Brahmavar: Residents fear saline water threat from Bennekudru vented dam; minister orders study

Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar (TP)

Brahmavar, May 14: Concerns over the ongoing vented dam project across the Sita river at Bennekudru near Barkur have intensified, as residents of several downstream kudru (river island) regions fear that the project could lead to saline water intrusion, crop damage, and the contamination of drinking water sources.

Following appeals from locals, minor irrigation minister N S Boseraju inspected the site on May 13 and ordered the formation of an expert committee to study the possible impacts and necessary remedial measures related to the project.

During the inspection, local residents and members of the Sulkudru Protection Committee expressed serious concerns that the project could adversely affect several low-lying river islands. According to the residents, the closure of the vented dam gates could obstruct the natural flow of saltwater, leading to increased saline water accumulation. They warned that this could damage agricultural crops, contaminate drinking water sources, and create long-term hardships for the people living in the kudrus.

The residents urged the minister to first construct protective retaining walls along vulnerable riverbanks before proceeding further with the dam project. Responding to the appeal, Minister Boseraju issued an on-the-spot verbal order directing officials to appoint an expert committee to study the advantages, disadvantages, and possible environmental impacts of the project.

Questions raised over project feasibility The vented dam is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore with the primary objective of preventing saltwater intrusion. However, locals pointed out that the Sita river is heavily influenced by tidal fluctuations. They fear that after the completion of the project, several acres of agricultural land in low-lying areas, such as Sulkudru, could be submerged by saline water.

The minister questioned the officials over the planning and feasibility assessment of the project, asking why proper studies and discussions regarding the pros and cons had not been conducted before the commencement of the work. He also sought clarification on whether the project was undertaken based on public demand and why the concerns of the kudru residents had not been examined earlier. Furthermore, he questioned the necessity of the retaining wall works already carried out and stressed the importance of systematic planning while spending public funds.

Speaking to the media, Minister Boseraju said that a team of departmental experts had been appointed to examine the issues likely to affect the kudru regions, suggest possible remedial measures, and assess the work completed so far. He stated that further decisions regarding the project would be taken after receiving the committee’s report.

“Even if the project has to be halted midway, I have no objection. Under no circumstances will the residents of the kudru areas be allowed to suffer,” the minister assured.

Potential impact and resident concerns:

Affected Regions: The kudru regions likely to be affected by the vented dam project include the Pandeshwar riverbank, Sulkudru and its opposite area, Kadavinabagilu, Mabukala Kareenakudru, Battrakudru, Kinyarakudru, Mestakudru, Mundukudru, and areas along the Hangarkatte riverbank.

Demographics at Risk: Around 400 houses and nearly 3,500 people currently reside in these vulnerable regions.

Threat to Infrastructure: Residents raised concerns regarding the operation of the dam during the monsoon season. They stated that opening the vented dam gates during heavy inflow could increase water pressure towards the Mabukala Bridge, potentially damaging the structure. This bridge serves as a crucial connectivity point along National Highway 66, linking Mumbai and Kanyakumari.

Agricultural Impact: Locals pointed out that when the dam gates are opened, river water directly hits low-lying areas like Kinyarakudru, while saltwater entering the surrounding agricultural lands could severely affect cultivation.

The residents reiterated that they have no objection to the vented dam project itself, provided proper retaining walls are constructed to protect the riverbanks and vulnerable residential areas from saline water intrusion.

MLC Manjunath Bhandary, leaders Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, Roshani Olivera, minor irrigation department chief engineer Prakash Srihari, superintendent engineer Suvarna G, assistant engineer Sudhakar Shetty, and Shantaram Acharya and James Olivera from the Sulkudru Protection Committee, among others, were present during the inspection.