DPR for ₹1,600-crore project for dredging Benni Halla in final stages: Lad

Labour Minister and Dharwad district in charge Santosh Lad has said that the only solution for the frequent flooding of Benni Halla and other streams in Dharwd district was the complete dredging of Benni Halla and widening of nalas and in this regard the government had planned a ₹1,600-crore project.

Labour Minister and Dharwad district in charge Santosh Lad has said that the only solution for the frequent flooding of Benni Halla and other streams in Dharwd district was the complete dredging of Benni Halla and widening of nalas and in this regard the government had planned a ₹1,600-crore project.

He was speaking to presspersons after visiting rain-affected and flood-affected villages of Navalgund taluk in Dharwad district, along with Navalgund MLA N.H. Konaraddi and other officials on Saturday.

“Flooding of Benni Halla and other streams has been a recurring problem for the last few decades and as dredging of the streams and widening of the nalas is considered the sole solution, the State government has planned a ₹1,600-crore project. Its DPR is in the final stages,” he said.

Meanwhile because of the special interest taken by Mr. Konaraddi, the government had sanctioned a ₹200-crore project for dredging and development of Benni Halla and other tributaries for a distance of 140 km. Under the project, the nalas would be widened to 30 metres. The tender had already been floated and the work had put off because of the rains, he said.

The Minister said that similarly a ₹160-crore project for dredging Tuppari Halla and development had been sanctioned by the government and the work would be taken after January. Subsequently, at least for some villages of Navalgund taluk there would be no problem of flooding during the monsoon next year, he said.

On the rain damage caused, he said authorities have been directed to conduct a survey. “As of now, 65% sowing has been completed in Dharwad district. Whatever assistance is required for re-sowing, steps will taken to provide the same. If it is found that no cultivation is possible for the kharif season, then steps to provide relief as per government norms will be taken,” he said.