowing into the sea during the monsoon could be used.
About 18 TMC of water could support drinking water and farming in four districts.
Some conservation activists oppose the proposed linking and planned a protest in Bengaluru.
Bommai also wants local representatives and activists to meet and discuss the project.
Basavaraj Bommai urged Karnataka officials to expedite the project’s Detailed Project Report and submit it to the Centre.
He requested a meeting involving Haveri representatives, ministers, legislators and activists to discuss the proposal.
The appeal came before a planned October 10 protest in Bengaluru against the proposed river linking.
Bommai said drought has repeatedly affected the Kittur and Kalyana Karnataka regions, threatening water and fodder supplies.
He proposed using about 18 TMC of water for drinking and farming in four districts, with separate storage for Haveri.
- Who
- BJP MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urged Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy to act.
- What
- They were asked to expedite the Detailed Project Report for the Varada-Bedthi river-linking project and submit it to the Centre.
- When
- The appeal came ahead of a planned protest on October 10; the year was not specified.
- Where
- The project concerns Karnataka, including proposed water use in Gadag, Haveri, Koppal and Raichur; the protest is planned at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
- Why
- Bommai said the project could help address recurring drought, drinking-water shortages and agricultural needs.
Project proponents
Project opponents
Whether to proceed with river linking
Project proponents
Basavaraj Bommai supports expediting the project report, saying the project could address drought, drinking-water needs and agricultural requirements.
Project opponents
The Bedthi-Aghanashini Valley Conservation Committee opposes the proposed linking and planned a protest in Bengaluru.
Project design and water use
Project proponents
Bommai said water flowing into the sea during the monsoon could be lifted and used without building a major reservoir.
Project opponents
The articles state that conservation activists oppose the proposed linking but do not specify their detailed objections.
- Project
- Varada-Bedthi river-linking project
- Requested action
- Expedite the Detailed Project Report and submit it to the Centre
- Proposed water use
- Around 18 TMC for drinking and agricultural purposes
- Potential beneficiary districts
- Gadag, Haveri, Koppal and Raichur
- Proposed approach
- Lift monsoon water flowing into the sea without constructing a major reservoir
- Planned protest
- October 10 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, organized by the Bedthi-Aghanashini Valley Conservation Committee