₹2,000 crore allocated for Cauvery basin development: Dy.CM D K Shivakumar urges cooperation for Cauvery Aarti
Mandya
Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar said a significant allocation of over ₹2,000 crore for the development of the Cauvery river basin has been provided, with more than ₹1,000 crore earmarked specifically for Mandya district.
He informed this during a ceremony held at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam, which, for the first time in 92 years, reached full capacity in the month of June.
Speaking after offering the ceremonial “Bagina” at the dam alongside the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar said, “our government has prioritised the Cauvery basin over the past two years. We have repaired 80-year-old canals and released over 30 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu due to heavy rainfall, surpassing the required 9 TMC. In fact, during 2022–23, 400 TMC of excess water was released.”
He appealed for public support for the proposed Cauvery Aarti, saying, “do not oppose a prayer done with devotion. Water has no religion or caste. This is our culture, and I request cooperation from everyone.”
He clarified that the Aarti site is located half a kilometer away from the dam, and performing prayers does not require government permission. Highlighting the economic benefits, he stated that the ritual could generate employment for 1,500 locals, while enhancing Brindavan Gardens could create 3,000 more jobs.
Emphasising tourism development, Shivakumar said the goal is to transform Brindavan Gardens into a top tourist destination, complete with ornamental plants and international-standard fountains. “Our CM is determined to make this a global attraction and we welcome private investment,” he added.
He also assured that a technical committee has been formed to inspect and repair dam gates across the state and cited quick action taken during the Tungabhadra gate failure.
Shivakumar ended by reciting a poem praising the Cauvery river, calling it Karnataka’s lifeline and symbol of prosperity. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Mekedatu project, he said land acquisition and environmental clearances are already underway.
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