Karkala: State govt lacks funds to install panels for check dams, says Sunil Kumar

Karkala: The Congress-led state government lacks funds to allocate grants for installing panels on around 250 check dams in the Karkala constituency and other areas in Udupi district, alleged V. Sunil Kumar, BJP State General Secretary and MLA. He expressed frustration, accusing the government of betraying farmers who rely heavily on check dam water for irrigation.

Sunil Kumar criticized the state government for failing to release any funds for this purpose so far, despite repeated appeals. He mentioned that he had formally requested funds from the Minor Irrigation Department Minister and concerned officials, urging immediate action to ensure timely installation of panels on the check dams to support the farmers’ water needs.

Vital Water Source for Farmers

The Karkala and Hebri taluks in the constituency house over 250 check dams managed by the Minor Irrigation Department. These dams, constructed alongside rivers, provide a crucial water source for seasonal and long-term crops, benefiting local farmers. They are also essential for sustaining other water resources in the area, making farmers in these catchment areas heavily dependent on the water stored in check dams for their agricultural activities, Kumar stated.

Urgent Call for Fund Allocation

As the monsoon season ends and water flow decreases, Sunil Kumar warned that the lack of panels could limit water storage, leading to a severe water shortage for agriculture and other activities during the summer months. He cautioned that if funding delays prevent panel installations, local farmers might have to resort to alternative measures for dam maintenance. Kumar pressed the government to release adequate funds promptly to install panels across all check dams in Karkala and Udupi districts to avoid further complications.