Soon, Hemavathi water to flow in city taps?

BANGALORE: After several researches, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)  Town Planning Committee has drafted a route map plan to connect pump water from Hemavathi River to Thippagondanahalli Reservoir during rainy seasons, which would help water supply to the city last for an year. Committee chairman C K Ramamurthy said he would meet the chief minister on Monday, and request him to include this Rs 70 crore project in the Budget. Reportedly, BBMP needs 500 TMC water to meet the water needs of the city. Ramamurthy said the mega project was being undertaken as there was an acute shortage of water. “BWSSB had taken up the project earlier. But, there was no further action taken in this regard. This project was the need of the hour, and hence, we have proceeded. The 35-km link from Markonahalli Reservoir, which draws water Hemavathi River, would cost Rs 70 crore. The matter has been discussed with BWSSB chairman Gaurav Gupta and chief engineer Narayan. We will approach the CM on Monday and request him to allot funds in the Budget,” he said. He added that Tumkur district was dependent on Hemavathi River, and said, it was not possible to go ahead with the project during other seasons. Water will be channelised to Thippagondanahalli Reservoir during the rainy season, and from there to Hessarghatta Reservoir, where water will be stored. Narayan, chief engineer, BBMP, said,  “Through this project we can channelise water lines from Kunigal, Tumkur Road and connect them with Thippagondanahalli Reservoir which has the storage capacity of 130MLD. However presently, water supply to the city is only 30MLD. Decisions will be taken soon.”