₹490 crore lift irrigation project proposed to address drinking water crisis in Hanur

A ₹490 crore lift irrigation project aims to resolve Hanur's drinking water crisis by utilizing Cauvery river resources.

In a significant step towards resolving the long-standing drinking water crisis in Hanur taluk, MP for Chamarajanagar Sunil Bose on Tuesday said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹490 crore has been prepared to lift water from the Cauvery river and fill up reservoirs, tanks and check dams in the region.

“The proposal has been submitted for inclusion in the 2026-27 State Budget, and we are hopeful that it will be approved this time,” Mr. Bose said.

The project envisages drawing water from the Cauvery near Saragur village in Kollegal taluk and pumping it to the Uduthorehalla reservoir in Hanur taluk. From there, water will be supplied to tanks, lakes and check dams in Kurattihosuru, Santekane and surrounding areas.

Villages under Kurattihosuru, Kaudalli, Martalli and Dinnalli Gram Panchayats have been grappling with acute drinking water shortages, worsened by a sharp decline in groundwater levels. Residents, farmers’ organisations and local representatives have repeatedly urged authorities to implement a permanent solution, citing mounting social and economic hardships.

“After multiple rounds of discussions with officials of the Water Resources Department, a comprehensive DPR was prepared. Under the plan, water will be pumped through a rising main to a distribution tank near Ajjipura village. It will then flow by gravity to the Uduthorehalla reservoir and subsequently to tanks and check dams in Dantalli, Kurattihosuru, Martalli and the Ramapura-Cowdalli stream region,” Mr. Bose said in a statement.

The project is expected to benefit villages under nine gram panchayats with long-term drinking water security, while also aiding groundwater recharge.