Utsav to mark KRS 75th anniversary

MYSORE: Irrigation Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the state government has planned to organise an Ustav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir.He said that the government would replace crust gates and  complete the modernisation of irrigation canals to protect the interest of farmers. He was speaking at a function held at Brindavan Gardens at KRS, near here, on Wednesday.He said that the government that has completed the replacement of crust gates at plus 80 ft will replace crust gates at plus 50 and 60 fts at the reservoir. He said that the replacement of crust gates has saved 2,000 cusecs of water and will enable irrigation department to release water for irrigation, 17 days in advance compared to previous year.Recalling that the engineers were initially scared of replacing the defunct and damaged gates, he said, however, they proved their efficiency and professionalism by replacing 16 gates in record time. Despite the inter-state water dispute pending before the Tribunal, Basavaraj Bommai said that the Irrigation Department has completed modernisation of Sriram Devaraja canal and has started work on Katte Pura canal to be completed in eight months. He said that the administrative approval will be given to the modernisation of Chamaraja, Mirle, Ramasamundra and Devaraja canals.   He said that drinking water will be provided to drought-hit villages in various districts of the state.